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Discussion Boards => Schools and Food Allergies => Topic started by: ajasfolks2 on October 19, 2011, 04:00:03 PM

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Title: Food in Schools, Part Deux
Post by: ajasfolks2 on October 19, 2011, 04:00:03 PM
LINK to in-boards-here link to original thread:



Food in Schools ~Working List Eyeopener


This is continuation of original thread which I'm in process of moving over manually.  Wanted that whole thing here for emphasis. 

It's pretty eyeopening!  (As was original intent . . . )

So, please feel free to post your latest and greatest "Food In Schools" aggravations and encounters.

Merci.

~e
Title: Re: Food in Schools, Part Deux
Post by: ajasfolks2 on October 19, 2011, 05:27:35 PM
So, I'll get this party started, part deux.

Today I watched kids pour out of DD's elementary school -- these were the 5th graders, perhaps?

They had cellophane-wrapped paper plates with store-bought chocolate chip cookies

that they had icing glued candies onto

and there were skinny red licorice ropes for other decoration.

I overheard one child say something about it being for math.



CAN WE JUST STOP THE INSANITY NOW?

(yes, that was shouting.)

 :banghead:

 :nocupcakes:

 :paddle: :paddle: :paddle: :paddle: :paddle: :paddle: :paddle: :paddle: :paddle: :paddle: :paddle:


Title: Re: Food in Schools, Part Deux
Post by: EBrady on November 22, 2011, 06:55:02 AM
Food rewards as a reward for a FOOD DRIVE to feed those with NO FOOD is truly abominable. The money spent on the "reward" should have gone to the FOOD BANK as well as it could use that to continue to SERVE the community that is in DIRE NEED.

Food rewards for being the class to collect the most toys for a toy drive for needy.

 
There is nothing defensible about food rewards for these scenarios.
 
NOTHING.
Title: Re: Food in Schools, Part Deux
Post by: CMdeux on November 22, 2011, 11:37:18 AM
Isn't the "reward" for community service activities most ideally the feeling of having done something positive for someone else?



UNSELFISHLY, I mean... as in, 'without regard for personal gain'??    Isn't that what real ALTRUISM means?   ???

Title: Re: Food in Schools, Part Deux
Post by: EBrady on November 22, 2011, 01:47:02 PM
Isn't the "reward" for community service activities most ideally the feeling of having done something positive for someone else?



UNSELFISHLY, I mean... as in, 'without regard for personal gain'??    Isn't that what real ALTRUISM means?   ???


Apparently not in the world we now inhabit.

Entirely incomprehensible to our family.



What are we becoming in this nation?

 :disappointed: :disappointed: :disappointed:


Title: Re: Food in Schools, Part Deux
Post by: EBrady on November 22, 2011, 03:49:13 PM
So, a classroom of middle schoolers earns some "reward" for hitting a grade average for the grading period.

Great.  Jumbo.  Beat the drums.  Shout it from the mountaintop.

Be proud of the achievement.

Look inward and consider what you did to be a part of this achievement.  Look inward and consider what you might have done better to be even more learned, critical thinking, and truly accomplished.



But do not have a bleeping pizza party to "celebrate" me/thee/us/this supposed "achievement".

~ ~ ~

Moreover,

there is something really black and WRONG about teachers who might ANNOUNCE the "pizza/food" party "reward" to the class -- PRIOR to discussing with 504 qualified individual and the parents, as per 504 -- PRIOR to having admin approval -- PRIOR to actually THINKING about the right/wrong here so far as food rewards for EVERYBODY.

It isn't about education of these school staffers sometimes . . .

it may be about calling them out for their passive aggressive attempt to get their foodie agenda approved by pressure or humiliation . . . or their lazy-man's approach to incentivizing achievement . . .

whatever.

This is what I know today.

This "announce to class" ahead of time and then attempt to negotiate/force family into approving or accommodating the UNNECESSARY food is nothing less than this:


PASSIVE AGGRESSIVE HARRASSMENT AND DISCRIMINATION BASED ON HIDDEN MEDICAL DISABILITY.



~  ~ ~

I have no more questions.

Not.one.

Title: Re: Food in Schools, Part Deux
Post by: ajasfolks2 on January 13, 2012, 03:28:01 PM
So, since the next classroom-candy-extravaganza is in our near future:

Graphing with Valentine candy.


I'd like to suggest they do a graph illustrating the RISE in LTFA in past 10 years.



.



