Food and beverages served during special school celebrations including holidays and birthdays or during curriculum related activities shall be exempt from the provisions of the nutrition policy, with the exception of foods of minimal nutritional value which are defined by the United States Department of Agriculture as all food and beverage items listing sugar, in any form, as the first ingredient and all forms of candy as defined by the NJ Dept. of Agriculture.
SUGGESTIONS FOR CLASSROOM PARTY TREATS
*Fruits: apple slices, applesauce, bananas, canned fruit packed in 100% juice, cantalope, grapes, honeydew, kiwi, oranges, peaches, pears, pineapple chunks, plums, raisins, strawberries, watermelon, dried apricots
*Veggies: carrots, celery, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, snow peas, salsa dip
Dairy: cheese sticks & cubes, cottage cheese, low fat cream cheese, yogurt, pudding cups, jello cups
Grains: goldfish crackers, graham crackers, whole grain bagels, cheerios, popcorn, pretzels (whole grain preferred), Triscuits, wheat thins
Low Fat or Fat Free: fudge bars, orange cream bars, popsicles, ice cream cups, sherbet, fruit bars, mini sandwich bars, frozen yogurt, sugar free jello, 100 calorie packs
Drinks for parties will be limited to water, milk, or 100% juice.
Items shared with the class must be store bought (so that all ingredients are labeled) and individually wrapped (unless it is fresh fruit/vegetables selected from above list).
*Non-food items are always acceptable. Such items include stickers, pencils, erasers, coloring books, crayons, notepads, and small novelty items. Check with your teacher if there is a question regarding whether or not your item is age appropriate for the classroom.
Check out SnackSafely (below) for our food allergic students.
*BEST CHOICES
USDA SmartSnacks.pdf
SMART SNACKS IN SCHOOL.pdf