How is the Nutrition promotion/healthy habits in your schools

My DDs are only in PreK & K and I'm so fed up at the amount of crap the get on almost a weekly basis. Cupcakes, cookies, donuts, etc (& I'm not including birthdays)

I love treats, but lately a lesson or event can't be done without multiple sweets & they aren't even homemade, so it's processed crap. I feel like there is so many opportunities to include fruit or veggies, at this point even just pretzels & air popcorn would be better.

I suggested carrots & ranch, and sliced apples for 2 fall events & the kids LOVED it...yet ever since it's been crap.

I just feel like adults often have such a struggle with their eating, that teaching kids healthy alternatives & developing the taste for healthier foods when they're young, should be apart of the schools role.

Any thoughts? Any suggestions based on your school?

How is the Nutrition promotion/healthy habits in your schools

In my children's elementary school - it is the complete opposite of what you are describing! They are in 3rd & 5th and beginning this year, class parties are without food and to celebrate a birthday; the kids can only bring in ice cream or ice pops to be shared during lunch time. Also, any snack that a child brings in (excluding lunchtime) has to be peanut-free.

Being a class mom, it totally changed the class parties and really made it difficult for us to prepare something for the kids that would keep them occupied. I never realized how much focus on eating occurred during a class party before; we can't even bring in fruit for the parties and it is such a bummer.

Re: How is the Nutrition promotion/healthy habits in your schools

I'd so rather that. I'm fine celebrating, but a healthier alternative would be great!

I am a class mom, HOWEVER one mom has taken total control & is in the classroom alllllllll the time! So often she does all these little things for the kids. So on top of the snack I send my DD in with, and lunch, they often have something else. And I feel they are filling up on crap & it's no longer a treat anymore.

Rheindeer donuts, grinch punch & green cookies & donuts, snowman donuts, 100 day cookies, I can go on & on. I'd so rather plan a craft and a healthier snack or physical activity. And they know my healthy background/education, so I'm not even included.

Is it something I should just go directly to the principal to suggest a policy?

Re: How is the Nutrition promotion/healthy habits in your schools

Thelunchtray.com is a great resource for info regarding school food issues/reform.

I agrees with you-the amount of junk our kids are served at school (especially preschool) is ridiculous. I would definitely approach the principle about the issue.

Message edited 3/4/2014 12:36:05 PM.

Re: How is the Nutrition promotion/healthy habits in your schools

Our class has cupcakes and treats for holiday parties, and for birthday celebrations. That is pretty much the extent of it though. Doesn't bother me since we don't usually eat a bunch of that kind of stuff at home. They are required to bring a "healthy" snack to eat each day. I'm sure some parents ideas of healthy are different than others though. I don't think our school lunches are particularly healthy, but I pack my DD's lunch and she buys pizza on Fridays.

Re: How is the Nutrition promotion/healthy habits in your schools

My DDs also likes to bring lunch, except pizza day. And she really does love to eat healthy, but what kid doesn't want to eat the cakes/cookies. It's gotten so ridiculous, so I guess I'm at the point where I feel it is the schools role to promote better.

Re: How is the Nutrition promotion/healthy habits in your schools

Re: How is the Nutrition promotion/healthy habits in your schools

My DS is in 2nd grade so they don't get snack any more. But they do have monthly celebrations for birthdays. Yes, they do get cupcakes and brownies, but we also make sure someone brings in fruit as well. When he was younger and they did class snack, they got things like goldfish, cookies, pretzels. I made it a point to send fresh fruit every other week. And I would also send cheese sticks and crackers. It was much more expensive then the junk food, especially needing enough for 24 kids, but it was worth it. I always volunteer to bring fruit and even bring apple slices or pieces of clementines to sports games too.