Celebrations
It is recommended that individual building staff members evaluate their celebrations practices that involve food during the school day.
Birthday parties and holiday celebrations at school provide opportunities to help make healthful eating fun and exciting. Ideas for healthy celebrations, as well as food-free celebration ideas, can be found on the following websites:
- http://www.nutritionnc.com/ResourcesForSchools/pdf/esmm/AdvocacyTools/ActionTools/CelebrationsAtSchool.pdf
Rewards
The school district encourages the use of foods and beverages that meet the recommended nutrition standards for items sold individually as outlined in this policy, as rewards for academic performance or good behavior.
The key is to recognize a student's efforts. It is best to reward students for good behavior or academic performance without using food. Also, physical activity and food should not be withheld as punishment. Ideas for healthy and non-food rewards can be found on this printable list:
Snacks
Snacks served during the school day or in after-school care and enrichment programs will make a positive contribution to children’s diets and health, with an emphasis on serving fruits and vegetables as the primary snacks with water and milk as the primary beverages. Individual buildings should assess if and when to offer snacks based on timing of meals, children’s nutritional needs, children’s ages and other considerations.
Serving healthy snacks to our children is important to providing good nutrition for growth and development, supporting lifelong healthy eating habits, and preventing costly and potentially disabling diseases, like heart disease, cancer, diabetes, high blood pressure, and obesity.
Fundraising
It is recommended that to support children's health and school nutrition-education efforts, school fundraising activities not involve food or use only foods that meet the above recommended nutrition and portion size standards for foods and beverages sold individually. Fundraising entities are encouraged to utilize activities that promote physical activity.
Ideas for School Fundraising:
- Roller-skating parties
- A fun fair
- Flower bulb sales
- Gift wrapping paper, greeting cards and light bulbs - things everyone needed to buy anyway
- Other ideas/resources can be found at these web sites:
As per Board policy 1005.1, building administrators may authorize a limited number of building fund-raising activities. Funds raised through such sales must be expended for school-related projects. Funds should be accounted for as specified by the district business office procedure and in accordance with established auditing policies. Such projects shall have prior approval of the appropriate director.