Mariposa Nutrition Guidelines
The guidelines have been created to support the Mariposa culture of health and nutrition in meeting the educational needs of the whole child. The guidelines are requested to be followed during all school sponsored events. This includes, classroom parties, cooking classes for children, fundraising events, food sales, bake sales, celebrations, rewards, etc.
In light of wellness concern, dietary restrictions and food allergies prevalent among students, birthdays should be celebrated in ways that do not involve bringing in outside food or beverage to the classroom.
Foods should not contain:
1) High Fructose Corn syrup (includes Crystalline fructose)
2) Partially Hydrogenated Oils
3) Monosodium Glutamate (MSG)
4) Artificial Colors , artificial flavors or preservatives
5) Artificial sweeteners (i.e Sucralose like Aspartame aka Aminosweet, Neotame , splenda, saccharin)
6) Nuts of any kind (district wide policy)
It is recommended that the following efforts in food choices be made whenever possible:
1) Provide fresh and whole foods such as seasonal fruits and vegetables from local sources
2) Organic labeling
3) Dairy products that are free of growth hormones (rBGH and rBST)
4) Animal products free of hormones and antibiotics
5) Foods free of nitrates and nitrites
6) Foods that have not been genetically modified-look for GMO free labeling
7) Please consider that our school has a range of dietary needs and choices and providing choices such as vegetarian, vegan, gluten free and allergy statements will be inclusive of our whole community.
It is recognized the meals served in the LVUSD hot lunch program meet some but not all of these guidelines. We honor the choice of all families to participate in purchasing lunches through this program.
In addition, we ask that all food be served using sustainable practices such as compostable, recyclable or reusable materials.
The wellness committee will continue to offer demonstration classes and education to guide us in our on-going advancement to our health.
Statements: Mariposa respects the choices of individual families. The Wellness Committee's focus is on eating whole foods and being educated about the list of ingredients vs choice to eat as a vegetarian, vegan, raw, or omnivore. These are guidelines for school events and foods shared with children in a group only and do not include children's home packed lunches or snacks, except nuts which are not allowed at any time.
These guidelines have been developed collaboratively with parents and school faculty. They have been reviewed and approved by CAPTnS and the Mariposa School Site Council, September 2010.
Thank you to Andy Brown, 2009/2010 5th grade Mariposa student who completed his 5th grade project on this subject and helped us create the Mariposa Nutrition Guidelines.
