Introductory Statement
This policy was reviewed and formulated with staff and pupils of Barna National School following the schools “Healthy Eating Week” in October 2011. During this week children were involved in submitting ideas for a “Healthy Lunchbox”. The children learned about the food pyramid and the different food groups and also about the sugar content of some foods.
This policy is linked to:
SPHE: Taking Care of My Body: Food & Nutrition and Making Choices
Science: Myself: Human Life Processes
Mission Statement
To promote lifelong education of healthy eating, for mind and body.
Aims and Objectives
- To heighten an awareness of the importance of a balanced diet
- To encourage the children to make wise choices about food and nutrition
- To help children improve concentration, learning and energy levels
- To develop nutritional awareness i.e. ingredients in foods
- To support the school’s environmental policy – reusable containers, minimise wrappers.
Guidelines
A healthy lunchbox includes a piece of food from the first four groups of the food pyramid.
- Sweets, lollipops, crisps/taytos, full bars of chocolate, biscuits, fruit winders, fizzy drinks and chewing gum are not permitted
- Cans, glass bottles are not permitted for safety and litter reasons
- Some of the healthy foods we encourage include sandwiches, bread, scones, rolls, wraps, pitta bread, flapjacks, popcorn , crackers, pasta, plain rice cakes , plain cereal bars, homemade plain baking, yogurts, fruit and vegetables.
- Foods which have wrappers are to be kept to a minimum and disposed of properly to reduce litter and protect our school environment.
- School staff will provide positive modelling and supportive attitudes to encourage healthy eating.
- A practical guide to healthy eating will be provided for everyone.
Exceptions
- Friday …………..Treat Day
- On Fridays , children can bring one treat e.g. one or two chocolate biscuit , slice of cake, fun size chocolate bar, chocolate covered rice cake, chocolate cereal bar etc.
- Other exceptions may include end of term parties, school celebrations, school tours e.t.c. and teacher treats.
Promotion of Policy
Parents and staff will promote the policy throughout the school week.
Healthy Eating Week Posters and other materials e.g. The Food Pyramid will be introduced to the staff .
Progress will be monitored and feedback reported to staff, parents, and pupils.
Roles and Responsibility
This policy will be promoted, encouraged, and implemented by staff, parents, and pupils. Progress will be monitored and feedback reported. Teachers give good example through their own healthy eating habits.
Timeframe for Review
Representatives from pupils, parents and teachers will be involved in the review.
Ratification and Communication
The Board of Management ratified the policy on December 5th 2011.
The policy will be communicated during Healthy Eating Week and thought the school year. It will be available from the school office by request..