Wellness & Nutrition Policy

St. Anne Institute is committed to providing a school environment that promotes children’s health, well-being, and the ability to learn by supporting healthy eating habits and regular physical activity

Policy Goals

St. Anne Institute engages students, staff, teachers, food service professionals, health professionals, and other interested staff members in developing, implementing, monitoring, and reviewing agency-wide nutrition and physical activity policies.
All students in grades 7-12 have opportunities, support, and encouragement to be physically active on a regular basis.
Foods and beverages served at school meet the nutrition recommendations of the U.S. Dietary Guidelines for Americans.
Qualified child nutrition professionals provide students with access to a variety of nutritious and appealing foods that meet the health and nutrition needs of students; accommodate the religious, ethnic, and cultural diversity of the student body in meal planning; and provide clean, safe, and pleasant settings and adequate time for students to eat.
To the maximum extent practicable, St. Anne Institute participates in available federal school meal programs.
St. Anne Institute provides nutrition education and physical education to foster lifelong habits of healthy eating and physical activity and establishes linkages between health education and healthy eating habits.

School Health/Nutrition Committees

St. Anne Institute creates, strengthens, and works within existing school health parameters to develop, implement, monitor, review, and, as necessary, revise school nutrition and physical activity policies. The committees also serve as resources to the school for implementing new policies and protocols.

Nutritional Quality of Foods and Beverages Sold and Served on Campus

Meals served through the National School Lunch and Breakfast Programs Strive to be:

appealing and attractive to children;
served in clean and pleasant settings;
meet, at minimum, nutrition requirements established by local, state, and federal statutes and regulations;
offer a variety of fruits and vegetables;
serve only low-fat (1%-unflavored) and fat-free (flavored and unflavored) milk and nutritionally equivalent non-dairy alternatives

Philosophy

St. Anne Institute believes in fostering solid family, school and community partnerships where health, nutrition, and wellness are concerned. Student wellness is positively implemented by these partnerships.

Family, student and community partners shall be included on an ongoing basis in wellness planning processes within St. Anne Institute.
The diverse, cultural make-up of the school community shall be valued in planning and implementing wellness activities.
Community partnerships shall be developed and maintained as a resource for St. Anne Institute programs, projects, activities, and events.
St. Anne Institute shall actively support the engagement of students, families, and staff in community health-enhancing activities and events within the school and throughout the community to respond more effectively to the health related needs of students.

Nutrition

St. Anne Institute believes that a hungry child cannot learn. Academic performance and quality of life issues are affected by the choice and availability of nutritious foods in our program. Healthy foods support student physical growth, brain development, resistance to disease, emotional stability and ability to learn.

Nutrition guidelines that require the use of products that are high in fiber, low in added fats, sugar, and sodium, and served in appropriate portion sizes consistent with USDA standards shall be established for all foods offered by St. Anne Institute Nutrition Services Department or contracted vendors. Menu and product selection shall utilize student, staff and advisory groups whenever possible.
Nutrition services policies and guidelines for reimbursable meals are not more restrictive that federal and state regulations require.

Dining Area

St. Anne Institute shall provide a clean, safe, enjoyable meal environment for students.
Drinking fountains shall be made available in school so that students can get water at meals and throughout the day.
All students shall be encouraged to participate in school meal programs.

Time to Eat

St. Anne Institute shall ensure an adequate time for students to enjoy eating healthy food with friends in school.
St. Anne Institute shall schedule lunchtime as near the middle of the school day as possible.

Food or Physical Activity as a Reward or Punishment

St. Anne Institute shall prohibit the use of food as a reward or reinforcement.
St. Anne Institute shall prohibit the withholding of food or physical activity as a punishment.
St. Anne Institute will encourage student participation in recess or other physical activities unless immediate safety is a concern.

Consistent School Activities and Environment

St. Anne Institute shall provide opportunities for on-going professional training and development for foodservice staff and teachers in the areas of nutrition and physical education.
St. Anne Institute encourages parents, teachers, school administration, students, foodservice professionals, and community members to serve as role models in practicing healthy eating and lifestyles, both in school and at home.
St. Anne Institute shall provide information and outreach materials about other FNS programs such as Food Stamps, and Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) to students and parents, whenever appropriate.

Food & Beverages Available on the School Campus during the School Day

Students’ lifelong eating habits are greatly influenced by the types of foods and beverages available in their daily environment. In addition to ensuring that reimbursable school meals meet program requirements and nutrition standards, St. Anne Institute believes it must also establish standards or guidelines to address all foods and beverages served to students, including those available outside of the school meal programs.

Refreshments served at celebrations and meetings during the school day shall be nutritious

Vending Machines

All snacks and beverage vending and/or sales shall provide options high in fiber, and low in sugar, fat, and sodium.
Vending machines are closed during school hours.

Health Education

St. Anne Institute shall provide a comprehensive school health education program for all students in grades 7-12. The content shall be age-appropriate and in compliance with ALL New York State Education standards. Students will receive instruction across regular curriculum as well as a part of scheduled health education classes.
Students will be provided opportunities to practice the skills needed to enhance overall health and wellness throughout the school day.

Physical Education & Activity

St. Anne Institute believes that Physical Education and physical activity shall be an essential element of each school’s instructional program. The primary goals for schools’ physical activity components are: to provide opportunities for every student to develop the knowledge, skills and attitudes necessary for specific physical activities, to maintain students’ physical fitness, to ensure students’ regular participation in physical activity, and to teach students the short- and long-term benefits of a physically active and healthful lifestyle.

Anne Institute shall provide a physical education program to all students that is in accordance with all New York State Education regulations.
Students will have the opportunity to become involved in physical activities throughout the day and as a part of after school intramural programs.

Safe & Healthy Environment

St. Anne Institute believes that a safe and healthy environment supports academic success for all students. Safer school communities promote healthier students and staff.

All St. Anne Institute buildings and grounds, structures, vehicles and equipment shall meet all current health and safety standards; and be kept inviting, clean, safe and in good repair.
Anne Institute campus and buildings shall maintain an environment that is free of tobacco, alcohol, and other prohibited substances.
St. Anne Institute policies shall create an environment where students and staff are respected, valued, and feel safe and free from harassment.