Title: Re: Food in Schools, Part Deux
Post by: maeve on January 13, 2012, 03:35:19 PM
http://www.leesburg2day.com/news/article_3a849906-3d3b-11e1-b55d-001871e3ce6c.html
Title: Re: Food in Schools, Part Deux
Post by: ajasfolks2 on March 02, 2012, 07:50:18 AM
Saw at FB today:

Yesterday in my kids' school was a day for celebration with cookies, etc. in some classes. It was afterall, National Pig Day! It seems there could have been a few educational opportunities, i.e. something related to pigs. But, cookies and sweets it was. Today is Dr. Suess's birthday. I wonder if they will read...or just eat? http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/​National_Pig_Day

Title: Re: Food in Schools, Part Deux
Post by: CMdeux on March 03, 2012, 10:40:21 AM
So... "Pig Day" = eating like one?

???
Title: Re: Food in Schools, Part Deux
Post by: ajasfolks2 on March 06, 2012, 05:17:59 PM
So, St. Patrick's Day is coming up soon.

I'm sure that in quite a few classrooms in the USA there will just HAVE TO BE cupcakes with green frosting or sprinkles . . . and some kind of counting exercise with green candies.

Afterall, what would St. Paddy do?

 :tongue:

Title: Re: Food in Schools, Part Deux
Post by: CMdeux on March 06, 2012, 07:31:16 PM
.. ohhh... throw away gummy snakes, maybe?   ;D
Title: Re: Food in Schools, Part Deux
Post by: Punky on March 16, 2012, 09:09:51 PM
Here's one...

A school wide ice cream celebration that occurred in the lunchroom during lunchtime as a reward for their one week of "hard work" raising money for the Special Olympics.

300 children grades K - 5 were served various brands of vanilla ice cream complete with sprinkles and sauces while the parents serving it used one big jug of murky water to rinse their spoons between scoops.

My second grader was the only one who couldn't participate. The principal couldn't fathom why my child was so upset...after all, he'd given her a prepackaged rice crispy treat as an alternative. For a guy with a doctorate in education, he knows nothing about how young children think and function.
Title: Re: Food in Schools, Part Deux
Post by: Mfamom on March 16, 2012, 09:21:06 PM
You know, Punky, that is terrible!!

The thing that really torches me is that these days, its all about BULLYING.  The schools are giving definitions of bullying and trying to put an end to it. 
The behavior they exhibit toward many allergic children falls right in with many school definitions of bullying.   Namely leaving people out, making people feel ackward etc.

These types of stories just make me so angry.  I might not have sent my child that day.  It just isn't right.
Title: Re: Food in Schools, Part Deux
Post by: ajasfolks2 on March 19, 2012, 05:20:09 AM
With behavior and actions such as these, our schools discredit themselves DAILY not just in our eyes,
but in the eyes and hearts of our children.

The ignorance seems to know NO bounds.  (ETA -- And as to IGNORANCE -- I mean NOT just pertaining to LTFA, inclusion, "bullying" . . . I mean ALSO as to extrinsic reward -- especially food -- for doing a good deed . . . what a screwed-up message all the way around!)


Title: Re: Food in Schools, Part Deux
Post by: hezzier on March 19, 2012, 03:11:44 PM
So, St. Patrick's Day is coming up soon.

I'm sure that in quite a few classrooms in the USA there will just HAVE TO BE cupcakes with green frosting or sprinkles . . . and some kind of counting exercise with green candies.

Afterall, what would St. Paddy do?

 :tongue:


You mean when the kids set up leprechaun traps and the leprechaun leaves candy on each of their desks.


Oh, we also had a taste test since the kids are learning about the 5 senses so there were 2 items of sour, sweet, and salty for the kids to taste.
Title: Re: Food in Schools, Part Deux
Post by: Punky on March 23, 2012, 12:36:01 PM
Last week in music my DD's second grade music teacher used dried pasta for the kids to, uh, hold? while they sang a song about pasta. My daughter refused to participate with the pasta holding  :thumbsup: (good girl!) and used paper clips instead.

Soooo, I get a voicemail from the music teacher saying she's planning to put jelly beans in plastic eggs next week during music. And is there something my DD can use that "will shake" that she can eat afterwards?

GRRR!  :banghead:

Yeah...how about they all use rocks, marbles, and non-food stuff that "will shake"?!?  :rant:  Seriously, this music teacher needs to quit trying to kill my kid.
Title: Re: Food in Schools, Part Deux
Post by: Mfamom on May 02, 2012, 05:14:59 PM
I got the full scoop about a situation that occurred a couple years ago at the end of year ice cream party.
they had an ice cream party.  one child allergic to eggs, pn, some other things.  the mom running the event friends with the allergic child's mom.  They agreed on an ice cream that was safe.  At one point, a mom brought in a container of ice cream that "her" child preferred.  She was told they didn't want/need it. 
The mom put the ice cream in the coolers they were using. 
several lines/tables put up and allergic child is next....he asks to see the ice cream and the mom said oh (Mrs. XX and your mom chose the ice cream, you're good to go) and wouldn't show the label.  (because she was harried and trying to serve up 100+bowls of ice cream. 
Well, wouldn't you know that the ice cream he got was the one the mom brought and it contained egg.  The kid immediately knew after one bite and went into Ana shock. 

