School Nutrition Program

Wellness policy pulaski county public schools

I. Purpose

Pulaski County Public School Board establishes a wellness policy for Pulaski County Public Schools (PCPS) that promotes student health and contributes to the reduction of childhood obesity. The components of the local wellness policy include nutrition education, physical education, nutrition guidelines for all foods available during the school day, and other activities that promote student wellness.

 

II. Nutrition Education

  • Students receive nutrition education that provides the knowledge they need to adopt a healthful lifestyle through a balanced diet and regular exercise.
  • Families receive educational information that encourages healthful eating and physical activity.
III. Food Served for Breakfast

  • Breakfast meals are prepared and served in accordance with all dietary regulations of the National School Breakfast Program.
  • Students are encouraged to participate in the breakfast program. They are given two breakfast choices daily one of which includes reduced sugar cereal; all breakfast meals include fresh fruit/vegetable or 100% juice and a grain/bread component. Milk is offered in skim flavored or unflavored, 1% milk- flavored or unflavored.
  • All students have access to the breakfast meal. If students arrive on late buses, they receive a “Grab & Go” breakfast.

IV. Food Served for Lunch

  • Lunch meals are prepared and served in accordance with all dietary guidelines of the National School Lunch Program
  • Students are encouraged to participate in the lunch program.
  • Students at the elementary level may choose the lunch menu, chef salads or peanut butter sandwich meal.
  • Students are offered a different canned or fresh fruit each day of the week; fresh fruit if offered at least twice per week.
  • Whole grains are served at least 3 times per week as a full grain/bread serving.
  • Middle School students are offered at least two entrees choices from the main menu in addition to salads & ala carte choices.
  • High School students are offered at least two entrees choices from the main menu in addition to a different food bar daily and ala carte options.

V. Food Environment

  • Hand-washing facilities and supplies are conveniently location, and students are taught the importance of frequent hand washing.
  • Bottled water is available to purchase & drinking water is available to students at no charge.
  • All foods made available during the school day comply with local food safety and sanitation regulations.
  • All foods are prepared to reduce sodium, calories and fat content.
  • All vegetables are steamed to retain nutrients. Deep fryers are non-existent in PCPS.

VI. Physial Activity and Physical Education

  • Students receive regular age-appropriate physical education.
  • Elementary schools provide daily recess that promotes physical activity beyond physical education classes.
  • Physical education classes are taught by certified physical education teachers.
  • Physical education programs provide age-appropriate skill development for all students, including those with special needs.
  • Schools provide information to families to help them incorporate physical activity into their children’s lives.
  • Before and after-school programs include supervised age-appropriate physical activities that appeal to a variety of interests.