Elementary Nutrition Guidelines

Elementary Nutrition Guidelines

Allergy Alert:  All Lower Elementary classrooms are peanut and tree nut free environments.

Guidelines

Children should arrive at school having eaten a healthy balanced breakfast including fiber, complex carbohydrates, and protein. 

As a step toward becoming independent, we ask that students pack their own lunch.  When possible, children should take part in shopping for food items they like to eat for lunch. When in doubt, choose a “rainbow” of colors and textures of foods.  This will ensure the inclusion of fresh foods from various food groups.

Organic 2% milk is delivered on Monday of each week.  Children may drink milk or water for lunch.  

Please do not allow your student to bring desserts and sugary snacks, fruit drinks and other sweet drinks, carbonated and caffeinated beverages. 

Here are some suggestions of foods to include in lunches:

Chicken

Tuna

Hard-boiled eggs

Fish

Beans, peas, lentils

Cheese

Cottage cheese

Fresh fruit

Dried fruit (no sugar added)

Fresh vegetables

Yogurt

Berries

Whole grain breads, wraps, pitas

Pasta

Rice 

Many recent studies on health, nutrition and the brain have shown that that brain cells need nutrients to function optimally.  Nutrients can have an impact on cognitive processes as well as emotions.  Given this information, we realize the children’s school work and relationships with peers may be affected by the nutritional quality of their meals, beginning with breakfast.  Other studies have shown that children become impulsive and had a shorter attention span when they skip breakfast.