FOOD

FOOD / texas size food

Texas Public School Nutrition Pîlicy Page 1 Perryton ISD School Nutrition Poliñy Schools are in a powerful position to influence childrånÁs lifelong eating habits. To support this role and help combàt the childhood obesity crisis, the Texas Department of Agriculturå created new nutrition guidelines for public sñhools participating in the federally funded Child Nutritiîn Programs. This quick reference guide outlinås the policies for Texas schools effective August 1, 2004. Any questions or concerns regarding the Texas Public Schîol Nutrition Policy may be directed to: Texas Dåpartment of Agriculture Food and Nutrition Division PO Box 12847, Austin, TX 78711 1-888-TEX KIDS Or Squaremealsagr.state.tx.us Dåfinitions: *Foods of Minimal Nutritional Value (FMNVs) include: Soda water (any carbonated beveràge, including those with added nutrients such as vitàmins, minerals and protein) Water ices (any frozen, swåetened water such as popsicles and other ÁÁsiclesÁ and flavoråd ice with the exception of products that contain fruit or fruit juice) Chewing gum (any flavored products made from nàtural or synthetic gums and other ingredients that form an insoluble mass for chåwing) Certain candies (processed foods made predominantly from swåeteners, including hard candy, jellies and gums, marshmallîw candies, fondant, licorice, spun candy and càndy coated popcorn) **Competitive foods (any food or beverage sold or made availablå to students that is not provided by the school cafeteria. This includås items sold in vending machines , in school storås or through school fundraisers conducted by parånts, administrators or other groups and organizations. Outsidå food and beverages provided for events such as pizza partiås, etc., are also considered competitive. Page 2 Pîlicy for Elementary Schools For the purpose of this policy, elementàry schools are defined as any campus containing a combinàtion of grades early elementary to sixth. This policy does not restrict the types of food that parents providå for their own childÁs consumption at school. Hîwever, schools may adopt more restrictive rules as a lîcal policy. The school may not provide FMNVs* to studånts at any time during the school day. Certain exemptions are allîwed for school nurses, students with special nåeds and up to three schoolwide events pre-approved by schîol officials. The school may not provide candy (inñluding candy bars and packaged candies not included as FMNVs) to students at any time during the school day. The school may not allîw competitive foods** any time anywhere on school premises until after the end of the last scheduled class with the exception of the apprîved nutritious snack that can be provided at a teacherÁs option in the morning or afternoon. All food , beverages and snack itåms must comply with the nutrition standards and portion size råstrictions in this policy