He needed 2 epi pen shots, stayed overnight in the hospital.  all for a stupid ice cream party.
Title: Re: Food in Schools, Part Deux
Post by: rainbow on May 04, 2012, 08:22:31 AM
Wow, Mfamom.  Now that story is a perfect example of why food in schools is NOT a good idea.  Perhaps that one is good for posting on Gina's blog or Bettina's Lunch Tray or somewhere.

This was your elem school right? Did people try not to let you hear this story at the time?  And now the same prinicipal that you convinced to do safe food activities is regressing, and doing more food events again?!!

 :nocupcakes:

Title: Re: Food in Schools, Part Deux
Post by: Mfamom on May 04, 2012, 08:38:09 AM
different school.  ds grade though. 

Mistakes at every point.  Moms in charge of the food.  People bringing unapproved food, etc.
Title: Re: Food in Schools, Part Deux
Post by: ajasfolks2 on May 04, 2012, 04:28:03 PM
Again,

totally AVOIDABLE if there would have been a FOOD FREE celebration/event.

The food was unnecessary.

The child's RIGHT TO HIS PHYSICAL AND EMOTIONAL SAFETY would have been the necessary and appropriate accommodation . . .


EXCLUDE the food and INCLUDE (and potentially protect the child from immediate danger and harm) the CHILD.

Title: Re: Food in Schools, Part Deux
Post by: lakeswimr on May 08, 2012, 08:12:22 AM
I am surprised that type of thing doesn't happen more often.  It would be so easy for that type of mistake to happen and is a perfect example of why parties are a lot more complex than most schools realize.  Very scary.
Title: Re: Food in Schools, Part Deux
Post by: YouKnowWho on May 08, 2012, 09:34:28 AM
So last week we had Cultural Arts Day where they had origami demonstrations, music from other cultures and food.  But not food that was related to different cultures, unless you count America - popcorn and snow cones. 

So I had a conversation with DS2's teacher that morning about him asking about a kid's snack and eating it and reiterated food from home only (not to mention several conversations at home with DS2 and DS1 as reminders).  So she apologized and said she understood.  So fast forward to four hours later when she urges DS2 to have a snow cone.  And he ate it.  DS1's teacher offered DS1 a snow cone sans flavoring but DS1 said no because he wasn't sure if it was safe, so he got some of his treats from his safe bag.

High risk or low risk, I don't care.  It violates our food only from home rule.  But the principal doesn't get that (why am I not surprised). 

On Friday it's field day which involves the kids making trail mix.  Or at least that was the preliminary plan (nurse asked if I could serve as allergy consultant but I didn't feel comfortable doing so) but I have no word as to the final plan. 

Only 11 days of school left - will my kids survive?
Title: Re: Food in Schools, Part Deux
Post by: ajasfolks2 on May 08, 2012, 05:06:55 PM
Only 11 days of school left - will my kids survive?


This makes my heart ache.


Contrast that with the parents with "no special needs" kids (but who may care about what is going on in the classroom) who likely may be just asking themselves THIS instead:
"Only 11 days of school left -- wonder if they're learning anything after the state mandated tests (SOL)?"   ~)


Perhaps some parents are musing, "Only 11 days of school left -- bet I can make some fabulous cupcakes that little Susie will L-O-V-E to share with all her friends at school!"




Not these LTFA families.


Our countdown is entirely different.


Quote
Only 11 days of school left - will my kids survive?
Title: Re: Food in Schools, Part Deux
Post by: ajasfolks2 on June 22, 2012, 10:53:54 AM
Linking to wonderful new thread here that relates as to the

PURPOSE of school:

(Thanks TwinTurbo for that link!!)

The Purpose of School, Dr. Merseth

http://player.vimeo.com/video/11876674?byline=0&portrait=0

Title: Re: Food in Schools, Part Deux
Post by: ajasfolks2 on July 11, 2012, 11:10:33 AM
Link to news story about Greely, Colorado:

http://radio.foxnews.com/toddstarnes/top-stories/school-bans-cookies-candy-cake.html

Title: Re: Food in Schools, Part Deux
Post by: GoingNuts on July 11, 2012, 03:12:57 PM
Link to news story about Greely, Colorado:

[url]http://radio.foxnews.com/toddstarnes/top-stories/school-bans-cookies-candy-cake.html[/url]


How interesting to note that nuts and eggs are within the school guidelines. 

