School Nutrition

The Portsmouth School Department strives to create a healthy school nutrition environment in which all food and beverages on campus contribute to healthy eating patterns and support the health curriculum. All food and beverages offered to students on school premises during the school day shall be items that represent healthy food choices, according to State and Federal regulations and guidelines and are offered only through the Food Service Program. This includes building or classroom fundraising sales during school meal times.

The Board recognizes that there are celebrations and birthday parties that take place during the school day, but healthy snacks for these celebrations should be promoted. Building principals shall work in conjunction with the Director of the Food Service Program to promote healthy food choices.

Foods may not be offered for sale in competition with the Food Service Program to students in food service areas. These include, but are not limited to, foods found in vending machines, snack bars, school stores, a la carte fundraisers, school parties and other food beverage distribution/sales on the school campus during the school day.

Vending machines operated by the Food Service Program must offer healthy food choices consistent with Federal, State and local regulations and may be operated during meal times and during the school day. Revenue generated is for the benefit of the Food Service Program.

Vending machines not operated by the Food Service Program may be operated during non-meal times and after the end of the school day.

This policy shall not apply to employee lounge vending machines, which are for employee use only.

Approved by Portsmouth School Board: May 8, 2012