Where's the Pop?
by Gregg Allen
October 10, 2006
Where’s the Pop?
Schools across the nation were required to have a wellness policy adopted by July 1, 2006. The Wellness Policy had to include nutrition guidelines, goals for nutrition education, and physical activity to promote student wellness. The purpose of the policy is to assure a school environment that promotes and protects students’ health, well-being, and ability to learn by supporting healthy eating and physical activity.
What has changed at Osakis Public Schools? First of all, the pop machines available to students have been changed to juice, energy drinks and water machines. The beverage vending machines do not have any pop advertising on them.
The food service program has more healthy offerings including a soup and salad bar everyday. Fresh vegetables and fruit are also offered everyday on the ala carte line.
Physical education courses are offered to students for 25 minutes per day in grades k-6 and 50 minutes per day for at least one semester in grades 7-10. Physical education and health education will reinforce the knowledge and self-management skills needed to maintain a healthy lifestyle and reduce sedentary activities such as watching television.
What is the district still working on? The candy and chips in the vending machines will be replaced with healthier options. The concession stands will also have more choices for healthy alternatives. Student input is being used in the selection of offerings.
The policy addresses classroom parties that involve food and states that these celebrations are limited to no more than one party per class per month. Classroom snacks and celebrations will reinforce the importance of healthy choices. (Parents please check with your child’s teacher before bringing birthday treats to school.)
The district will also limit the use of foods with minimal nutritional value as learning incentives and will encourage healthy food choices or non-food items instead.
This new policy sounds rigid but the intention is to help children learn good habits in healthy eating and physical activity. Please support the school in this effort so our children can be free from childhood obesity and diet related diseases.
If you would like a copy of this policy, please contact the district office.