I assume this policy is all about obesity and allergens and not at all about allergens.
Title: Re: Food in Schools, Part Deux
Post by: ajasfolks2 on February 27, 2013, 04:46:37 AM


Why Is Everyone Always Giving My Kids Junk Food?

 By Yoni Freedhoff
Feb. 20, 2013


http://health.usnews.com/health-news/blogs/eat-run/2013/02/20/why-is-everyone-always-giving-my-kids-junk-food
Title: Re: Food in Schools, Part Deux
Post by: ajasfolks2 on February 27, 2013, 04:54:20 AM
And


“Hey!! You With the Candy…. Leave Our Kids Alone!”

http://www.eatplaylivellc.com/hey-you-with-the-candy-leave-our-kids-alone/
Title: Re: Food in Schools, Part Deux
Post by: ajasfolks2 on March 03, 2013, 12:10:16 PM
Nicole Smith, AllergicLiving blog, March 2013


Food Free Classrooms Can You Imagine
http://home.allergicchild.com/food-free-classrooms-can-you-imagine/
Title: Re: Food in Schools, Part Deux
Post by: ajasfolks2 on March 03, 2013, 01:53:07 PM
I think we're far enough away from this site now that I might include this old link where many of us participated in discussion and debate as to food in schools and the "safe treats" practice:



http://www.peanutallergy.com/boards/i-am-not-sending-in-safe-treats
Title: Re: Food in Schools, Part Deux
Post by: ajasfolks2 on March 13, 2013, 10:52:32 AM
Not to be outdone -- Mfamom's middle school math teacher must have a Pi / Pie day!

Link to that thread:

Pi Day

Title: Re: Food in Schools, Part Deux
Post by: CMdeux on March 13, 2013, 11:14:23 AM
I think we're far enough away from this site now that I might include this old link where many of us participated in discussion and debate as to food in schools and the "safe treats" practice:



[url]http://www.peanutallergy.com/boards/i-am-not-sending-in-safe-treats[/url]



Silent monks singing... seems appropriate for this particular event.  Yes, I said EVENT.

More like epiphany.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZCFCeJTEzNU

(Amazingly, no food seems to have been involved in this high-school performance, either... which was also.... INCLUSIVE.   :thumbsup:  )

Title: Re: Food in Schools, Part Deux
Post by: ajasfolks2 on March 22, 2013, 07:19:37 AM
4-page doc from CDC addressing healthy food in schools and fundraiser/rewards:


http://www.cdc.gov/healthyyouth/mih/pdf/approach6.pdf
Title: Re: Food in Schools, Part Deux
Post by: ajasfolks2 on March 22, 2013, 07:22:10 AM
from May 2012
Quote
California is one of several states that have sought to reduce childhood obesity by targeting junk food in schools. A decade ago it became the first state to ban the sale of soft drinks in grade schools, and it later enacted a similar ban in high schools. Since 2007, the state has also enforced nutrition standards for “competitive foods” in schools, the snacks and foods that are not included in meal plans but that students can get on school grounds — from vending machines, for example. California law limits the amount of fat, sugar and calories that can be found in these foods.


Bans on School Junk Food Pay Off in California
By ANAHAD O'CONNOR
http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/05/08/bans-on-school-junk-food-pay-off-in-california/
Title: Re: Food in Schools, Part Deux
Post by: ajasfolks2 on March 22, 2013, 09:26:50 AM
Blog post -- appears to be Nov 2012.

http://www.naturalemama.com/candy-rewards-should-schools-ban-edible-treats-and-reward-systems/

Title: Re: Food in Schools, Part Deux
Post by: ajasfolks2 on March 22, 2013, 02:03:33 PM
Sugar, not fat, exposed as deadly villain in obesity epidemic
It's addictive and toxic, like a drug, and we need to wean ourselves off it, says US doctor

Sarah Boseley, health editor

The Guardian, Wednesday 20 March 2013 11.59 EDT

Quote


Sugar – given to children by adults, lacing our breakfast cereals and a major part of our fizzy drinks – is the real villain in the obesity epidemic, and not fat as people used to think, according to a leading US doctor who is taking on governments and the food industry.

Dr Robert Lustig, who was this month in London and Oxford for a series of talks about his research, likens sugar to controlled drugs. Cocaine and heroin are deadly because they are addictive and toxic – and so is sugar, he says. "We need to wean ourselves off. We need to de-sweeten our lives. We need to make sugar a treat, not a diet staple," he said.


