BELLINGHAM SCHOOL DISTRICT 501

3440

BOARD POLICY

NUTRITION AND PHYSICAL FITNESS

The Board recognizes that students who are healthy and physically fit are more able to learn and benefit from instruction. To support this need, the District has created a Food Service Program to provide nutritious meals to students as defined in Policy 8500/8500P. The District has also adopted a Health and Fitness Curriculum, as defined in Policy 2120/2120P.

Students have access to healthy, nutritious meals either prepared by District Food Service staff or provided by the family from home. Beyond meals, however, the Board adopts the following standards and directs the superintendent to develop procedures that clarify implementation steps.

Food Availability Beyond the Meal Program

The Board acknowledges that the incidence of childhood obesity, diabetes, and food allergies has increased over the last decade and recognizes the role of the District in ensuring access to healthy and nutritious foods at school. In addition to concerns about life-threatening conditions that can result from food allergies or food-borne germs, there are also concerns about the amount and types of foods that are available in classrooms. The Board directs the superintendent to ensure that the following expectations are communicated to all staff and families.

• Schools should encourage healthy food choices at celebrations and identify ways to recognize or celebrate without food or food distribution.
• If parents or staff members wish to distribute food to students, they are encouraged to purchase packaged food that meets the nutrition standards and to open and share that food at the time of consumption. This practice will help ensure food safety for all involved. Foods prepared at home may be provided to others at events outside the school day or using school facilities, consistent with the requirements of Policy 4331/4331P.
• Foods prepared in class must meet safe handling requirements defined by Whatcom County Health Department. A Food Handlers Permit, provided by Whatcom County, is required for staff members who prepare food in class. Food prepared in class must have a clear curricular connection.
• Food items may not be sold as a fund raising activity at a time that is in competition with District Food Service mealtimes and may be regulated based on nutrition standards if sold during the school day or thirty (30) minutes before or after school.

Vending Machines for Food and Beverages

Students and staff may have access to food and beverages from vending machines as identified below. All contracts for vending shall be managed through the Business Office and follow procedures for such contracts as defined in Policy 7321/7321P.

• Vending machines for beverages may be available to students in middle and high school. Food vending may be available to students in high school. And food and beverage vending may be available to staff at any district location.
• Vending machines may contain only foods and beverages that meet the district's nutrition standards.
• A commission may be charged on food and beverages available through vending and paid to the Associated Student Body (ASB) at each school.

 Nutrition and Fitness Instruction

Students need to learn how to gain and maintain their physical health, including both nutrition and fitness. The District's physical education program should provide information and opportunities to learn and practice activities that emphasize how students can be “physically fit,” rather than only becoming skilled in specific sports.

The Health and Fitness Curriculum for students K–8 should define the minimum amount of instructional time and student learning standards. Health and nutrition topics should be included in the standards. Student fitness should be regularly assessed, reported to students and their families, and used to monitor the effectiveness of the program. The superintendent is directed to ensure the implementation of the adopted curriculum and to provide regular reports regarding student fitness levels and program effectiveness.

Cross References:     Board Policy 2120/2120P

                                 Board Policy 4331/4331P

Legal References:         Senate Bill 5436

                                    Public Law 108-265

                                    RCW 28A.230.040     Physical Education – Grades 1-8

                                    RCW 28A.230.050     Physical Education in High School

              WAC 180-50-135        Physical Education – Grade school                                                          and high school requirement.

              WAC 180-51-085        Physical Education Requirement-                                                     Excused

Adopted: September 1, 2005

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