The board recognizes that childhood obesity has reached epidemic levels in Washington and throughout the country. Overweight children are at a higher risk for developing severe long-term health problems, and overweight children are affected by discrimination, psychological stress, and low self-esteem. However, research indicates that obesity and subsequent diseases are largely preventable through diet and regular physical activity. Research also indicates that becoming physically active and maintaining a regular physical activity program significantly reduces the risk of some obesity and some cancers, diabetes and other chronic diseases.
Children who eat well-balanced meals and are healthy are more likely to learn in the classroom. The board supports increased emphasis on nutrition as well as physical activity at all grade levels to enhance the well-being of our district's youth. Therefore, it is the policy of the board to:
A. Provide students access to nutritious food; and
B. Provide accurate information related to these topics.
The superintendent will develop and implement a comprehensive district-wide nutrition program consistent with state and federal requirements for districts sponsoring the National School Lunch Program and the School Breakfast Program. To implement the program, the superintendent will adopt and implement a comprehensive curriculum on health, fitness and nutrition consistent with the Essential Academic Learning Requirements (EALRs). The curriculum will provide opportunities for developmentally appropriate instruction for grades K-12. The input of staff, students, parents and public health professionals in the development of the curriculum is encouraged.
Nutrition, health and fitness topics will be integrated within the sequential, comprehensive health education curriculum taught at every grade level, kindergarten through grade 12, and coordinated with the district's nutrition and food services operation.
The district will take a proactive effort to encourage students to make nutritious food choices.
The superintendent will ensure that:
A. A variety of healthy food choices are available whenever food is sold or served on district property or at district-sponsored events;
B. Schools will regulate the sale or serving of foods or snacks high in fat, sodium or added sugars; and
C. Nutritious meals served by the school nutrition and food services operation complies with state and federal law.
Nutrition
A. Nutrition Standards
The district will provide school breakfasts and lunches which meet the nutritional standards required by state and federal school breakfast and lunch programs. Meals served in school before the end of the last lunch period will conform to the U.S. Dietary Guidelines for Americans.
B. Food Services Program
The district supports the philosophy of the National School Lunch and Breakfast programs and will provide wholesome and nutritious meals for children in the district’s schools. The board authorizes the superintendent to administer the food services program, provided that any decision to enter into a contract with a private food service agency will require the approval of the board. Expenditures for food supplies shall not exceed the estimated revenues.
Because of the potential liability of the district, the food services program shall not accept donations of food other than as provided in this policy without the expressed approval of the board. Should the board approve a food donation, the superintendent shall establish inspection and handling procedures for the food and determine that the provisions of all state and local laws have been met before selling the food as part of the school lunch menu.
C. Free And Reduced-Price Food Services
The district will provide free and reduced-price breakfasts, lunches and milk to students according to the terms of the National School Lunch and Breakfast programs and the laws and rules of the state. The district will inform parents of the eligibility standards for free or reduced price meals. Reasonable efforts shall be made to protect the identity of students receiving such meals. A parent has the right to appeal any decision with respect to his/her application for free or reduced-price food services to the superintendent.
The district may provide free, nutritious meals to all children on test days, including students who do not qualify for free or reduced priced federal school meal benefits, however, the district is responsible for the cost of providing meals to students who are ineligible for free and reduced priced meals.
The board of directors may establish a program whereby school meals may be provided to anyone other than students of the district at the greatest price charged any student plus an amount representing the portion of the lunch cost paid for from local, state and federal assistance (cash and food).
D. Surplus Commodities
The district will use USDA Foods made available under the USDA Foods Program for school menus.
Administrative procedures to comply with this policy will include:
- Complying with the nutritional requirements of the National School Lunch and Breakfast Programs;
- Standards for and examples of food and beverages that will be available through vending machines, compliant with the “Smart Snacking” guidelines;
- Standards for other food and beverages that can be sold or distributed by student groups, staff, PTSA and other related groups;
- A component of nutrition/wellness as part of the curriculum that includes information on review, communication strategies and feedback mechanisms.
- Procedures regarding assessment of implementation.
- Defined oversight responsibility.
- Defined notification/communication plan.
The superintendent is responsible for establishing the procedures for compliance with this policy and all related state and federal requirements.
Legal Reference:
Physical Education – Grade 1-8 - RCW 28A.230.040
Physical Education in High School - RCW 28A.230.050
Physical Education – Grade school and high school requirement - WAC 180-50-135
PL 108.265 Section 204 Washington State Senate Bill 5436
Highline School District 401
Adopted by the Board: 05.14
Classification: Essential