SchoolNutrition.Org Your Local School Wellness Policy: Addressing the Challenges, Making it Work Finding Product to Meet New Nutritional Guidelines

SchoolNutrition.Org Goals Share Portage Public Schools philosophy and mission for Wellness Policy Share Nutritional Guidelines we have chosen to follow Show how to read Nutritional Label for PPS Guidelines Share Next Steps

SchoolNutrition.Org PPS Philosophy CSHT Chair not FSD We did not want to set the bar so high that we cannot be successful We did not want to cram a new mandate down the throats of staff on top of all the educational mandates in place We wanted to phase in implementation over a period of time to prevent “Cold Turkey” revolts

SchoolNutrition.Org PPS Mission Set the standard so we can be successful very quickly During the annual review of our policy, look for opportunities to raise the bar Educate stakeholders to understand the purpose of Wellness Policy and the goal of increased participation w/the policy Continually move toward higher and healthier standards in all areas

SchoolNutrition.Org PPS: Creating the Policy Used Michigan Action For Healthy Kids Model Discussed where we do and don’t meet the model policy Adapted the policy to the district needs Discussed where we want to be in the future as we revise the policy.

SchoolNutrition.Org PPS: Nutrition Guidelines Not written into the policy Currently only pertains to Food Service Ala Carte offerings District set RFP for beverage contract for all district buildings this year which will transition all buildings and vending to meet Alliance for Healthier Generation guidelines by

SchoolNutrition.Org PPS: Nutrition Guidelines MUST MEET 5 OF 7 Total Fat < 35% Saturated Fat < 10% Sodium < 500 mg/serving Sugar < 35% by weight Calories < 300 Fiber > 1 gram Calcium, Iron, Vitamin A or C > 10%

SchoolNutrition.Org PPS Changes Made Removed Rice Krispy Treats Removed Little Debbie Snacks Changed from Slushy to Fruit Smoothie (Rich’s Bahama Blast) Removed all snacks from elementary that did not meet the guidelines Marked the price lists at secondary building with a logo to designate “Better Choices” Introduced new vegetarian offerings

SchoolNutrition.Org PPS Changes Made Introduced Healthy Vending machines “Fruity Fridays” Idea from Fruit and Vegetable grant Free fruit to all students Fresh Fruit on side offering bar daily, vegetables are available most days Fruit Juice available most days as side “Fizzy Fruit” – Created Item Identifier that lists nutrition for items on the line and moving toward ala carte

SchoolNutrition.Org Next Steps CSHT meet for our annual review Review Nutritional Guidelines Review Offerings at secondary buildings Review Feedback from students and parents about current changes Revise menu to incorporate more healthy choices and overall improved nutrition Continue to talk to brokers about need for healthy choices in the school program

SchoolNutrition.Org Additional Resources Healthy Food and Beverages Policy – MI Physical Education Policy – MI Coordinated School Health Programs Policy