HEALTHY FOOD CERTIFICATION UPDATE

Welcome back! The School Wellness Council is pleased to announce that the Board of Education has approved implementation of the Connecticut State Department of Education Nutrition Standards for Food, known as Healthy Food Certification. This was the optional part of the new CT State Law passed in July 2006. These standards apply to the a la carte foods sold in the cafeteria (the foods not part of a school lunch) and to any foods sold to students on school grounds. Exception to these standards are allowed for the sale of foods after school hours as long as it is in association with an event and not sold from a vending machine or school store. These standards also apply to fundraising, so you may see changes in which fundraisers are used, or how they are run. The standards address portion size, total fat, trans fat, saturated fat, added sugars and fiber/whole grains.

As a reminder, the other part of the law deals with the sale of beverages. This is mandatory and again applies to not only a la carte sales in the cafeteria, but also fundraising, school stores, and vending machines. Only milk, nondairy milks (soy or rice), 100% fruit juice, water & juice beverages, and water are allowed to be sold. The standards also address portion size, total fat, saturated fat, and added sugar or sweeteners. The same exception is allowed for the sale of beverages after school hours as long as it is in association with an event and not sold from a vending machine or school store.

The School Wellness Council spent the 2006-2007 school year educating the school community on these new standards. These are complicated but welcome changes as we recognize the need to support healthier lifestyle choices. Physical activity is also important and is the other main focus of the School Wellness Council. Several activities and programs were presented at various schools throughout the school year, focusing on getting our kids more active. We meet monthly and welcome staff and parent involvement. For further information or to find out when we hold our next meeting, please contact Steve Phelps, Committee Chair at 870-6000 x136, or Monica Pacheco, District Contact Person for Healthy Food Certification at 870-6000 x152.