Superintendent's July 2010 Update
by Mark Schweer
July 01, 2010
The July 4th Holiday is quickly approaching! Don't they say that July 4th marks the half-way point of the summer? Classes are scheduled to begin on Thursday, August 19. One of the major changes that students will experience next year especially at the High School level will be in the area of school lunch as a result of the Healthy Kids Act legislation. Dean Harrifeld, Food Services Director, has provided you with some initial information.
I want to familiarize parents and families with the Healthy Kids Act that was passed by the Iowa Legislature. In an effort to fight and reduce childhood obesity issues the Healthy Kids Act will make an effort to use School Districts, across Iowa, to educate students about some of the risks associated with bad eating habits and to show students an example of more healthy eating options especially on those extra items that are not part of reimbursable meals.
Lewis Central Schools will initiate a number of changes that are mandated by this law. We want parents and students to be aware of these changes through information that you will be receiving, starting at registration and throughout the year.
The Healthy Kids Act looks at four areas: 1) physical activity requirements in the schools; 2) CPR course requirement; 3) Registered dietitians located in the Area Education Agency for schools to utilize; 4) Nutritional content standards for the school lunch programs.
I would like to address the 4th area. As food service director, this is the area that will have the most affect in the lunch rooms. The rules affect ala carte items sold, vending, regulated fund raising and items sold to the students during the school day. Ala carte items are any products that are sold that are not part of the reimbursable meal, such as drinks, snacks, ice cream.
For food services, the reimbursable meals we serve already meet the requirements, on a five day average, of 30% fat, 10% saturated fat and 30% calories. What the new legislation really impacts are the ala carte items that we can sell. Any item that is sold outside of the reimbursable meal will need to meet very strict guidelines as far as fat, sodium, sugar, saturated fat and trans fats.
As an interested parent or student, you may use this calculator, below, to see if any snack item meets the Healthy Kids Act guidelines. Simply follow the screen to test any item you choose.
Nutrition Calculator - Iowa Department of Education
If you want to read more about the legislation and much more information please use this link below.
http://www.iowa.gov/educate/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1769&Itemid=2545 (place cursor over hyper link hold down your ctrl key and click your mouse)
In the coming months I will attempt to give you as much information as possible so you can make informed decisions and guide your student(s) to make wise food choices.
The legislation is fairly complicated and we will attempt to make wise decisions so your student has healthy meal choices. If you have any concerns or questions please do not hesitate to contact Dean Harrifeld through his e-mail at: dharrifeld@lewiscentral.k12.ia.us
