Quick Guide to Wellness Policy

Quick Guide to the Pittsfield Public Schools Wellness Policy

June 2009

This is a brief summary of two of the wellness policy components that present the most questions.For more information or greater detail, please refer to the complete wellness policy which is posted on the Pittsfield Public School website.

I.Policy component IV:Limitations on Food and Beverages Sold Individually prior to school day and duringinstructional day:

Definition:Food and beverages sold “individually” means foods and beverages sold outside of reimbursable school meal program. These foods and beverages will meet the nutrition and portion size standards set forth in the policy.For example, vending machines, cafeteria a la carte, school stores, fundraising activities during the school day, or through programs for students after the school day.

General Rules:

A. Elementary and Middle Schools No vending machines

• Foods and beverages sold individually: should be limited to only low fat and non fat milk, fruits and vegetables (non-fried).
• Foods must be 30% or less of total calories from fat
• Foods must be 10% or less of total calories from saturated fat
• Nuts and seeds are allowed due to nutritional content, but with no more than 3

grams of added fat per 1.75 oz

B. High School: Individual foods sold rules are the same as above.However, applicability to high schools shall be determined by the Superintendent.

High Schools Beverages for Sale:

ALLOWED	NOT ALLOWED
Water	Diet drinks
Seltzer water without added sweetener	Soft drinks
Sports drinks	Energy drinks
Fruit and vegetable juices containing at least 50% fruit juice that do not contain added caloric sweeteners	Iced tea
Low fat and fat free milk (flavored or unflavored)	Fruit drinks with less than 50% real fruit juice
USDA approved non dairy beverage

II. Policy Component V: Other Nutritional Issues:

1. Fundraising Activities:During the school day – fundraisers will not involve selling food to students unless food meets standards set for foods sold individually based on above list.

1. Food or beverages as reward or punishment:

·No food or beverages should be used as rewards

·No food should be withheld as a punishment (such as meals)

C. School day celebrations:Limit celebrations including food to one party per class

per month

The school district has available lists of acceptable non food rewards, celebrations and fundraising activities as well as a list of foods that meet the wellness policy standards.

III. Policy component VI: Physical Activity

Elementary schools:20 minute daily recess

Middle and high schools:offer after school intramural programs and/or physical activity clubs which include those with special healthcare needs.

General rule:physical activity shall not be taken away as a form of discipline.