Nutrition Policy

A Parent’s Guide to Pennsauken Public School's Nutrition Policy

Pennsauken Public Schools has adopted a Nutrition Policy as mandated by the State of New Jersey and the U. S. Department of Agriculture.  It is recognized that poor diet and lack of physical activity negatively impacts on students’ health and their ability to learn.  This policy has clear requirements on what may be served, sold or given out as free promotion during school hours to our students.  The requirements include the following:

-        No foods or beverages can have sugar as its first ingredient

-        No foods may have more than 2 grams of saturated fat per serving size based on nutrition facts label

-        No foods may have more than 8 grams of total fat per serving size based on nutrition facts label

-        No foods or beverages classified as “minimal nutritional value” as defined by the U.S. Department of Agriculture

-        No candy of any kind – including sugar free candy and gummy fruit snacks

-        100% of all beverages offered are milk, water or 100% fruit juices

Foods served in our school breakfast and lunch program strictly follow these requirements.  As you can see however, these requirements would effect many of the foods that could be typically given as “treats” to our students.  With this policy requirement, the increase in food allergies within our student population and recognizing diverse religious beliefs, we have adapted our celebration of birthdays and holidays accordingly. 

-        Parents/Guardians are not permitted to bring or distribute cupcakes or cake to celebrate student birthdays. If you would like to acknowledge your child’s birthday with fellow students, consider stickers or pencils.  Many of our schools acknowledge birthdays on bulletin board displays, with announcements and special stickers.

-        Halloween has been celebrated as “Black and Orange Day” for many years.  No candy is distributed to the students.

-        Winter Holidays (Christmas, Hanukkah and Kwanzaa) are recognized but not celebrated with food unless it is part of a curricular activity. 

-        Students may distribute valentine cards to celebrate Valentine’s Day but no candy or sweets are permitted.

-        Spring holidays such as Easter are not celebrated with the traditional basket of candy.

-        Any special snacks given to students for special activity days such as Fun Day or Field Day will follow the guidelines outlined above.

Parents who provide snacks for their Pre-School and Kindergarten students are asked to pack a nutritious snack, such as fruit, pretzels, or crackers. If you pack your child’s lunch, please try to follow the guidelines that are outlined above. The goal of this policy is to provide nutritious foods to our children that will promote healthy eating habits that will last a lifetime.  

If you have any questions regarding our Nutrition Policy, please call your child’s Principal or School Nurse.  Questions regarding our school breakfast and lunch programs can be directed to Keith Meloni, Director of Food and Nutrition Services at 662-8500  extension 5259.

For more information, visit the NJ Department of Agriculture website @ http://www.nj.gov/agriculture/divisions/fn/childadult/school_model.html

Pennsauken Public School Nutrition Policy