Nutrition & School Celebrations 

Nutrition & School Celebrations 

The Nutrition & School celebrations policy is derived from NJ State and Federal laws which governs food items utilized in schools. The guidance states that food and beverages served during special celebrations and curriculum-related activities shall NOT be any items that are Foods of Minimal Nutritional Value as defined by USDA regulations and listed below. 

Wellness Goal 

Through effective communication and collaboration between all parties involved we will provide safe, healthy, and equitable food options for all of our students. 

Seasonal Celebrations 

1. Keep it healthy- sugar, corn syrup, or sweeteners should NOT be the first ingredient. 2. No food with nuts or manufactured in a plant where nuts are processed. 

3. No homemade items. (Fruit is acceptable). 

4. Although it doesn't have to be individually wrapped, store-bought items must have a list of ingredients. 

5. NO candy of any kind can be distributed OR sent home in goody bags 

6. Students with food allergies and/or other health conditions should be taken into consideration when planning classroom parties. Classroom teachers/School Nurse may provide guidance for the classroom, within the bounds of district and school policies and in accordance with student 504 Plans/Individual Education Programs (IEP), with regard to food and activities during class parties. 

Additional guidance for classrooms with students with food allergies and/or federally protected medical conditions (unless otherwise agreed with the classroom teacher and school nurse): 

PTO Homeroom Parties:  

  • Parents should provide the teachers one week’s notice of the foods that will be served in the classroom or given as take home treats, with brands and nutrition labels, so that they may coordinate with parents of students with food allergies and/or protected medical conditions. In the event that changes to the foods to be served are needed, HR moms shall provide sufficient notice to the parents of students with food allergies and/or protected medical conditions. Serving snacks to the class that are inclusive of all students is appreciated, although not required. A list of approved snacks is attached. IMPORTANT NOTE: Should also follow district school celebration policy in regards to all other parameters. 

  • When planning activities/crafts, homeroom parents should collaborate with teachers one week in advance so they may provide guidance on what materials are safe and craft options/substitutions may be provided. 

  • It is recommended that the eating portion of the celebration is scheduled at the end of the party so students may wash their hands afterwards to minimize cross contamination. 

We appreciate the effort it takes to coordinate the school celebrations while making sure all students’ needs are addressed and their privacy maintained.

Please do NOT send in the following foods: 

  • Donuts, cookies, cakes, munchkins 

  • No homemade baked goods 

  • All forms of candy including but not limited to: chocolate, jellies, gummy fruit snacks, marshmallows, fondant, candy corn, licorice, cotton candy, candy coated popcorn

Nut Free/Healthy options for School Celebrations 

  • Fresh fruit 

  • Applesauce cups/tubes

  • Vegetables with dip

  • Yogurt cups/tubes 

  • Any Cheese sticks/String cheese 

  • Animal crackers 

  • Mini bagels with cream cheese (no nut type) 

  • Raisins 

  • Popcorn 

  • Pretzels 

  • Cheez-Its 

  • Goldfish crackers 

  • Sun Chips 

  • Baked chips 

  • Rice pudding 

  • Kellogg’s original flavor Rice Krispie treat-individually wrapped

  • 100% fruit juice ice pops (no dyes)

  • Rice cakes (nut free) 

  • Cheese and crackers 

  • Baggies of low sugar cereal- ex: Regular Cheerios, Chex, Kix

  • Beverages offered shall be milk, water or 100% fruit or vegetable juices

  • Ice cream plain dixie cups (as long as sugar is not first ingredient)