Wellness Policy

The Superintendent of Schools, or designee, shall have overall responsibility for ensuring that the Taunton Public Schools Wellness Policy is implemented, monitored, reviewed, and evaluated.

The Superintendent shall designate a district-level liaison to coordinate the work of the School Wellness Advisory Committee and communicate wellness policy activities and recommendations to the Superintendent and School Committee.

The Food Service Director, school administrators, school health professionals, physical education and physical activity staff, and other appropriate personnel shall collaborate in the implementation and monitoring of this policy.

Each school principal shall be responsible for supporting implementation of the Wellness Policy within their school and ensuring that staff are aware of applicable wellness requirements.

Taunton Public Schools shall maintain a School Wellness Advisory Committee consistent with applicable Massachusetts requirements.
The committee shall include, at a minimum, representatives from a range of school health and health-related disciplines, including:

• School nurses
• School nutrition/food service staff
• Physical education and physical activity staff
• School administrators
• Parents/guardians
• Students
• School Committee representatives
• Community agencies serving youth

To the maximum extent possible, committee membership should reflect the cultural, linguistic, and ethnic composition of the Taunton community.

To the extent feasible, representatives from local boards of health, school physicians, healthcare providers, and other community wellness organizations may also participate.

The Superintendent shall appoint members of the School Wellness Advisory Committee and designate a liaison between the committee and the Superintendent.

The School Wellness Advisory Committee shall meet at least four times each school year.

The committee shall maintain meeting minutes and reports, including the names of attendees, and shall make such documentation available as required by applicable state and federal regulations.

1. Each school will designate an area (table, bulletin board, classroom, website, or other appropriate location) in which informational materials will be displayed and/or distributed.
2. School administrators will identify wellness goals that support nutrition and physical activity for staff and students within their building.
3. A variety of nutrition information will be provided to parents and students throughout the school year. This material may be distributed through school newsletters, parent/teacher groups, local cable, websites, student take-home materials, and other appropriate communication methods.
4. Each school will be provided with nutritional information and/or daily nutritional tips to be promoted during daily announcements, classroom activities, or other appropriate opportunities.
5. Nutrition education will support students in developing the knowledge and skills necessary to make healthy food and beverage choices.
6. Nutrition education should be integrated, when appropriate, into health, physical education, science, and other academic areas.

Taunton Public Schools will promote healthy eating behaviors and encourage students and families to make nutritious food and beverage choices.
Nutrition promotion may include:

• Providing access to information regarding healthy food and beverage choices.
• Promoting school meals and nutritious foods offered through the school nutrition program.
• Providing opportunities for students to learn about and experience healthy foods.
• Promoting the availability of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and other nutritious foods.
• Using school communications, websites, newsletters, displays, announcements, and educational activities to promote healthy eating.
• Working with families and community partners to support consistent nutrition messages.

The district will consider evidence-based strategies when establishing and reviewing nutrition promotion and education goals.

School Meals

1. School lunches and breakfasts will meet current applicable USDA nutrition standards and requirements.
2. Breakfast and lunch will be offered to students in all K–12 schools.
3. Menus and nutritional information will be available to students, parents, staff, and administrators through the TPS website or other appropriate communication platforms.
4. Food safety and security guidelines shall be adhered to for all foods served in schools.
5. The Food Service Department shall aim to be financially self-supporting.
6. Potable water will be available to students during meal service.
7. The school nutrition program will make reasonable efforts to provide meals that accommodate students with documented dietary needs in accordance with applicable requirements.
8. Students will be encouraged to participate in the school breakfast and lunch programs.

1. Students will have access to handwashing or hand sanitizing before meal service.
2. Meals will be scheduled with ample time for students to eat.
3. Recess will be scheduled before lunch whenever possible.
4. Tutoring and club meetings will not be scheduled during meal service whenever reasonably possible.
5. The district will strive to provide a welcoming, comfortable, and positive environment during meal service.
6. Students will have adequate time and opportunity to consume their meals.

