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News and information for staff members and the Madison community

Vol. I No. 4 - February 17, 2006

Students cooking up a comprehensive food policy

by Frank Kelly, Food Services director

The district has always been committed to developing a comprehensive food policy that promotes healthy eating and ensures safe food preparation and appropriate use of food in the school setting. The policy could influence which foods are served in school breakfast and lunch programs, school "potlucks" and other classroom celebrations.

The policy will also examine vending machine sales and other school fundraising activities, in addition to determining where food can be eaten at school.

During this school year, a small group of high school Student Senate members have met with food experts to gain an understanding of the issues. This work gives students the opportunity to learn the legislative process, as the policy moves from the Student Senate to the district Management Team and finally to the Board of Education (BOE).

Additionally, four focus groups were held with parents, community professionals and school staff to solicit input from a wide spectrum of people both in the community and in the district. The issues and concerns of the focus groups have been shared with the student committee. It is expected that a presentation of the proposed policy will be made to the BOE in March or early April with the policy going into effect at the start of the 2006-2007 school year.

The committee has been addressing five main areas:

• How can the school district address the problem of overweight or obese students by changing current practices?
• Fund-raising events commonly include the selling of food and pop to students for worthwhile causes in our schools. Can we replace the items sold with healthier choices or live without those funds?
• How do we meet the needs of children with serious food allergies without significantly limiting the options for other children?
• Food safety is becoming an important issue for schools across the country. Potlucks, homemade treats, holiday events and birthday celebrations create potential food safety problems. Can we set up a monitoring system for foods brought into schools for general consumption or should they be eliminated?
• With the reduction in the custodial staff over the last few years and the restrictions placed on pest control, how do we maintain clean, pest free schools? Can we reduce the areas where food is served in schools? Can we eliminate eating in carpeted rooms? How can we control food storage and trash build up throughout the building?

The students are attempting to address all of these areas with a workable policy. The issues are complex and they have heard conflicting views regarding many issues being examined. By the time the school year ends, the district should have a workable food policy and a group of students who more fully understand how public policies are made in our society.

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Last Updated: Thu Apr 13 14:17:54 2006
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