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Child Nutrition

Local Wellness Policy

SCHOOL MEALS

  • The School Nutrition Program complies with all applicable federal, state, and local requirements.
  • Meals are accessible to all students, and the identity of those receiving free or reduced-price meals is protected.
  • Students are encouraged to participate in the School Nutrition Program.
  • Meals are served in a clean and safe environment, and students are provided adequate time to eat.
  • Vending machines are not available to students.
  • Students and parents are encouraged to bring healthy snacks for classroom snacks and celebrations.

STUDENT NUTRITION

  • Follows USDA menu planning guidelines for all meals.
  • Implements USDA-mandated menu updates immediately.
  • Posts menus with nutritional information on the school website.
  • Practices healthy food preparation; no foods served to students are deep fried.
  • Prioritizes fresh fruits over canned or preserved fruits when available and appropriate.
  • Limits canned or preserved fruits to those packed in water or fruit juice.
  • Serves only 100% fruit juice.
  • Ensures all meals meet USDA whole-grain requirements.
  • Provides water throughout the school day, including at mealtimes.
  • Offers breakfast and lunch to all students free of charge.
  • Shares at least two nutrition-related posts per month on social media.

OTHER FOOD ITEMS

  • Any food items sold or provided as incentives and rewards meet USDA Smart Snack standards.
  • Food selections take into account dietary restrictions, allergies, and medically documented sensitivities.
  • Outside foods and drinks served at school events must be factory-wrapped to ensure safety and provide nutrition information.
  • Vending machines are located in staff areas only, with signage posted to restrict student access.
  • Competitive foods (as defined by USDA) are not available to students during the operation of the Child Nutrition Program.
  • No food or beverages containing caffeine are provided to students.
  • Lunches and snacks provided for class trips and athletic events comply with nutrition guidelines.

NUTRITION EDUCATION

  • Nutrition education fosters lifelong healthy eating habits.
  • Students are encouraged to build healthy lunches by selecting at least three of the five items offered at each meal, with all five encouraged.
  • Information about the child nutrition program is available to students, staff, and parents on the school website.
  • Consistent nutrition messages are shared across classrooms, the cafeteria, and bulletin boards.
  • All students receive MyPlate education.
  • Nutrition fun facts are shared twice a month through morning announcements or school media.
  • MyPlate resources are available to staff, students, and parents upon request.
  • Nutrition education is integrated into the K–12 health curriculum.
  • Wellness education is offered to families during open houses and health fairs, and parents are invited to Local Wellness Plan meetings.

PHYSICAL ACTIVITY

  • Students in grades K–5 participate in a minimum of 60 minutes of physical activity each week.
  • Students in grades K–9 receive physical education aligned with North Carolina Instructional Standards.
  • Students in grades 10–12 are encouraged to take optional physical education courses.
  • Physical education classes provide moderate physical activity for most of each class period.
  • Students are encouraged to join voluntary after-school activities such as clubs and athletics.
  • Recess and physical activity are not withheld as discipline.
  • Playgrounds meet safety standards for design, installation, and maintenance.
  • Teachers are encouraged to integrate movement breaks into the classroom when appropriate.

WELLNESS PROMOTION AND MARKETING

  • Staff are encouraged to model healthy eating and active lifestyles.
  • Foods and beverages that do not meet Smart Snack standards are not marketed on campus.
  • The Family Engagement Committee hosts at least one wellness event each year.
  • Opportunities are provided for staff to engage in MyPlate activities and classroom-ready physical activities.
  • Unhealthy food advertising is prohibited in school publications, media, and announcements.
  • A monthly social-emotional focus is implemented for grades K–8.

ASSESSMENT AND PUBLIC INVOLVEMENT

  • The Wellness Policy is assessed annually, with updates made by August 1 for the following school year.
  • A triennial assessment using WellSat 3.0 is conducted, and results are published on the school website.
  • Meetings of the School Wellness Committee are announced on the school website and communicated to parents by email and phone. Meetings are open to the entire school community.
  • The School Nurse chairs the Wellness Committee and coordinates meetings.
  • The Local Wellness Committee is responsible for policy updates following each triennial assessment.

Local Wellness Committee Members

  • Richard Russell – Elementary School Principal
  • Brandy Morrison – Middle School Principal
  • Jamaal Young – High School Principal
  • Janet Stern – Child Nutrition Director
  • Monica Ferris – Child Nutrition Coordinator
  • Emily Sharp Robinson – School Nurse K–8
  • Wanda Blackmon – School Nurse 9–12
  • Lathan Black – Athletic Director
  • Celeste Sundo – Deputy Superintendent
  • Tania Dell – Social Worker
  • Tyler Gresham – Elementary PE Teacher
  • Michael Hayes – Middle School PE Teacher
  • Zachary Levesque – High School PE Teacher
  • Josef Walls – Administrator
  • Dazacha Lark – Family Engagement

Meetings of the School Wellness Committee will be announced on our website and communicated to parents through email and phone blasts. These meetings will be open to the entire Sugar Creek Charter School community.

Policy Updated: September 2025