This will be one of the supporting documents, with the idea we'll distribute the new policy (via website link), encourage compliance, AND ask school-related groups to contribute ideas to continue to add to this document. Then they all become part of the solution.
Tips for Healthy Concessions and Fundraisers
The {xISD} encourages the availability of healthy alternatives whenever food is sold or served on district property, at district-sponsored events, or school-related fundraisers.
This document provides tips and ideas from organizers of concession stands, activities, and events for how to successfully incorporate nutritional choices in your menu.
If you have some additional ideas, please share!
Planning ¨ Include the concept of healthy food options in early in your planning. ¨ If asking parents to donate food items/snacks, provide ideas for healthy alternatives – especially affordable ones. ¨ Always consider portion size. Jumbo size portions are NOT necessary. ¨ If possible, price healthy choice items low – or at least competitively – to encourage children to buy them.
Healthy Food Ideas (Also see Healthy Options for Concessions and Events documents) ¨ Bananas are one of the cheapest fruits. Instead of a $3 bag of cookies or chips, ask your parents to donate bananas. ¨ When grapes are on sale, they make an affordable – yet healthy – snack and are a favorite with kids. ¨ Fruit Spritzers can provide a nice alternative to sodas. Mix 100% fruit juice with carbonated water. ¨ Pizza – serve cheese pizza or ones with low-fat meat instead of high fat items like pepperoni or sausage. ¨ Frozen bananas taste as yummy as popsicles. They store well. And they are HEALTHY.
Controlling Costs ¨ If serving sports drinks, the powdered mixes are often much more affordable than bottled versions. ¨ Sometimes you can get cups donated from a local source. But try to ask for an appropriate size. Children do not need a 20 oz soda.
Alternatives to Fundraising with Food ¨ Consider non-food fundraisers, especially those that promote physical activity. ¨ Ideas might include car wash, sports tournament, selling non-food items, garage sales, holding a festival, auctions, and much more….
My district's wellness committee finished its work on developing policies for food served at extracurricular events. I'm posting here as many districts are looking at this issue. As involved parents, you might care. As PTO leaders, your events could be subject to any policy implemented.
Ultimately, we decided to take the approach of expressing strong intent without locking anyone into an action. (As you start writting narrow policies, there are huge problems with making it fit every unique situations, and then enforcement is problematic. Who would the "food police" be? What would be the consequences?) We took a more flexible, positive direction.
Ours goes the School Board for vote next week. It will include this policy statement (technically called a "guideline") and then some supporting documents and links to resources on website. Guidelines for Healthy Food Options at Extracurricular Events
Background
The {school district} is committed to a pro-nutrition philosophy that encourages the availability of healthy alternatives whenever food is sold or served on district property, at district-sponsored events, or school-related fundraisers.
{xISD} recognizes that:
¨ Fostering lifelong healthy eating practices in our students is critical to their well-being. ¨ Sales of concessions and other fundraisers serve as an important source of revenue for student activities and classroom resources. ¨ Students’ eating habits are greatly influenced by the types of foods and beverages made available to them.
Guidelines
As part of the District’s commitment to encourage students to make nutritious food choices, the following guidelines will be implemented:
¨ Food and beverages offered at concession stands and school-related events outside the school day should always include at least some healthy choices. In particular, the options should include nutritional alternatives to high sugar and high fat foods. Items that are not nutritious should be limited to one serving size. ¨ Fundraising organizers are encouraged to consider the District’s nutritional objectives when evaluating fundraising activities and to explore alternatives to those which focus on the sale of food, especially candy.
Implementation
The District will implement the following strategies to support the inclusion of healthy food alternatives:
¨ Outreach to all student organizations to explain the guidelines and encourage compliance. ¨ Making available information and resources on the District’s website. ¨ Facilitating the sharing of ideas and best practices among groups as to how to incorporate healthy food alternatives into what is being sold or offered.
