Wellness Policy

GENERAL STATEMENT OF PURPOSE

 Eagle Pass ISD shall follow Texas Education Agency nutrition guidelines that advance student health and reduce childhood obesity shall promote the general wellness of all students through nutrition, physical education, physical activity, and other school-based activities.

DEVELOPMENT OF GUIDELINES AND GOALS

 The District shall develop nutritional guidelines and wellness goals in consultation with the local school health advisory council and with representatives from the school food services, administration, the Board, parents, and Education Service Center Region.

NUTRITION GUIDELINES AND GOALS

All District campuses participate in the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA’s) child nutrition programs, including the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) and the School Breakfast Program (SBP). Federal law requires that the District has established nutritional guidelines to ensure that all foods and beverages sold or marketed to students during the school day on each campus adhere to all federal regulations and guidance and are designed to promote student health and reduce childhood obesity.

 The Nutrition standards should focus on increasing nutrient density, decreasing fat and added sugars, and moderating portion size. Schools must ensure that reimbursable school meals meet the program requirements and nutrition standards set forth under USDA and TDA regulations. Eagle Pass ISD will offer breakfast and lunch meals that meet the USDA/TDA standards. Students and staff are highly encouraged to promote and participate in these programs. In addition to legal requirements, the District should 

1. Monitor food and beverages at classroom parties or school celebrations.

        2. Provide teachers with civil rights training regarding food service.

3.Monitor school-sponsored fundraising activities that involve serving or selling food,

4. EPISD Ensures the non-discrimination of any person based on race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability. This institution is an equal opportunity provider.

NUTRITION EDUCATION GUIDELINES AND GOALS

All students shall possess the knowledge and skills necessary to make nutritious and enjoyable food choices for a lifetime. In addition, staff is encouraged to model healthy eating and physical activity as a valuable part of daily life. Eagle Pass ISD shall develop a wellness plan to encourage healthy eating and physical activity. This plan shall make effective use of school and community resources that will help meet the needs and interests of all students and staff.

1.Students shall receive nutrition education that fosters the adoption and maintenance of healthy eating behaviors.

2.Nutrition education will be a District-wide priority and will be integrated into other areas of the curriculum, as appropriate. Ex. Health class

3.Staff responsible for nutrition education will be adequately prepared using a research-based curriculum and will participate in professional development activities to effectively deliver the program as planned.

4.The food service staff, teachers, and other school personnel will coordinate the promotion of nutrition messages in the cafeteria, the classroom, and other appropriate settings

5.Educational nutrition information will be shared with families and the general public to positively influence the health of students and community members.

 6. Every local educational agency (LEA) participating in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) and School Breakfast Program (SBP) must conduct a triennial

 assessment of their wellness policy every three years, at a minimum.

IMPLEMENTATION

    The Administration shall oversee the implementation of this policy and shall develop administrative procedures for periodically measuring the implementation of the wellness policy.