Healthy School Snack Policy

Healthy School Snack Policy

The Barnette Elementary school leadership team voted on and approved a healthy snack policy for all grade levels, Kindergarten through Fifth, effective in the 2011 -2012 school year.

Why a healthy snack?

North Carolina is rated 11th in childhood obesity in the nation with 18.6% of our children considered obese. Research proves children do better in school when they have at least 9 to10 hours of sleep, a balanced diet including two nutritional snacks daily, and exercise. As educators, we want only what is best for “our kids,” so we have decided to implement a working snack into our day.

Guidelines:

·  All snacks, grades K-5, will be working snacks lasting no more than 10 minutes.

·  Snack will be worked into the classroom schedule by the teacher, but will not be offered one hour before or after lunch.

·  High fat and sugary foods will not be allowed. These items will be returned home if brought in, (i.e. cookies, snack cakes, regular chips, and soda).

·  The only beverage allowed with snack is water.

·  Be mindful of allergies, NO peanut products.

·  Due to health regulations no food will be stored in the classroom and all uneaten opened snacks will be disposed of. Unopened snacks will be returned home.

·  Bringing a daily snack of individual portion is the responsibility of the child, no snack will be provided by the school.

Listed below are some healthy choices to help guide you when deciding on your child’s snack. Acceptable snacks include but may not be limited to:

·  Any Fruit or Vegetable – cut into child size pieces.

·  Pretzels, Chex Mix, Baked chips, Baked Doritos, Goldfish

·  Whole grain crackers, Reduced fat cheese-its, Triscuts, Wheat Thins, Rice Cakes

·  Animal Crackers

·  Granola bars, cereal bars, or whole grain dry cereal (snack baggie).

·  Raisins, dried fruit

·  Low fat cheese sticks

·  Graham Crackers, Teddy Grahams, Rice Krispie Treats.

·  100% juice fruit roll ups or fruit snacks

Thank you for your cooperation in adhering to this policy as we strive to become a healthier school and bring good nutrition to the forefront.

http://healthyamericans.org/reports/obesity2010/release.php?stateid=NC.

http://www.sleepforkids.org/html/uskids.html

http://www.helpguide.org/life/healthy_eating_children_teens.htm