Monday, January 31, 2011

Healthy Snack Program

Beginning Monday, February 28, Grainwood is launching its NEW Healthy Snack Program for students (Grades 1-5) and staff. For a minimal cost, approximately .28 cents per day, your child can choose one item from our Healthy Snack Cart to eat during his/her classroom snack time each day.
This initiative is possible because of a Statewide Health Improvement Program (SHIP) Grant that Grainwood received last spring. (You may have read about it in my blog.) Through an assessment by Wilder Research, a SHIP partner, recommendations for Grainwood pointed to a healthy snack option to better support the education of good nutrition and healthy snack choices at school. Our Healthy Snack Program will help to encourage a 5-A-Day habit, which research has shown that 5 servings of fruits and vegetables a day are the minimum required for good health.

Besides fruits and vegetables, other healthy options will also be offered: cheese, crackers/pretzels, yogurt, applesauce, raisins, granola/cereal bars, eggs and more (most likely 9 different options a day). Because we are purchasing these items in bulk, all savings are passed along to families and reduce the cost per student. During Grainwood’s Family Fun/Literacy Night on Thursday, February 3 (5-7 PM), you will have the opportunity to view a variety of our snack options. Registration will also take place that evening too.

If you would like to register your child for Grainwood's Healthy Snack Program, please fill out the registration form sent home with your child on Monday, Janaury 31, or click on the link HERE to print off a new copy.  The total cost per student is $18.00 for the remainder of the school year and registration will be accepted throughout the month on February.

We hope that you take the opportunity to save a few dollars, enjoy the convenience of a school-provided snack, and allow us the opportunity to provide a “top-notch” nutrition choice for your child at snack time.(Due to already established Kindergarten snack routines this year, Kindergartners will be offered the opportunity to participate starting next fall.)