Foodservice

CALENDARS

In accordance with Federal law and U.S. Department of Agriculture policy, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age or disability. To file a complaint of discrimination, write, USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, Room 326-W, Whiten Building, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington DC 20250-9410 or call (866) 632-9992 (voice). Individuals who are hearing impaired or have speech disabilities may contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at 800-877-8339; or 800-845-6136 (Spanish). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

Wellness Policy

Community Academy Charter School promotes a healthy school by supporting wellness, good nutrition and regular physical activity as part of the total learning environment.

To accomplish these goals:

• Child Nutrition Programs (meals) will comply with federal, state and local requirements and will be accessible to all students.

• Nutrition education will be provided and promoted.

• Physical activity will be included outside of formal physical education.

• School-based activities will be consistent with this Wellness Policy.

• Foods and beverages made available at the school will adhere to food safety and security guidelines as well as regulations established by the Healthy Schools Act. 

• The school environment will be safe, comfortable, and allow time for eating meals.

• Food and physical activity will not be used as a reward or punishment.

• The school will encourage all students to participate in school meal programs and protect the identity of students who eat free or reduced-priced meals.

Nutritional/Health Education

• Nutrition Education will be integrated into the curriculum by classroom teachers where appropriate.

• Nutrition Education will be provided by the school’s foodservice providers by sharing information via menus, web site materials, and classroom presentations.

• Nutrition Education will involve sharing information with families and the community to positively impact the school’s students and the health of the community.

• Health Education will be integrated into the curriculum by classroom teachers where appropriate for an average of at least 15 minutes per week. 

• The school will provide information to families that encourage them to teach their children about health and nutrition and to provide nutritious meals for their families.

• Students will be encouraged to start every day with a healthy breakfast.  Free breakfast will be made available to al students before 8:30 am. 

Physical Activity Opportunities

• Physical Education will be provided to all students and will teach students the knowledge, skills, and values necessary to understand the short – and long term benefits of a healthy life style.

• Physical activity will be integrated into the curriculum by classroom teachers, where deemed appropriate.

• Physical Education shall be provided to students in periods of at least 30 per week for k-5 and at least 45 minutes per week for 6-8 grades.  At least 50% of Physical Education class time shall be devoted to actual physical activity.

• Students may be provided a daily recess period which will not be used as a punishment or reward.  The schools will consider planning recess prior to lunch as research has shown that physical activity prior to lunch can increase nutrient intake and reduce food waste. 

• The school will provide a physical and social environment that encourages safe and enjoyable activity for students.

• A student with disabilities shall have suitably adapted physical education incorporated as part of the individualized education program developed for the student. 

• The school will encourage families and community members to institute programs that support physical act.

Other school Based Activities Designed to Promote Student Wellness

• After-School programs will encourage physical activity and health habit formation.

• Support for student health will be demonstrated by helping to enroll eligible students in Medicaid and other state children’s health insurance programs.

• Healthy foods, aligned with standards set by the Healthy Schools Act, will be considered when planning all school-based activities such as school events, fundraisers, field trips and classroom snacks and treats.

• The will be ongoing professional training for food service and physical education staff.

Nutrition Guidelines for Foods Available at School during the School Day

• Students will have affordable access to nutritious foods they need to stay healthy and learn well.

• Free breakfast, to be eaten in the classroom, will be provided to all students. 

• Food for sale throughout the instructional day will meet the National School Lunch Program requirement of no more than 30% of its calories derived from fat.

• The school will encourage the consumption of nutrient dense foods, i.e., fresh fruit and vegetables.

• Classroom snacks and fundraisers will feature healthy choices consistent with the Healthy Schools Act and Competitive Foods. 

• Foods made available will comply with state and local food safety and sanitation regulations.  Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HAACP) plans and guidelines will be in place to prevent food illness.

• Students will be given 30 minutes to eat their lunch each day.

• The school will provide a clean and safe meal environment for students and ensure an adequate time for students to eat their meals. 

• The school will not permit third parties to sell foods or beverages of any type to students on school property from 90 minutes before the school day begins until 90 minutes after the day ends.

• Foods and beverages that do not meet the nutritional requirements shall not be used as incentives, prizes, or awards and shall not be advertised or marketed in schools. 

 

Competitive Food

• The School will ensure that all beverages and snack foods (including fundraisers) shall meet the requirements of the United States Department of Agriculture’s HealthierUS School Challenge program.

• Portion Size will not exceed the serving size of the food served in the National School Lunch Program; for other items, the package or container is not to exceed 200 calories. 

• Calories from total fat found in served meals must be at or below 35% per serving.

• Meals will have a content of less than 0.5 grams of Trans Fat per serving.

• Calories from saturated fat will be less than 10% of the serving.

• Total sugar found in meals will be under or equal to 35% sugar by weight (excludes fruits vegetables and milk).

• Sodium levels will not exceed 480mg per non-entree and 600mg per entrée.

• Only low-fat (1% or less) and fat-free (skim) milk, flavored and unflavored fluid milk and/or Unites States Department of Agriculture approved alternative dairy beverages will be served with meals.

• 100: full strength fruit and vegetable juices with no sweeteners will be served.

• Unsweetened, unflavored, non-carbonated and caffeine-free water will be provided with meals. 

Implementation and Evaluation

• The school food service manager shall ensure that this Policy is implemented and annually evaluated.

• The school will form a student Nutrition Advisory Council (SNAC) that will review and provide input on school lunch menus.  The SNAC will review this Policy not less than annually and provide the school board suggested changes to the Policy no later than June 30 of each year.

• Food Service management shall provide assurance that the guidelines for reimbursable schools meals shall not be less restrictive than regulations and guidance issued by the Secretary of Agriculture.

• Food Service management shall establish a plan to use environmentally friendly cleaning supplies and non-disposable tableware in serving meals to students, adopt sustainable food practices to enhance environmental quality and economic viability of farm operations, increase the use of locally grown, locally processed, and unprocessed foods from growers engaged in sustainable agriculture practices and establish a plan for engaging students in physical activity at least 60 minutes a day.   

Community Involvement

• The SNAC members will include parents, students, food service employees, school administrators, school board members and members of the interested public.