More:




http://www.guardian.co.uk/society/2013/mar/20/sugar-deadly-obesity-epidemic


   
Title: Re: Food in Schools, Part Deux
Post by: twinturbo on March 22, 2013, 04:43:13 PM
You know all those eat-your-way to understanding culture methods so popular in school? Well we're going to teach some kids with an iPad and an app--no food. Maybe bring in some clothing, and do something novel like interact with them instead of feeding.
Title: Re: Food in Schools, Part Deux
Post by: ajasfolks2 on March 23, 2013, 04:37:29 PM
Yup!! Make something with hands along the lines of that culture's artwork or other special crafts, clothing, etc.

Esp WRT history, understand about what foods were center to their culture and why . . . but it doesn't have to devolve into an excuse for a food fest "party".


Otherwise, I'll just show up with a large lump of lard for most events, TYVM!   :yes:

Title: Re: Food in Schools, Part Deux
Post by: ajasfolks2 on March 27, 2013, 11:35:03 AM
4-page doc from CDC addressing healthy food in schools and fundraiser/rewards:


[url]http://www.cdc.gov/healthyyouth/mih/pdf/approach6.pdf[/url]



Related:

Health Impact Assessment
National Nutrition Standards for a la Carte Foods and Beverages Sold in Schools

http://blogs.edweek.org/edweek/schooled_in_sports/Kids%20Safe%20HIA.pdf

Title: Re: Food in Schools, Part Deux
Post by: ajasfolks2 on March 27, 2013, 11:37:26 AM
More related -- USDA page:

USDA Proposes Standards to Provide Healthy Food Options in Schools
 
New "Smart Snacks in School" proposal to ensure vending machines, snack bars include healthy choices
 
WASHINGTON, Feb. 1, 2013

 

http://www.usda.gov/wps/portal/usda/usdahome?contentid=2013/02/0019.xml

Title: Re: Food in Schools, Part Deux
Post by: ajasfolks2 on March 27, 2013, 11:38:49 AM
One more:


USDA Proposes Standards to Provide Healthy Food Options in Schools
Questions and Answers
February 1, 2013


http://www.fns.usda.gov/cga/020113-qas.pdf
Title: Re: Food in Schools, Part Deux
Post by: ajasfolks2 on March 30, 2013, 06:52:20 AM
Seemed as good a place as any for this quote:


Old adage among the rangers at Yellowstone: "Once a bear is hooked on garbage, there's no cure."
Title: Re: Food in Schools, Part Deux
Post by: ajasfolks2 on June 05, 2013, 08:29:29 PM
It's sad to me that this list of "Food in Schools" continues to have add-ons!!

"Use of food" permission slip for science
Title: Re: Food in Schools, Part Deux
Post by: twinturbo on September 30, 2013, 02:01:05 PM
Right now this says it all for me.

Quote
Classroom nutrition education is meaningless if contradicted by rewarding kids with candy, soft drinks and other sweets. The classroom message is that kids need to eat healthy foods to feel good and learn better. However, when they behave well or perform their best, kids are rewarded with unhealthy food, like candy and cookies.

Marlene Schwartz, Ph.D., Co-Director of the Yale Center for Eating and Weight Disorders, sums it up this way: "Rewarding children with unhealthy foods in school undermines our efforts to teach them about good nutrition. It's like teaching children a lesson on the importance of not smoking, and then handing out ashtrays and lighters to the kids who did the best job listening."

"Rewards can be abused and overused. Too often students come to expect something in return for behavior or good grades when in reality they should
do the behavior for its intrinsic value." Middle School Teacher in Fayette County, Kentucky



Quote
Today many kids are overwhelmed with sugary food choices. This increases their chances of obesity and a future of serious health problems once seen almost exclusively in adults, including Type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, sleep apnea, and orthopedic problems.
At home, school, and throughout the community kids are offered food as a reward for "good" behavior. Food is an inexpensive, easy choice that can cause immediate short-term behavior changes.

These food rewards are typically "empty calorie" foods-high in fat, sugar and salt with little nutritional value. They provide extra calories and replace healthier food choices.

Using food rewards teaches kids to eat when they aren't hungry and can cause them to develop life- long habits of rewarding or comforting themselves with unhealthy foods. They also may tie food to emotions, such as feelings of accomplishment. "I did a good job, so I deserve to treat myself to a piece of double chocolate cake."

