Park Elementary School Food/Snack Guidelines
2015-2016 School Year
Classroom & Grade Level Celebrations
(This is subject to change)
The following is a guide to be used for all classroom/grade level/team celebrations in accordance with the District Wellness Policy. Remember, per the guidelines set by the Board of Education based on recommendations from parents, teachers and administrators, there will be strict guidelines for competitive food and beverage consumption throughout the district. Up to ten days throughout the school year will be noted as FOOD/BEVERAGE EXCEPTION DAYS.
The building principal will be responsible to create a list of ten FOOD/BEVERAGE EXCEPTION DAYS. During these pre-determined exceptions, foods and beverages may be brought in to school for classroom/grade level/team celebrations. It is strongly encouraged to review guidelines for healthy food/beverage consumption according to the USDA’s Smart Snacks in School Program. It is encouraged to use foods/beverages represented from the following food lists for all classroom/grade level/team celebrations during the FOOD/BEVERAGE EXCEPTION DAYS. The foods/beverages represented on these lists are foods/beverages chosen from a variety of resources including the Heart Association, kidshealth.org, the USDA, and the Food Guide Pyramid.
Foods chosen for parties must be of nutrient value and be low in fat, sugar and calories. Our children need our support in choosing the foods that will benefit their bodies and minds! To provide a balance of healthy foods; a variety of foods from each category should be offered during each FOOD/BEVERAGE EXCEPTION DAY.
Please note that all food, including fruits and vegetables, need to be store bought and should not be handled and/or prepared prior to the celebration.
FOOD/BEVERAGE EXCEPTION DAYS:
October 30, 2015 – Fall Parties November 25, 2015 – Thanksgiving Parties
December 23, 2015 – Winter Holiday Parties February 11/12, 2016 – Valentine’s Day
March 23/24, 2016 – Spring Holiday April 29, 2016 – PSSA Celebration
June 2, 2016 –End of the School YearCelebrations
CLASSROOM SNACKS & BIRTHDAY CELEBRATIONS
These types of celebrations may occur during the school year (and not on a “FOOD/BEVERAGE EXCEPTION DAY”), but the foods/beverages provided must fall within the guidelines of the USDA’s Smart Snacks in School Program. These snacks/beverages must be part of the APPROVED HEALTHY SNACK LIST.
In lieu of providing cupcakes & cookies, we are encouraging you to consider providing the following items: pencils, bookmarks, stickers, donating a book to your child’s classroom, or Fresh Fruit and Vegetables
Please note that all food, including fruits and vegetables, need to be store bought and should not be handled and/or prepared prior to the celebration.
PARK ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
APPROVED HEALTHY SNACK LIST:
Vegetables- Red bell peppers
- Broccoli
- Grape tomatoes
- Carrots (sticks or baby)
- Sugar snap peas
- Celery sticks
- Cucumber (sticks or slices)
- Apples
- Bananas
- Strawberries
- Watermelon
- Cantaloupe
- Grapes
- Pineapple
- Kiwi
- Berries (blueberries, raspberries, or blackberries)
- Dried fruits, such as craisins, raisins, plums, or apricots
- Papayas or mangos
Grains
- Pretzels
- Pita slices
- Whole grain reduced sugar breakfast cereals (like Cheerios)
- Bagels
- Crackers, such as Triscuits or Wheat Thins
- Whole grain bread served with cheese slices
- Plain or flavored popcorn
- Rice cakes
- Oatmeal bars
- Hummus (flavored or plain)
- Baked tortilla chips w/ salsa
- Goldfish crackers, any flavor
- Mini muffins
- Cheese cubes or slices
- String cheese
- Yogurt cups (or Gogurt)
- Pudding cups
- Water