Frequently asked questions about the

Nutrition and Wellness Policy

1. Why are we doing this  ?
   The wellness policy is in compliance with  Section 204 of the Child Nutrition and WIC reauthorization Act 204 (Section 1112:36-1.7 ,   NJAC 2:36-1.7         School Nutrition Policy   and       *NJAC2: 36-1.1-1.13 Biosecurity Policy
2. Does the “law” prohibit cupcakes and baked goods ?
   The biosecurity* policy recommendations per the nutrition committee requires  that all foods sold, served, or given out as free promotion anywhere on school property during the school day be purchased from an approved vendor ( or the cafeteria) to ensure the safety and quality of the foods.
3. Are all of these restrictions necessary and dictated by the “law” or is the district going overboard ?
    All of these policies must be adopted by September 06 , we were required to have a committee to decide the the requirements of the policies, the committee consisted of board members , administrators, teachers , community members  and parents ,  their discussions dictate the restrictions  placed on foods served , sold or handed out as free promotions during the school day.
4. Why does my child have to adhere to this policy , she is not overweight ?
   The policy is to address the importance of good food choices and physical activity  for optimal health
5. Please define the "school day " .
   The “school day” is defined as the time between the start of the first instructional period in each school until 20 minutes after the school’s dismissal time.
6. Can my child still bring a lunch and anything they want like candy and soda ?
   You may send your child with any foods you would like , for the past several years it has been our practice in the elementary and middle schools to discourage sending soda with your child(ren) and  we will ask that they bring the soda home .
7. Will my child still be able to purchase his favorite lunches ?
   The lunches will be the same , the menus are designed following the nutritional standards set by the Child Nutrition Program
8. What variety of milk will be available ,will flavored milk continue to be sold ?
    We offer all varieties of milk, whole ( 8 oz only) 2%, 1%, fat free  and all flavored milk will be sold , flavored milk is 1% or 2 % milk
9. Will my child lunch choices be restricted , ex can she purchase three milks ?
   We do not regulate a la carte purchases at the high school and middle schools , however in the elementary schools , we discourage the purchase of an excessive amount of snacks . Lunch is not sold a la carte in elementary schools .
10.  Will my child be forced to eat foods she does not like ?
    We participate in the child nutrition program, offering five components to each meal , your child is required to take three of these components , and encouraged to eat them. We are certain your child will find foods they enjoy on our menus.
11. Can we send in foods for holiday and b’day celebrations ., like sugar free ice pops ?
    It is recommended that foods that meet the nutrition standards  be sent in for birthday and holiday celebrations , ice pops are a food of minimal nutritional value , sugar free ( artificial sweeteners )  is not always the best option for children
12. Who are the approved vendors ?
     Approved vendor list
13. Please provide more suggestions for these parties
    birthday and holiday food suggestions
14. What will be impact on PTA fund raisers  scout meetings  food vouchers,  food coupons ?
    The policy applies to foods served , sold or handed out as free promotions ONLY during the school day ,  after school and evening activities are not bound by this regulations. fund raisers must be approved by the building principal, and food items cannot be sold during the school day , we are recommending school related activities comply with the nutrition standards  above
15. Will my child miss out on memories and enjoyment of school events because of the cupcake ban ?
     Food is a traditional part of many special school events, such as Student birthdays, School wide celebrations, field day, promotions etc. and food and beverages for these occasions may be provided by parents/guardians for consumption by our students. In these instances, it is recommended that the food and beverages provided comply with all the dietary standards as listed above. And may only be purchased from the Food & Nutrition Department or an approved vendor. No homemade food items will be permitted to be served. Our goal is  to reinforce the standards we are setting in the cafeteria in the classrooms.
16. What about foods classes  and classes where food is used as part of  a lesson ?
    Foods prepared in foods courses in the Family and Consumer Sciences Department or to teach health should comply with all standards as listed above whenever possible.   Foods used to teach nutrition, food science, or to demonstrate scientific principals are exempt from meeting the standards as listed above. Foods used to support instruction in social studies, geography, and world languages are exempt from meeting the standards as listed above only if they are historically, socially, culturally, or ethnically authentic, but every effort should be made to meet the standards to the fullest extent possible.
17. Will  “power bars” be sold in the cafeterias ? They are good for children.
    Certain power bars do not meet the nutritional standards , sugar is the first ingredient , we will have cereal  and granola bars that meet the standards available for purchase
18. My child's teacher uses candy in his special education program , how will this change ?
    This policy does NOT apply to: medically authorized special needs diets pursuant to 7 CFR Part 210;  school nurses using foods of minimal nutritional value while providing health care to individual students; or special needs students whose Individualized Education Plan (IEP) indicates their use.
19. Are calories or portion sizes considered when determining which  foods that meet these standards  ?
    No , the grams of  fat, saturated fats , trans-fats and sugar as the first ingredient  are the primary consideration , portion sizes are used when preparing the lunches. Most a la carte  items sold are single serve.
20. What about ice cream , can we still purchase ice cream ?
    Ice Cream and frozen desserts will be available. All ice cream/frozen desserts will meet the standards for sugar, fat, and saturated fat as listed above; in the middle and high schools , 40% of ice creams shall be allowed to exceed this standard. The ice cream vendor has a new line of ice creams which meet these standards.
21. Is exercise a part of the wellness policy?
    The Roxbury Township Public Schools will provide nutrition education and physical education programs, consistent with the New Jersey Core Curriculum Content Standards, that foster lifelong habits of healthy eating and physical activity, and will establish linkages between health education, school meal programs, and related community services. School personnel shall actively promote student physical activity during the school day beyond the required physical education periods.
22. What about vending machines , will the selection change ?
    Vending machines with products that do not comply with the above standards are on timers , and those items can be purchased 20 minutes after the school day has ended .Cafeteria vending machines will meet the standards