A. School Meals:
All schools within the District shall participate in USDA child nutrition programs, including the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) and the School Breakfast Program (SBP). Families will be provided information annually about eligibility for free/reduced meal prices. The District will ensure that a child's eligibility status is not disclosed at any point in the process of providing free or reduced-price meals, including notification of the availability of free or reduced-price benefits, certification and notification of eligibility, provision of meals in the cafeteria, and the point of service. Students with unpaid balances will be given regular reimbursable meals and not stigmatized.
B. Nutrition Standards & Menus:
All schools within the District are committed to offering school meals that are accessible to all students and meet or exceed current nutrition requirements established by local, state, and Federal statutes, and regulations (USDA Nutrition Standards). Menus will be created/reviewed by a Registered Dietitian and will be made available on district and/or individual school websites and other electronic means. When possible, school meals will include fresh, locally-grown foods in school meals from farms engaged in sustainable practices and these foods will be promoted in the cafeteria. In practicing good food procurement methods, the District will support a regional food system that is ecologically sound, economically viable, and socially responsible to influence the creation and availability of a local, equitable, and sustainable good food purchasing system.
C. Food & Nutrition Staff Training:
All school nutrition program directors, managers, and staff will meet or exceed hiring expectations and annual continuing education/training requirements of the USDA Professional Standards for Child Nutrition Professionals.
D. Meal Seat Time:
The District will provide students adequate time to eat with at least 10 minutes of seated time for breakfast and 20 minutes of seated time for lunch.
E. Special Dietary Needs & Allergies:
The District will accommodate special dietary needs and food allergies as required by federal regulations. Students regardless of dietary restrictions will be provided a healthy meal based on the USDA Food and Nutrition Guidelines.
F. Drinking-Water Access:
All students and staff will have access to free, safe, unflavored drinking water during mealtimes where school meals are served, and also throughout the school day and during the extended school day through water fountains, water bottle filling stations where available, and other access points in school buildings. All students and staff can bring and carry approved water bottles filled with only water in school buildings, classroom spaces, and across the school campus during the school day. All newly constructed schools and schools undergoing major renovations will have touchless water bottle filling stations installed in accordance with the following guidelines: a minimum of one water bottle filling station per 200 occupants, a minimum of one water bottle filling station on each floor and wing of a school building, and a minimum of one water bottle filling station in or near the gymnasium, outdoor recreation spaces, and other high traffic areas.
G. Standards for Foods and Beverages Sold Outside School Meals:
All foods and beverages sold outside of the school meal programs, during the school day, will meet or exceed Federal regulations for school meal nutrition standards and the USDA Smart Snacks in School nutrition standards. These standards will apply in all locations and through all services where foods and beverages are sold during the school day, which may include but are not limited to à la carte, vending machines, school stores, and snack or food carts.
H. Standards for Foods Offered/Provided:
Snacks, Celebrations, and Rewards: All food and beverages served and offered to students on the school campus during the school day, outside of the school meal programs, will meet or exceed the USDA Smart Snacks in School nutrition standards. Such events include school-wide or large group celebrations, parties, and whole classroom snack offerings. All food and beverages served or offered to students enrolled in Madison School & Community Recreation (MSCR) After Childcare and Enrichment programs will meet or exceed the USDA Smart Snacks in School nutrition standards. Foods and beverages will not be used as a reward for learning or behavior, used in classroom projects as manipulative (small candies for counting), or in activities that involve students handling and possibly eating the food item. Schools are encouraged to use physical activity as a reward.
I. Fundraising:
To the extent possible, fundraisers involving food and beverages taking place on the school campus during the school day, will meet or exceed the USDA Smart Snacks in School nutrition standards. Schools are encouraged to participate in fundraising activities that promote healthy eating and physical activity.
J. Nutrition Education:
To the extent possible, students will receive nutrition education as a part of the sequential, comprehensive, standards-based 4K-12 Health Education curriculum. The District will teach, model, encourage and support healthy eating among students through skills-based and participatory instruction. Nutrition education should include enjoyable, developmentally appropriate, culturally relevant activities, including but not limited to cooking demonstrations, taste tests, farm visits, and school gardens that link back to the school food environment. Where possible, nutrition education should also be integrated into other subject areas such as math, science, physical education, etc.
K. Food and Beverage Marketing & Promotion in Schools:
All foods and beverages marketed or promoted to students on the school campus during the school day must meet or exceed the USDA Smart Snacks in School nutrition standards. This includes the marketing of products on items including but not limited to the exterior of vending machines, message boards, educational materials, flyers, posters, athletic equipment and scoreboards, websites, through the school’s public announcement systems or digital media on televisions or marquees, etc. The District will help to promote healthy food and beverage choices and participation in school meal programs by using marketing and merchandising Smarter Lunchroom Techniques. Adults are encouraged to model healthy behaviors, especially on school property during the school day, and extended school day at school-sponsored meetings and events.