MARSHFIELD AREA CATHOLIC SCHOOLS

Student Wellness Policy

 

 

PURPOSE

The mission statement for Marshfield Area Catholic Schools states that “We shape noble and talented people who will grace our society peacefully and intelligently”.  Nutrition influences a child’s development, health status, well-being and potential for learning.  Therefore, it is essential that MACS provide every possible opportunity for the children to take advantage of their learning environment.  This school-wide nutrition policy encourages all members of the school community to create and environment that supports healthy, life-long eating habits.

 

 

POLICY GOALS

To ensure the health and well-being of all students, Marshfield Area Catholic Schools in conjunction with the Education Commission have established the following policy goals:

  • All MACS staff are encouraged to stress the benefits of good nutrition in order to foster healthy food choices by the students
  • All MACS staff are encouraged to incorporate the following nutritional themes/concepts into lesson plans where appropriate
    • Knowledge of the Food Pyramid
    • Healthy heart food choices
    • Effects of diet and disease
    • Understanding calories and food labels
    • Importance of breakfast
    • Portion control and serving size
    • Safe food handling
    • Junk food
  • MACS will offer a physical education program consistent with state regulations and standards
  • MACS faculty and staff will encourage physical activity at recess and participation in intramurals
  • Short physical activity breaks will be incorporated between lessons and/or classes as needed
  • MACS will re-establish the Healthy Meals for Healthy Bodies Council which will consist of students, parents, faculty & staff, an Education Commission representative, food service personnel, and a health professional
  • By 2009, MACS will be in compliance with new statutes regarding pop machines
  • All MACS employees will model healthy lifestyle choices

 

 

LOCATIONS

This list indicates locations where food and beverages are sold or distributed.

            St. John’s the Baptist Primary lunchroom

            Our Lady of Peace Intermediate lunchroom

            Monthly elementary bake sales

            Columbus Catholic cafeteria

Columbus Catholic concessions stand

            Snack/Milk vending machine

            4 beverage vending machines

 

 

NUTRITION GUIDELINES

The following will be applied to all food and beverages sold or distributed during school hours in the MACS System.

  • All MACS staff is encouraged to use non-food items as incentives
  • All food will be appealing and attractive
  • All food will be served in a clean and pleasant setting
  • All food will meet at least the minimum nutritional requirements of local, state and federal statutes
  • A variety of fruits and vegetables will be offered weekly
  • Milk will be low-fat, fat free or a nutritionally equivalent nondairy alternative
  • Milk will be available to students who choose cold lunch
  • At least one-half of the served grains will be whole grains
  • Food options will be provided that are low in calories, fat, and sugar
  • No foods will be deep-fried on the premises
  • All foods sold at ala carte will meet the following guidelines
    • No more than 35% of the calories will be from fat (excluding seeds and nuts)
    • No more than 10% of the above 35% will be saturated or trans fat
    • No more than 35% of weight will be from added sugar
    • No more than 230 mg of sodium per serving
    • At least 2 fruits and/or vegetables will be offered
    • Portion sizes will be comparable to portions served in school lunch
  • Milk machine items will follow the same guidelines as ala carte

 

These guidelines will apply only to the school day (7:40 AM -2:45 PM)

 

 

ASSURANCES

Marshfield Area Catholic Schools will provide reimbursable school meals that meet the minimum requirements outlined in federal laws and regulations applicable to child nutrition programs, including minimum nutritional standards.

 

 

IMPLEMENTATION

The responsibility for overseeing the implementation of this policy rests with the Healthy Meals for Healthy Bodies Council, the Food Service Director & Staff, and the President of Marshfield Area Catholic Schools.  Regular reports will be made at the Education Commission meetings.  This policy will be reviewed and updated at least every three (3) years.

 

 

ACTION STEPS

  • Copy of the policy will be included in the Faculty/Staff Handbook
  • Copy of the policy will be included in the Parent/Student Handbook
  • Faculty and Staff will be in-serviced on the updated policy in the fall
  • Upon request, resources will be provided to the faculty and staff for incorporating nutrition into lesson plans
  • Representatives from each constituency will be sought to comprise the Healthy Meals for Healthy Bodies Council
    • Council shall self select its leader who will develop the agendas
    • Regular meeting times will be established
  • Faculty and Staff will become aware of new statutes regarding pop machines
  • Establish a monitoring system for compliance
  • Ensure that the junior and senior classes are aware of the policy in regard to stocking the snack/milk vending machine
  • Provide to the Parent Organization and to parents in general a list of healthy options for fundraising activities
  • Provide at least one healthy food choice at all social activities

 

 

COMMUNICATION

This policy will be provided in print to the staff, the students and the parents.  It will also be posted on the MACS website.

 

Approved by _____________________________________             Date _________________