Wellness Committee Discuss Meals, Snacks
The Wolf Point Schools’ wellness committee met on Monday, Dec. 1, to discuss possible measure to provide healthy food and meals for local students.
During a recent audit of the nutrition plan, the items in the high school’s vending machines were mentioned. For example, only 1 percent milk should be offered rather than whole or 2 percent milk. Also discussed were snacks, fundraisers and the Wolf Mart.
Wolf Point Superintendent of Schools Dr. David Perkins noted that the audit featured just minor adjustments. He said the schools’ lunches and breakfasts are better than they have ever been. More hot breakfasts are being offered than before.
Perkins said school officials can only control what is eaten during the school day. They can’t control what fundraisers consist of and that those items are eaten at home.
The school district’s school wellness plan reads “Wolf Point Public School is committed to providing a school environment that promotes and protects children’s health, well-being and ability to learn by supporting healthy eating, physical activity and emotional health.”
The nutrition and wellness plan notes that there is a strong correlation between nutrition and learning. Students that engage in healthy eating patterns are much more likely to achieve their full academic potential, reach full physical and mental growth and maintain lifelong health.
The committee discussed providing healthy selections in vending machines and at the Wolf Mart at the high school.
According to information provided at the meeting, Smart Snacks are important because:
• Almost a quarter of kids’ daily calories may come from snacks.
• Kids who have healthy eating patterns are more likely to perform better academically.
• Kids consume more healthy foods and beverages during the school day. When Smart Snacks are available, the healthy choice is the easy choice.
• Smart Snacks’ standards are a federal requirement for all foods sold outside the National School Lunch Program and School Breakfast Program.
