Smarter Snacking - A Resource for Staff
Policy 5156
Policy 5156 works to “establish guidelines which support all students with nutrition education, physical activity, and other school based activities that are designed to promote student wellness.”
Policy 5156 works to “establish guidelines which support all students with nutrition education, physical activity, and other school based activities that are designed to promote student wellness.”
The policy establishes pillars to support staff in establishing school-wide healthy choices. Staff are also encouraged to model healthy behaviors linked to Smart Snack Standards.
Smart Snack Guidelines
Smart Snacks should contain one or more of the following as the first ingredient:
Smart Snacks should contain one or more of the following as the first ingredient:
- whole grains
- fruits
- vegetables
- dairy
- protein foods
All food should be limited to food that improves the diet and health of students, helps mitigate childhood obesity, and complies with the Smart Snacks Standards
Experience Examples
Instead of a sweet treat, consider experiences such as:
Instead of a sweet treat, consider experiences such as:
- a physical activity with water available
- bubble party with grapes
- coloring time with carrot sticks
Resources
- Smart Snack Calculator
- Follow the easy-to-use prompts to find out if your snack is considered a Smart Snack. This is a resource that can be used in and out of school.
- Alliance for a Healthier Generation
- Tools for Schools: Focusing on Smart Snacks from the US Dept. of Agriculture
- My Plate from the US Dept. of Agriculture
- A Guide to Smart Snacks in Schools from the US Dept. of Agriculture
Frequently Asked Questions
Click on the question to view the answer!
I’m a classroom teacher and I could use help with talking to students and families about making healthy choices. Can you help?
At the beginning of the school year, send families communication sharing the school snack guidelines. Suggest healthy alternatives for snacks and highlight the importance of experiences for the class to enjoy.
Experiences can be fun, community-building activities that can include a healthy food option.
Johnny wants to bring in birthday cupcakes for the whole class. The birthday cupcakes don't fit the Smart Snack guidelines. How do I handle this?
Review the school snack guidelines and ask Johnny and his family to partner to develop a special experience for the class to celebrate his birthday. An example could be a bubble activity on the playground. Encourage the food option to be a healthy choice and support the family by brainstorming options.
I’ve always used a pizza party as a group reward. Now what?
The updated policy around student nutrition and wellness (5156) states that "food and/or beverage shall not be used in district schools as a reward or punishment." As an alternative, please consider the development of experiences for the group to enjoy.
Experiences can be fun, community-building activities that can include a healthy food option.
This institution is an equal opportunity provider.