It is the policy of the board to promote student wellness by providing assurance that school meals meet the nutrition guidelines or surpass the minimum federal school meal standards and to include regular physical activity as part of the total learning environment. To accomplish these goals, Trinity Christian School will implement and continue the following to help promote this important endeavor:
School Nutrition programs will comply with applicable Federal, state, and local requirements and will be accessible to all students.
Nutrition education will be provided and promoted.
Foods and beverages made available at the school during the school day will be consistent with the current Dietary Guidelines for Americans, meal patterns and nutrition standards of the USDA.
Food and beverages made available at the school will adhere to food safety and food defense security guidelines.
The school environment will be safe, comfortable, and allow adequate time for eating meals.
Food will not be used as a reward or punishment.
The school will encourage all students to participate in school meal programs and protect the identity of students who eat free or reduced price meals.
School–based activities will be consistent with this policy.
Physical activity will be included outside of formal physical education.
GOALS FOR NUTRITION PROMOTION AND EDUCATION
Classroom teachers will integrate nutrition promotion and education into the curriculum where appropriate.
Nutrition promotion and education will be provided by the school’s food service provider (Preferred Meals) by sharing information via menus, and website materials.
Nutrition promotion and education will involve sharing information with families and the community to positively impact the school’s students and the health of the community.
Students will be encouraged to start every day with a healthy breakfast.
Plan field trips or invite guest speakers geared towards healthier eating and living choices.
Provide input to kitchen manager regarding student and parental feedback of menus and food items.
Encourage Parent Lunches so parents can see and experience first-hand what and how their child’s nutritional needs are being met.
Only unflavored 1% or non-fat milk or non-fat flavored milk shall be available to all students.
Water will be available to students in the cafeteria during breakfast and lunch times.
GOALS FOR PHYSICAL ACTIVITY
Physical activity will be integrated into the curriculum by classroom teachers, where deemed appropriate. Students may be provided a daily recess period.
The school will consider planning recess prior to lunch as research has shown that physical activity prior to lunch can increase nutrient intake and reduce food waste.
The school will provide a physical and social environment that encourages safe and enjoyable physical activity.
GOALS FOR OTHER SCHOOL BASED ACTIVITIES DESIGNED TO PROMOTE STUDENT WELLNESS
After-school programs, if offered and appropriate, will encourage physical activity and healthy habit formation.
Support for student health will be demonstrated by helping to enroll eligible students in Medicaid and other state children’s health insurance programs.
Healthy food will be considered when planning school-based activities such as school events, fundraisers, field trips, and classroom snacks or treats.
There will be ongoing professional training for foods service and physical education staff.
The school will provide a clean and safe meal environment for students and ensure an adequate time for students to eat their meals.
Establish meal times consistent with federal regulations.
NUTRITION GUIDELINES FOR FOODS AVAILABLE AT SCHOOL DURING SCHOOL DAY
Students will have affordable access to nutritious foods that they need to stay health and learn well.
The school will encourage the consumption of nutrient dense foods, i.e. fruits and vegetables.
Vending machines are prohibited from being placed in any classroom where student are provided instructions, unless the classroom also is used to serve student meals.
Sale of vended soft drinks to student will not be permitted during the school day.
Classroom snack will feature healthy choices.
Foods made available will comply with the state and local food safety and sanitation regulations. Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) plans and guidelines will be in place for prevention of food illness.
Guidelines for reimbursable school meals shall not be less restrictive than regulations and guidance issue under the Child Nutrition Act, the School Lunch Act, and the Hungry-Free Kids Act of 2010 as they apply to schools.
IMPLEMENTATION, MEASUREMENT, AND EVALUATION
The school principal shall ensure that this policy is implemented, complied with, and annually evaluate and reported on no less than annually to the school’s board of directors as required under applicable law.
The school will form a wellness committee that will review and provide input on school menus and review this policy not less than annually, assisting the principal in reporting to the school’s board of directors. The wellness committee members will include individuals from the following groups: school administrators, food service employees, school board member, and a parent.
Maintain a monthly log and brief the school administration of all planned activities and ideas for informational purposes and approval.
WELLNESS COMMITTEE MEMBERS:
Linda Vandevender – Elementary Principal Mary Mathis – Operations Director
Ruben Torres- Office Manager Ray Bowlding – Child Nutrition Adminstrator
Copyright 2013, Trinity Christian Development Center
SARON, INC. DOES NOT DISCRIMINATE ON THE BASIS OF RACE, COLOR, NATIONAL ORIGIN, SEX, AGE OR DISABILITY.
USDA Non-Discrimination Statement
In accordance with Federal Law and U.S. Department of Agriculture policy, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disablity.
To file a complaint of discrimination, write USDA, Director, Office of Adjudication, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, D.C. 20250-9410 or call toll free (866) 632-9992 (Voice). Individuals who are hearing impaired or have speech disabilities may contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339; or (800) 845-6136 (Spanish). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.
