Healthy Eating Policy

Rationale

At Theresa Nuzzo School we are committed to promote a healthy eating school environment. All families are encouraged to work together with the school to support and uphold the healthy eating policy.

Good nutrition is critical for every child’s short and long-term health, including both their physical and cognitive development. Healthy eating habits learnt during childhood are usually continued throughout life and these healthy behaviours can help to reduce the risk of diseases such as obesity, diabetes, iron deficiency anemia and dental caries throughout the lifecycle.

By adopting a healthy eating policy, the school sets an example for the families, showing the benefits of balanced eating and a commitment to wellness. As learners, staff, and families experience the benefits, they are more likely to spread these healthy practices throughout the community, contributing to a culture of health.

What is a Healthy Eating Policy?

A healthy eating policy is a set of guidelines and practices created by the school to promote healthy eating and good eating habits among its members. This policy aims to create a supportive environment that encourages healthier food choices and minimizes access to unhealthy options.

Why does the school need a Healthy Eating Policy?

A Healthy Eating Policy in schools is essential for creating a foundation for learners’ lifelong health and well-being. Healthy choices will positively impact both the learners’ physical health and their cognitive abilities. With the right balance of nutrients each day, learners will feel energized, focused, and ready to succeed throughout the school day. When learners eat nutritious foods, their immune systems are strengthened, reducing the number of absences. Consistent attendance supports stable academic progress.

Our school policy accounts for allergies and special nutrition needs, making our school environment safe and accessible for all learners.

Strategies to be taken to develop and implement the Healthy Eating Policy:

• Designate a committee that will lead the policy development, guide implementation and gather feedback from the school community.
• Involve parents by organising talks for them and encouraging them to become part of the policy process.
• Communicate the benefits of good nutrition by focusing on learner achievement and better learning outcomes.
• Incorporate nutrition education into subjects like Science, and Physical Education so learners learn about balanced eating and its benefits.
• Promote healthy fundraising ideas and alternatives.
• Organize hands-on activities, like squeezing oranges, making healthy breakfast, making school lunch and setting up a school garden, to make learning about healthy food fun and practical.
• Educators are encouraged to act as mentors by discussing healthy food options with students and discouraging students from bringing unhealthy food to school. Lunch box checks are acceptable to give positive feedback about food choices. Criticism and negative pressure should not be given to students with poor food choices.

Eating time at school

Many learners arrive early by school transport and thus parents and guardians are encouraged to prepare a small snack for their children to have before the morning assembly (as many students may not have eaten breakfast at home) and, another snack for the food break.

Children should also be given enough water to stay hydrated throughout the day.

Recommended food items to bring to school:

Drinks to bring at School

• ONLY water. Students are encouraged to drink water. Learners are allowed to have a water bottle on hand to ensure they are well hydrated.

Teachers expect that learners eat all the lunch that parents send. The learners are requested to take home all uneaten food so that parents know if the quantity they are sending is too large or if the child does not like a particular food.

What should not be given as lunch?

• Peanuts, peanut butter, and other food items that include nuts.
• Crisps or other packets.
• All types of sweets: chocolates, cakes, doughnuts, pasties etc.
• Fizzy drinks/energy drinks/juices.
• Sugary cereal bars.

Allergies

The school is aware of the possibility of food allergies within the school population. We strongly recommend and suggest that learners with any type of allergies inform us regarding this matter.

Birthdays

For their birthdays, learners may opt to bring packed sweet treats which are nut free. Cupcakes/muffins with creams are not allowed.

Ladies’ Circle

During the year, there may be special food days organized by Ladies’ Circle. Parents will be notified of these food days.

Conclusion

At Theresa Nuzzo, we have created a healthy eating policy aimed at educating our learners to make better food choices. In addition to promoting healthy eating, our school actively encourages physical activity. During break times and physical education (P.E.) lessons, all our learners can engage in various forms of exercise. We believe that combining a balanced diet with regular physical activity is essential for maintaining a healthy lifestyle.