St. Cronan's Boys' National School, Bray, Co. Wicklow, Ireland

St Cronan's Healthy Eating Policy

Introductory Statement:

This policy was formulated after a survey carried out among the staff in St Cronan's B.N.S.

The focus of this policy is to support parents and pupils in relation to healthy eating habits from an early age. Practical suggestions are included, alternative snacks and treats as well as possible nutritious lunches.

This policy is linked to

• SPHE: Taking Care of My Body - Food and Nutrition and Making Choices
• Science: Myself - Human Life Processes

Objectives:

• To help children and parents make healthy food choices
• To improve the children's concentration and energy levels
• To develop an awareness of nutrition i.e. ingredients of food

Guidelines:

• A healthy lunch-box contains a piece of food from the lowest 4 levels of the Food Pyramid
• Snacks for small break include fruit, vegetables, flapjacks, fruit yoghurts, fromage frais, crackers and raisins.
• Healthy fillings for sandwiches are encouraged
• A total ban on chewing gum, large bars, popcorn, crisps, sweets, fizzy drinks and milk (due to a lack of refrigeration space)
• Water is encouraged, although juices may be used as an alternative.

Exemptions:

• Children are allowed a small treat on Friday Only. (Suggestions include a mini-bar, biscuit or bun)
• Children will be allowed to have a treat day at end of term parties.

Lots of Great & Tasty Ideas

Snacks:
Try ... whole-meal muffins, raisins, scones, flapjacks, raw vegetables, fruit, nuts, seeds, dried fruit, fruit yoghurts, crackers, fromage frais or bread

Drinks:
Gulp Down ... water, unsweetened fruit juices, yoghurt drinks, vegetable drinks, or smoothies

Carbohydrates:
What About ... whole-grain breads, rolls, bagels, wraps, oatcakes, crackers, pasta, rice or rice cakes.

Fillings could include: cheese, tuna, hummus, cold meats, lettuce, cucumber, tomato, onion, peppars, coleslaw, salad or jam.

Fruit:
Chop On ... apple, orange, banana, grape, pear, plum, kiwi, melon, grapefruit, pineapple and many more ...