MMSD Today

News and information for staff members and the Madison community

Vol. II No. 1 - October 19, 2006

What's happening with the MMSD Wellness Policy?

by Lucy Chaffin, Wellness Committee

The Wellness Policy has been in place for several weeks, and Wellness Committee members and other staff members are fielding many questions. The majority of the questions have been about the section on food.

The Wellness Committee has been meeting two times per month, working on implementation and answering the many questions from staff, students and parents. Here are some of the most frequent questions:

Can candy be sold for fundraising? This question has come from several parents whose high school students are using candy as fund raisers for clubs.
Answer: Candy is permitted as a fundraiser during the 2006-07 school year. However, sale to students during the school day on school grounds is NOT permitted. After September 1, 2008, candy will not be offered for sale as part of any school related activity or fundraising activity at the elementary and middle schools.
Can schools still hold special events that involve food (pot lucks, food fairs, cultural nights)? This question comes from parents and staff members.
Answer: Yes. Foods for these events should be prepared observing the guidelines in the School Potluck Food Safety brochure. The foods shall NOT contain peanuts or nuts and shall indicate whether the item contains one of these ingredients: milk, eggs, fish, shellfish, wheat, and soy (these account for 90% of all food allergy reactions in children).
Any events that are open to the public or sell food are subject to additional regulation. If your event is a fundraiser and people outside of the school community (students and their parents) are being invited, a Temporary License is required by the Health Department.
Can snacks be served in school and are there approved snacks?
Answer: Snacks can be consumed in the classroom if permitted by the classroom teacher. If parents are sending snacks for the entire class, they are asked to use the list of recommended snack items. Snacks must be eaten at a desk or table and students must clean up after themselves. The Approved Snack List for Elementary Schools and Programs can be found on the MMSD web site or by clicking here .

The Wellness Committee is here to guide implementation and to answer your questions about the Wellness Policy. Feel free to contact Committee Chair Lucy Chaffin at 204-3015 or lchaffin@madison.k12.wi.us.

To view the complete policy, common questions and answers and the Approved Snack List for Elementary Schools and Programs, go to http://www.mmsd.org, Hot Topics and select Wellness Policy or just click here.

A sampling of snacks from the Approved Snack List for Elementary Schools and Programs.

What's happening with the MMSD Wellness Policy?

Related MMSD Links