District Wellness Committee
For the first time in two centuries, the current generation of children in America are on trend to have shorter life expectancy than their parents. Only 4% ofAmerican children eat their recommended amounts of fruits and vegetables. Overconsumption of sugar and junk food have impacted health outcomes for our students. Diet related diseases like Type 2 diabetes, obesity and heart disease are preventable when children regularly eat a healthy diet. Adopting these healthy behaviors is easier during childhood and adolescence, compared to changing unhealthy behaviors during adulthood.
The easy choice for students is one where only healthy choices are offered. When junk food is removed students become excited about strawberries, watermelon, and salads. Kids really do love fruits and vegetables.
Our school district’s Student Wellness Policy addresses many areas including Physical Education, School Meals, Fundraising Activities, Celebrations, School Gardens, Mental Health and more. Federal Law requires all K-12 districts to have a Student Wellness Policy. The Wellness Policy promotes healthy behaviors that will support wellness, prevent chronic diseases, and provide assurance that school meal options meet the minimum federal school standards.
Most US children attend school for 6-to-7 hours a day, and that is where they consume as much as half of their daily calories. School is an ideal setting forchildren to learn and practice healthy eating. The Wellness Policy aims to create an environment that helps students make healthy choices about foods and beverages.
At SCUSD we support our students and community to be strong and successful. We know that when students are physically healthy, they can concentrate and do better in school. Teaching lifelong habits of wellness contributes to the overall well-being of our community.
District Wellness Committee Meetings
Committee Members
- Diana Flores
- Noel Estacio
- Jacqueline Garner
- Tom EcElheney
- Seanella Barnes
- Emily Vang
- Hiba Eltahir
- Valerie Williams
- Shiva Ghasemi
- Eddye Berry
- Steven Curtis
- Curry-Taylor
- Judith Leitch
- Jessica McCabe
- Matina Bragas
- Amber Stott
- Evelyn Morales
- Sara Fung
- Liz Sterba
Approved Snacks & Healthy Celebrations
The following list is of foods and beverages that meet the standards for all grade levels.
Download the list of Approved Snacks
This list is not all inclusive, additional items may be used if identified to be compliant by the quick reference cards. Alternative items may be available at different stores. Manufactures’ ingredients and distribution change frequently. If you have additional questions, please contact the Nutrition Services Department.
Smart Snacks in School Calculator
Answer a series of questions to determine if a product meets the USDA’s Smart Snacks in School nutrition standards.
Healthy Celebrations at School
With a few easy changes, parents, teachers and school administrators can shift the focus of school parties and celebrations from unhealthy food to healthy fun.
CLASSROOM CELEBRATIONS
Schools can promote a positive learning environment by shifting the focus from food during classroom celebrations. If food is served, it must be non-allergenic and compliant with school nutrition regulations.
Awesome Non-Food Celebration Ideas:
- Extra outdoor time
- Music and dancing
- Games, such as relays or scavenger hunts
- Hold class outdoors
- Free choice time
- Stickers/pencils
- Balloons/bubbles
- Art supplies/projects
- Read a story
- Outdoor movie day
- Dried/fresh fruit
- Fruit Smoothies/Fruit Sorbets
- 100% Fruit Juice
- Fresh Vegetables with hummus, guacamole, salad dressing
- Compliant items on the pre-approved list or on the Smart Snacks Product Calculator
Healthy fundraisers set a positive example and support
-
Healthy eating and physical activity by children
-
Nutrition education
-
Parents’ efforts to feed their children healthy food
-
The fundraising needs of school
Healthy Snacks and Fundraisers FAQs
- What are the state and federal guidelines?
- Do these regulations apply to football games and parent-sponsored spaghetti dinners?
- Instead of selling food to students, can our campus club sell coupons to redeem for food?
- Do these rules apply to food-based fundraisers for the school or for clubs?
- What kinds of food can be sold or served to students?
- Can I still bring snacks for the class on my child’s birthday or general classroom celebration?
- Can our booster club still sell nachos and soda at football games?
- Can our parent group still sell cookie dough (or other non-compliant foods), through a catalogue or social media?
- Can our high school clubs sell homemade snacks and goodies to students before, during or after school?
- May our school still sell sports drinks in vending machines?
- Do these new regulations apply to food items that students bring from home for their own personal consumption?
- May teachers give students candy/food as a reward for good behavior?
- May the Associated Student Body or other student Clubs continue to sell snacks in the student store?
- Are High Schools still allowed to have food fair fundraisers?
- Can food be used for instructional purposes?
- How will the government and district know if we’re out of compliance?
- Can my school ask for exemptions from these requirements?
- What’s the consequence for noncompliance?
- Why is the government so interested in school food sales?