Kids view certain foods that are used as rewards to be better or more valuable than other foods. As a result, they learn to prefer unhealthy foods that are given to them as rewards (e.g. candy, cookies and soft drinks) over healthy foods (e.g. vegetables, fruits, milk and dairy products).
Rewarding or punishing kids with food can lead to eating disorders. Withholding food for punishment may stimulate kids to overeat when food is available, because they are afraid they won't have enough to eat later.
Title: Re: Food in Schools, Part Deux
Post by: ajasfolks2 on September 30, 2013, 07:10:25 PM
twinturbo,

a thousand thanks for link . . .

it was that same website where we found link with tootsie rolls and other candy rewards mentioned and the called out for sugar content, especially cumulative sugar over school year.

I don't think the link still works . . . somewhere I have printed copy . . . if I ever come across it in my boxes of paper (office is crazy after last move) I'll scan and post.

Title: Re: Food in Schools, Part Deux
Post by: ajasfolks2 on October 30, 2013, 01:48:00 PM
Nothing like Death by Cupcakes.

Hope everyone survives Halloween.



. . . dadblasted link to photo won't work . . .  :banghead:
Title: Re: Food in Schools, Part Deux
Post by: ajasfolks2 on October 30, 2013, 01:54:19 PM
(http://[url=http://s24.photobucket.com/user/tahoequeen/media/Death_by_cupcake.jpg.html]http://s24.photobucket.com/user/tahoequeen/media/Death_by_cupcake.jpg.html[/url])
Title: Re: Food in Schools, Part Deux
Post by: ajasfolks2 on January 25, 2014, 05:35:37 PM
"Spirit Bags" given to/from athletes and cheerleaders (or from Booster club even, as I've discovered) at high schools.

Because nothing says "Go Team" like some candy in a bag?

*sigh*

Title: Re: Food in Schools, Part Deux
Post by: ajasfolks2 on April 27, 2014, 08:27:00 PM
Before / after school "study parties" for state testing review and pump-up.

Brings all new meaning to "SOL".

 :tongue: :tongue: :tongue: :tongue: :tongue: :tongue: :tongue: :tongue: :tongue: :tongue:
Title: Re: Food in Schools, Part Deux
Post by: ajasfolks2 on May 30, 2014, 08:02:06 AM
"Field Day" which is really a food fest "carnival" in disguise.

Begin the day with ice cream sundaes.  9:00 AM.

There will be snow cone station and popcorn station as well.

I didn't stay long enough to see the "beverage" station.

SO.DONE>

Title: Re: Food in Schools, Part Deux
Post by: ajasfolks2 on August 26, 2014, 04:57:06 PM
Just bumping.

~) ~) ~)  'Cause it's "Back to School" time and NOTHING says "Back to School" like a freaking food fest.   ~) ~) ~)
Title: Re: Food in Schools, Part Deux
Post by: ajasfolks2 on September 24, 2014, 07:21:58 AM
  S K I T T L E S. 

Seriously, Skittles.

EVERYWHERE in schools --
Rewards, treats, bribes, "testing help", math/counting, scientific method, art supply, whatever.


Of course, when done with the event, there is always the lucky opportunity to eat the leftover candy (or even those used for counting -- by all those hands -- YUM!)!

http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Scientific-Method-Introduction-Experiment-using-Skittles-860499

http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Science-Fair-Project-Skittles-360383

http://www.prekinders.com/exploring-with-colors-experiment/

http://www.stevespanglerscience.com/blog/summer-science-2/colorful-dissolving-candy-kitchen-science/

http://www.raisingwildones.com/2013/11/skittles-rainbow-water-density-experiment.html

http://sciencegal-sciencegal.blogspot.com/2012/10/m-and-skittlesexperiment.html



OH, just choke me:  TEACH THE SEASONS USING SKITTLES?!?!?!!!!

http://scienceteachingideas.blogspot.com/2008/10/what-causes-seasons.html


Yeah, because nothing says "Autumn" like a dead child who was allergic to the candy needlessly used in the classroom.




Title: Re: Food in Schools, Part Deux
Post by: ajasfolks2 on December 12, 2014, 12:50:17 PM
Feeling really bad for those dealing with staff in schools who have in their heads, "It's just a piece of candy" or "It's just a peppermint.  It's harmless."

Very, very frustrating!!

Title: Re: Food in Schools, Part Deux
Post by: ajasfolks2 on March 11, 2015, 04:33:53 PM
Nice to see that the AAP is finally taking note of the food-in-schools!

http://www.thelunchtray.com/the-new-school-nutrition-frontier-food-brought-from-home/
Title: Re: Food in Schools, Part Deux
Post by: ajasfolks2 on May 04, 2015, 09:32:47 PM
http://www.dickandjanebakingco.com/

AYFKM?????

