WEBSTER HEALTH CHAMPION
CLASSROOM NUTRITION GUIDELINES

PURPOSE
One goal of the Webster Health ChampionÕs committee is to improve the nutrition environment in our classrooms thereby improving the health of our students. Foods high in sugar and fat will be limited and/or replaced with fresh fruits and vegetables and other healthy foods.

BACKGROUND
American Medical Association reports that more than 30% of daily energy in the diets of 8 to 18 year-old US children and adolescents was contributed by LOW NUTRIENT DENSE (LND) foods with sweeteners and desserts jointly accounting for nearly 25% - with lower amounts of major food groups and most micronutrientsÓ (Vol. 157 No.8, August 2003) Evidence suggests that increasing fruit and vegetable consumption is also effective in reducing the intake of LND foods.

IN CLASSROOM PARTIES

HOLIDAY AND OTHER CELEBRATIONS
Classroom parties should serve fresh fruits, vegetables, and other foods high in nutrients. Limit dessert to one or one serving per child. Avoid desserts with trans fats (hydrogenated and partially hydrogenated vegetable oil)

CLASSROOM BIRTHDAYS

• Serve only one dessert or sweet treat at a childÕs birthday party or class party
• Serve only water or low or non-fat milk