Nutrition

This year all schools in New Jersey are committed to a nutritional program that:
* Provides students with healthy foods;
* Encourages the consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables, low fat milk and whole grains;
* Supports healthy eating through nutrition education;
* Encourages students to select and consume all components of the school meal;

For these reasons, the following items may not be served, sold or given out anywhere on school property:
* Foods of minimal nutritional value as defined by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
* These foods include soda, water ices not containing fruit or fruit juices, all forms of candy and all food or beverage listing sugar in any form, as the first ingredient.

Please note that this ruling states that all special school celebrations and curriculum related activities shall also meet nutritional food and beverage standards.

We are therefore asking parents to observe these standards not only during special events (birthday, holidays, etc.) but to also consider following them in preparation of school lunches and snacks.

We hope that you understand that these rules have been developed to educate and protect your child so that they will pursue a healthy future lifestyle.

Thank you for your cooperation.

Healthy Snack Ideas

* Cubes/Slices of cheese & whole grain crackers
* String Cheese
* Fresh fruit in season-cut in slices or halves
* Individual servicing sizes of fruit, packaged with no added sugar in 100% fruit juice OR water; applesauce (unsweetened)
* Low fat quick breads or muffins, such as pumpkin, zucchini, banana or bran
* Granola mixes
* Popcorn or pretzels
* Rice cakes
* Cut-up vegetables & dip (low fat)
* Small container of low fat yogurt, frozen yogurt or yogurt drink
* Graham crackers
* Snack mix made up of any of the following: pretzels, goldfish, popcorn, raisins,
* Dried fruit or whole grain cereal.
* Low or non-sugared whole grain cereals, such as Kix or Cheerios
* Cereal bars
* Low-fat pudding
* 100% Fruit juices
* Baked tortilla chips with salsa or bean dip
* Replace icings with Cool Whip.

Most Important:
Make choices where sugar is not the first ingredient and you are on the way to a more nutritious snack.