Nutrition

It is our belief at CaféTerias INC. that food education must be a priority in our public schools. School cafeterias should be an extension of the classroom, offering students a healthy relaxing eating environment in which to enjoy their meals. Breakfast and lunch are not "special occasions" where children need to be entertained with snacks and caffeinated beverages. Breakfast and lunch are necessities and cafeterias should make it easy for parents to raise healthy children.

Good nutrition is critical for a child's physical, mental, and emotional development. Unfortunately, children are growing up in an environment that encourages and promotes the over consumption of foods and beverages that are high in fat, calories, and sugar.

Schools are in a unique position to model and support healthy eating behaviors that will lead to better health and improved learning. Children spend a significant portion of their time in schools and are highly influenced by the school environment and the messages they receive there.

Unfortunately, many schools rely on the sale of junk food and soda to raise revenue for student activities. But schools around the state and the nation are making health and nutrition a priority and reducing the amount of unhealthy choices provided to students through vending machines, a la carte, student stores and fundraisers. By developing and implementing strong nutrition policies, decision makers at every level can improve the nutrition environment and promote a healthy generation.

School Nutrition Policy

Schools can play an important role in providing healthy environments that help students establish healthy eating and exercise habits that will follow them throughout their lives. New Jersey has adopted one of the toughest, most restrictive school nutrition policies in the nation.

By September 2006 each school district/sponsor shall adopt a local School Nutrition Policy consistent with the Dietary Guidelines for Americans and the USDA nutrition standards for National School Lunch, School Breakfast and/or After School Snack programs. By September 2007, each school district/sponsor shall implement a policy consistent with the New Jersey Department of Agriculture's Model School Nutrition Policy.

** Providing students with healthy and nutritious foods;
** Encouraging the consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables, low fat milk and whole grains;
** Supporting healthy eating through nutrition education;
** Encouraging students to select and consume all components of the school meal; and
** Providing students with the opportunity to engage in daily physical activity.