SNACK STANDARDS
Food and beverages given or sold to students outside of the school meal programs, on the school campus, and during the school day are subject to applicable federal guidelines and/or standards established by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

These standards shall apply to competitive foods and beverages sold or provided on school grounds during the school day, consistent with applicable federal and Massachusetts requirements.

Massachusetts regulations establish nutrition standards for competitive foods and beverages sold or provided in public schools, including requirements governing beverages and food items.

Competitive Foods Are Defined As:

• School cafeterias offering à la carte items
• School buildings, including classrooms and hallways
• School stores
• School snack bars
• Vending machines
• Concession stands
• Booster sales
• Fundraising activities
• School-sponsored or school-related events
• Any other location on school property

Standards

1. Fresh fruit and non-fried vegetables must be offered at any location where food is sold. This does not include non-refrigerated vending machines or vending machines dispensing only beverages.
2. Nutrition information must be available for any non-packaged foods, when required.
3. Food and beverage marketing will be limited to the promotion of products that meet applicable USDA Smart Snacks standards.
4. The John C. Stalker Institute provides resources and an approved list of foods and beverages that meet Massachusetts snack guidelines. Appropriate resources may be linked through the TPS website.
5. The district may establish standards that are more restrictive than the minimum federal or Massachusetts requirements.

All foods and beverages provided to students during the school day, but not sold, shall be consistent with applicable federal and district wellness standards.

This includes, but is not limited to:

• Classroom snacks
• Classroom parties
• School celebrations
• Foods brought from home
• Foods provided by staff
• Foods used as incentives or rewards

The district encourages the use of nutritious foods and non-food alternatives whenever food is provided to students.

Schools will communicate applicable food and beverage expectations to families and staff.

1. All Senior Cooks and Cooks will maintain their ServSafe Certification as required for their position and applicable regulations.
2. Applicable USDA continuing education requirements will be followed. The Director will have at least 15 hours of continuing education, Managers 12 hours, and full-time staff 8 hours. Part-time employees will receive training proportional to hours worked, as applicable.
3. All food service staff will have a minimum of a high school diploma or equivalent. Current employees without a high school diploma will be grandfathered. Any new employee will be required to meet or exceed these criteria.

1. To support children's health and school nutrition education efforts, school fundraising activities involving food and beverages during the school day must comply with applicable Smart Snacks standards and Massachusetts requirements.
2. Compliant foods can be identified through applicable resources provided by the John C. Stalker Institute.
3. Schools are encouraged to use non-food fundraising activities whenever practical.
4. Fundraising activities should support, rather than undermine, the district's nutrition education and wellness goals.

1. Schools may hold celebrations that involve food during the school day, on average, once per month.
2. Celebration planners should be cognizant of any health-related concerns, including allergies and other documented dietary needs, prior to the actual event and should make a concerted effort to exclude identified allergens from the celebration environment.
3. Celebration planners are encouraged to select food items that adhere to applicable Smart Snacks standards.
4. Schools are encouraged to consider non-food celebrations and activities whenever appropriate.
5. Families and staff will be informed of applicable school expectations regarding foods and beverages for celebrations.
6. The district recognizes that Massachusetts regulations permit school districts to adopt local policies that go beyond the minimum state nutrition standards.

School-Based Councils shall examine their school's learning environment and organizational traditions to identify inclusive practices and opportunities to celebrate diverse cultures and identities.

Wellness-related activities and nutrition education should recognize and respect the cultural and linguistic diversity of the Taunton community.

The provision of food as a reward or for punishment is highly discouraged.

Schools and teachers are encouraged to use non-food incentives whenever practical.

When incentives involving food are used, they should be consistent with applicable district, state, and federal nutrition standards.

Children and families will be educated that the sharing of food and beverages is not advisable due to the many health-related concerns, including allergies and the spread of germs, associated with this practice.

Schools will communicate appropriate expectations regarding the sharing of food and beverages to students, families, and staff.