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Title: Re: Food in Schools, Part Deux
Post by: hezzier on August 23, 2016, 06:32:01 PM
6th Grade Orientation...it was all of 2 hours and they just couldn't skip the popsicles, thankfully DS did. 
Title: Re: Food in Schools, Part Deux
Post by: ajasfolks2 on August 27, 2016, 09:26:18 PM
Our high school had a food fest at orientation, but it was

1.  Outside in far parking lot
2.  NOT free -- vendors you had to pay
3.  At the end

NO food allowed into the school -- supposed to eat out there.

~ ~ ~

just gotta add -- in the past century, at any and every school orientation I attended -- there was ZERO food.

Zero.

Nobody died.  Everybody came for the fellowship, the meet-and-greet, and to get ORIENTED.

Not fed.

It's an "orientation".

Not a mass feeding.

~) ~) ~) ~) ~) ~) ~) ~) ~) ~) ~) ~) ~) ~) ~) ~) ~) ~) ~) ~) ~) ~) ~) ~) ~) ~) ~) ~) ~) ~) ~) ~) ~) ~) ~) ~) ~) ~) ~)
Title: Re: Food in Schools, Part Deux
Post by: hezzier on October 18, 2016, 03:34:38 PM
Email and sign up genius showed up in my email today about the 6th grade team breakfast.  For patents and students...takes place during school and they expect 200 people to this event.  The best part is that it's pot luck.  This is the list of requested items:  bacon & sausage, bagels, donuts/pastries, egg dishes, French toast, fruit salad, gluten free items, juice, maple syrup, muffins and pancakes. 

I guess we have two choices...skip it or DS brings his own food.
Title: Re: Food in Schools, Part Deux
Post by: PurpleCat on October 19, 2016, 08:02:36 AM
"Why?  We asked for gluten free!  He can eat that right?!"   Just paraphrasing what I know I would hear if in your shoes.


Sorry.....
Title: Re: Food in Schools, Part Deux
Post by: hezzier on October 19, 2016, 08:45:04 AM
Exactly!  I talked to DS last night about it...he is opting to bring his own food.  Then started down the list of what he wanted...bacon, eggs, pancakes, muffins, bagels, just kept naming off a long list of breakfast foods...I told him we would discuss it.

Title: Re: Food in Schools, Part Deux
Post by: ajasfolks2 on October 19, 2016, 01:18:50 PM
hezz, remind me -- do you have 504 or r u private school?


ETA -- And why am I hearing in my head the phrase, "There's NO 'I' in 'team' . . . there's no 'YOU' either" and having it apply in a slightly different way than was intended for your situation.

Sheesh.  Sorry, hezz.

Title: Re: Food in Schools, Part Deux
Post by: hezzier on October 19, 2016, 04:41:50 PM
Public school, no 504.  This is our first experience with 6th grade here.  DD only did the last 3 was of 6th grade when we moved here so it was a surprise.  There was nothing like this in 7th grade.  8th has an end of the year BBQ that we will need a plan for, but I've plenty of time to figure that out.
Title: Re: Food in Schools, Part Deux
Post by: MaryM on October 21, 2016, 07:18:37 AM
JDRF walk at DD's school today.  They hand out popsicles at the end...Every year I email and ask about the brand...I forgot this year and have no idea if they will be safe for DD.  Someone is checking for me.  I really hate that they give the kids popsicles.
Title: Re: Food in Schools, Part Deux
Post by: ajasfolks2 on October 21, 2016, 10:03:48 AM
MaryM -- it comes down to who needs to be fed (nobody in this situation you posted about) and whose NEED it is to feed.

The adults are wed to this "tradition" . . . .  :disappointed:

Title: Re: Food in Schools, Part Deux
Post by: ajasfolks2 on September 20, 2017, 06:20:20 PM
So, it doesn't go away in college.

It's just that the now-adultish child has to deal with it entirely on his/her own.

Daunting.

Frustrating.

Isolating.



And sometimes freeing.  Especially when there is instant recognition of bribery and currying favor.

Respect lost.

And ability to recognize coercion and bs gained.

Title: Re: Food in Schools, Part Deux
Post by: gvmom on September 21, 2017, 12:33:42 PM
What happened?
Title: Re: Food in Schools, Part Deux
Post by: ajasfolks2 on September 24, 2017, 09:15:59 PM
It's the come-to-early-morning-class-a-few-minutes-early-I-bring-you-donuts crap.

~ ~ ~

And more, but won't go into it here.

Title: Re: Food in Schools, Part Deux
Post by: GoingNuts on September 25, 2017, 05:55:50 AM
 :tongue:
Title: Re: Food in Schools, Part Deux
Post by: MaryM on November 13, 2017, 03:32:08 PM
Our school tries to make the parties safe for everyone.  We have been doing it for many years.  the following email and form came home to me today.  I am not happy to say the least and am in the process of composing an email to principal, PTA president and school nurse.  So many red flags here....from medical conditions not being private to parents sending in what ever they wan if little Johnny doesn't like the food provided....Any thoughts or suggestions for me to include in my letter to the school?

