Food Service

We would like to encourage your child to participate in our programs. We offer them a wide variety of fresh fruits, vegetables, quality proteins, cold milk, juice, and whole grain items.  Additional alternate menu items are available at the Pembroke Hill School.

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State Board of Education Model Local Wellness Policy

Local Wellness Policy for SAU 53 to include: Allenstown, Chichester, Epsom, Deerfield, and Pembroke.

The Board recognizes the importance of proper nutrition and developmentally appropriate physical activity as ways of promoting healthy lifestyles.  The board also recognizes that health and student success are inter-related.  It is therefore the goal of the Board that the entire learning environment be aligned to positively influence a student’s understanding, beliefs, and habits as they relate to good nutrition and physical activity.

SAU 53 is committed to creating a healthy school environment that enhances the development of lifelong wellness practices to promote healthy eating and physical activities that support student achievement.

Nutrition Education

Every year, all students, K-12, shall receive nutrition education that is aligned with the New Hampshire Health and Education Curriculum Guidelines. Nutrition education that teaches the knowledge, skills, and values needed to adopt healthy eating behaviors shall be integrated into the curriculum.  Nutrition education information shall be offered throughout the school campus including, but not limited to, school dining areas and classrooms.  Staff members who provide nutrition education shall have the appropriate training.

Nutrition Standards

The district shall ensure that reimbursable school meals meet the program requirements and nutrition standards found in the federal regulations. ¹   The district shall encourage students to make nutritious food choices.

The district shall monitor all food and beverages sold or served to students, including those available outside the federally regulated child nutrition programs.  The district shall consider nutrient density² and portion size before permitting food and beverages to be sold or served to students.

The district superintendent and food service directors will continually evaluate vending policies and contracts.  Vending contracts that do not meet the intent and purpose of this policy shall be modified accordingly.

Physical Education and Physical Activity Opportunities

The district shall offer physical education opportunities that include the components of a quality physical education program.³  Physical education shall equip students with the knowledge, skills, and values necessary for lifelong physical activity.  Physical education instruction shall be aligned with the New Hampshire K-12 Physical Education Curriculum Guidelines.

Every year, all students, K-12, shall have the opportunity to participate regularly in supervised physical activity, either organized or unstructured, intended to maintain physical fitness and to understand the short and long term benefits of a physically active and healthy lifestyle.

Other School-Based Activities Designed to Promote Student Wellness

The district may implement other appropriate programs that help create a school environment that conveys consistent wellness messages and is conducive to healthy eating and physical activity.

Implementation and Measurement

The district superintendent shall implement this policy and measure how well it is being managed and enforced.  The district superintendent shall develop and implement administrative rules consistent with this policy.  Input from teachers (including specialist in health and physical education), school nurses, parents/guardians, students, food service directors, school board members, school board administrators, and the public shall be considered.  A sustained effort is necessary to implement such policy.  The district superintendent shall report to the local school board, as requested, on the district’s programs and efforts to meet the purpose and intent of this policy.

1. Title 7-United States Department of Agriculture, Chapter II – Food and Nutrition Service, Department of Agriculture, Part 210 – National School Lunch Program
   http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx 04/7cfr210 04.html
2. Nutrient dense foods are those that provide substantial amounts of vitamins and minerals and relatively fewer calories.  Foods that are low in nutrient density are foods that supply calories but relatively small amounts of micronutrients.
   http://www.health.gov/dietaryguidelines/dga2005/report/HTML/G1 Glossory.htm
3. Including goals for physical activity is required by federal law Section 204 of Public Law 1108-265.  Physical education, while recommended, is not required.
   http://www.fns.usda.gov/tnHealthy/108-265.pdf