A newly adopted Wellness Policy for Cincinnati Public Schools aims to promote healthy lifestyles by encouraging schoolchildren to eat healthier foods and to get more exercise.
CPS, always mindful of serving healthy meals, crafted its Wellness Policy with input from our nutritionists with the district's Food Services Department and from parents and community members. It sets nutrition standards for all food sold in the schools during the school day.
Some of the changes to be reflected on menus starting in August 2006 include serving only baked french fries, offering more varieties of salads and changing recipes in our Bake Shop to create healthier versions of our cookies and cakes (for example, using applesauce instead of cooking oil).
The federal school-lunch program is requiring all participating school districts to create these policies. Each district's Wellness Policy must state nutrition and exercise goals for the school day, and establish nutrition standards for school lunches and other meals served by the district.
The policy covers vending machines, too; machines not controlled by the district can offer food and drinks not meeting the standards but must be locked until after school.
Classroom parties, with food provided by parents or outside groups such as a school's Partner in Education, are not covered by the Wellness Policy. But schools will be suggesting healthy alternatives to foods that are high in fat and sugar. Renie Kelly, who supervises CPS' Food Services Department, suggests serving popcorn, frozen yogurt, trail mix, cake without icing or fruit juice — all healthier choices than soda and candy.
Each school is creating its own wellness procedures that build on — and could go beyond — the district's policy. Schools could set standards for the food offered in classroom parties, and create opportunities for students to exercise such as walking clubs and jump-rope teams.
For example, the School Wellness Team at AMIS launched a "Biggest Loser" contest among the school's staff. Created in partnership with the American Heart Association, each participating team is meeting its weight-loss goal through healthier eating and exercise. Because of the enthusiasm among the staff, the healthy habits also are taking off with the students.
Visitors to CPS' schools should note that the Wellness Policy also prohibits smoking anywhere on CPS' property. This is a stricter policy than previous rules, which banned smoking only inside CPS' buildings.