But it’s Just a Cupcake…Changes in Classroom Celebrations

Foods for school celebrations often include unhealthy choices such as cupcakes, candy, cookies and soda. While there is nothing wrong with an occasional treat, unhealthy foods are often the norm rather than the exception. Parties, food rewards, and food fundraisers, often include foods that are low in nutrients and high in fat, added sugars and sodium. Our School Board’s Wellness Policy and Procedures 8510  were recently updated to comply with USDA Local School Wellness Policy requirements and birthday parties and/or classroom celebration food items must now meet USDA Smart Snack Standards and be prepared in a commercial kitchen.  Celebration foods are available to parents to purchase for their child’s class through their school cafeteria. Pasco Smart Snack Celebrations. These foods are already Smart Snack approved for ease of access and can be delivered directly to your child’s classroom.  The Alliance for a Healthier Generation Smart Food Planner provides a link to Smart Snack compliant products available through Amazon as well as a calculator to check your food labels for compliance. We strongly encourage the use of non-food items for celebrations such as pencils, erasers, stickers, crafts, gardening time, and classroom dance parties to name a few.

You can also order Smart Snacks from Amazon by clicking the Amazon Link.