"Hi Lead Room Parents~

We hope you had a nice long weekend as we round the corner to Thanksgiving Break next week!

Kathy and I met with Mr. M and Mrs. S recently to touch base after the Halloween Parties (which we all so well planned and it was such a great day! Mr. M kept reiterating that when we met with him!).  There were a few day of questions that came up regarding food at parties.  THERE WERE NO ALLERGIC REACTIONS AND/OR ISSUES OTHER THAN SOME SIMPLE QUESTIONS. 

Mr. M has been in touch with the other elementary school principals regarding how they handle food at parties.   Currently, there is no district policy on this.  Some schools do no food at all.  Some do a very limited selection of foods. And some do as we currently do, and tries to account for the allergies in each class.  XX School  has a process that we are going to model after and implement going forward.

We now have a new form (below) that needs to be filled out and distributed to all the students in your respective classes. When you’re planning your Winter Parties, and more specifically what food you’ll be serving (and if your crafts are using any foods), this form will come into play.  You’ll need to fill it out as brand and item specifically as possible.  Example “Shop Rite Brand Pretzel Sticks,” “Honest Kids Fruit Punch Juice Pouches,” etc.  This gives the Room Parents a second “check” if you will, regarding possible allergens.  You should first plan the party still taking into account the allergies that are in your class, and this form should account for those allergies.

The plan as of now is that these forms will be sent home by you through the students’ backpacks on MONDAY DECEMBER 11th and should be returned on THURSDAY DECEMBER 14th.  The teachers will make copies to keep in the classrooms and will send them home to you on Friday Dec. 15th.

You should also send a reminder email to the class and/or work in conjunction with the classroom teacher to send this email, on Wed., 12/13 reminding parents to send it in on Thursday.

We know the outstanding question of “how do get in touch with the families who don’t return them” exists.  The plan, as of right now, is to see how it goes this first time around and adjust as necessary.

Additionally going forward, Mrs. S ALWAYS welcomes conversations regarding specific allergies in your class.  In order for her to be able to manage those conversations in a timely and private manner, we are (and she is) requesting that you first email her.  If the conversation warrants anything further than email, you and she can come up with a time to speak privately.  It’s tough to chat with her at school functions as those conversations are not always private, nor does she have specific allergy information with her when she’s out of her office.  She (and we) thank you for your willingness to abide by this guideline.

If you have any questions and/or suggestions, please respond to me (rather than to the group), as each of you sometimes thinks of things we do not. 

We thank you for your help in implementing this new process and look forward to working together to keep our parties as successful and FUN as they’ve been!

Warmly,




CHILD’S NAME: ________________________________________________

GRADE: _________                  TEACHER: ___________________________________

We are implementing the following checklist for the foods the Room Parents will be serving at the next party. Here is the brand specific snack list for the next party—please note, the form is double sided. Please review, then check off the appropriate box for each snacked listed and both print and sign below. This form is meant to keep kids with food allergies & sensitivities safe. A child who doesn’t like something served at the party is free to say no thank you to the snack.  Please return this paper by _____________

1.   ________________________________                   Yes, my child may have this snack
                      No, my child may not have this snack
                      I will provide a substitute snack

2.   ________________________________                                Yes, my child may have this snack
                      No, my child may not have this snack
                      I will provide a substitute snack

3.   ________________________________                                 Yes, my child may have this snack
                      No, my child may not have this snack
                      I will provide a substitute snack


4.   ________________________________                                 Yes, my child may have this snack
                      No, my child may not have this snack
                      I will provide a substitute snack

5.   ________________________________                                 Yes, my child may have this snack
                      No, my child may not have this snack
                      I will provide a substitute snack

6.   ________________________________                                 Yes, my child may have this snack
                      No, my child may not have this snack
                      I will provide a substitute snack



Here is a list of the food items we are planning to use in our crafts (meaning not for consumption, but perhaps we will glue them, make prints with them, etc.)

1.   _____________________________________
2.   _____________________________________
3.   _____________________________________




Any questions should be directed to your child’s class’ Lead Room Parent.

Thank You!

Parent Signature___________________________________________________ 

Parent Name: ______________________________________________________

Date: _____________________________________

Title: Re: Food in Schools, Part Deux
Post by: hezzier on November 13, 2017, 04:05:48 PM
My first suggestion is to make this it's own thread...

This is not my area of expertise by any means...but does DD have a 504?  Anything in there that you can use against this new policy?