As I mentioned in a “school lunch” post last year, my daughter’s elementary school is peanut/tree nut-free. Not only are peanuts and tree nuts not allowed, but foods made in factories that handle nuts are not allowed either. As a result, the school sends out a “safe snack” list so parents know what store-bought snacks are “safe” and approved.
When I first got a hold of this list last year my eyes just about bugged out of my head. Fresh off our original “100 Days of Real Food” pledge, I felt compelled to sit down and count how many snack suggestions I would consider to be “real food approved.”
Out of the 200 or so safe snack suggestions only 17 items, approximately 7%, were “real” whole foods. The rest were highly processed including suggestions like Wendy’s Frosties, Skittles, Oreos, Fritos, Airheads, Cheese Puffs, Twizzlers, Chips Ahoy, and Gummy Bears (for a morning snack for little kids!!). I knew I couldn’t just sit around and complain. I had to get involved and try to change things.
So I met with the principal and assistant principal last spring and as soon as I said the word “food” they of course thought I wanted to address the food in the cafeteria. They don’t have control over what is served for breakfast or lunch, but I told them that was just fine because I actually had a long list of other things I wanted to address first including…
- The school’s “safe snack” list, which is full of highly processed snack suggestions
- Student rewards and activities, which commonly involve junk food like “Popsicles with the Principal” and “Skittle Sort” (why not a button sort?)
- Students are also commonly served cupcakes, cookies, and other treats for birthdays and celebrations in the classroom. Occasionally even more than one dessert treat a day is served on top of treats that are brought in from home and/or purchased in the cafeteria.
- School fundraising events that encourage students and their families to dine at locations such as Donatos Pizza and Chick-fil-A.
- Box Top class rewards that include a pizza party, Krispy Kreme Donut party, and a cupcake decorating party
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Those are just a few of the observations that alarmed me last year, which was our first year with a child in elementary school. It was also our first school year after deciding to cut out all highly processed food, so I guess one could say I was highly sensitive to it all.
Anyway, I was thrilled that the principal immediately handed me the reins of the “safe snack” list without a problem. I then partnered with another mom to come up with an addendum to the list because while they said we could add items to it we could not take anything away.
They said if Krispy Kreme donuts were not on the list as being nut-free then someone would surely send in Dunkin’ Donuts. But a compromise was fine with me. We can keep all the junk on there if we can also put our “healthy snack” addendum smack dab on the front…because I consider that progress.
So without further ado, here is a link to the “snack list addendum” that another mom and I worked very hard to create. Whether you want to use these snack ideas for your school or just for inspiration when packing your own kids snacks please feel free to use the list however you choose.
I’ve already turned it into our principal and so far she says it looks great. I was a little worried the description of “real food” versus “not real food” might offend some parents, but I figured I would let the principal make that call. We have our back-to-school orientation this week, and I am very anxious to see if they actually use our list with the “safe snack” handouts…keeping my fingers crossed!
Next up I hope to address the issue of all the junk food that’s used for rewards and activities by coming up with a list of alternatives. I will keep you posted on the progress!
Melissa says
Food allergy mom here......great idea to send out this list of ideas because many parents are truly unsure of what to send in. I do want to say though, this is not a "true list". Ingredients and processing practices can and do change so you may want to add in a disclaimer, something along the lines of "Please be sure to read labels as food processing practices change often".
On my food allergy journey I have found processing practices change over time. Our safe brand of bread has changed the way it is process so it is now made in a facility with tree nuts so it is now unsafe for my son. The same holds true for the organic cereal bars we used to buy. My concern is a parent will view this, see a name brand, purchase it and possibly serve it to a food allergy child. Hopefully the teacher would catch the disclaimer on the package. My school (that I work in) will not allow us to distribute a brand name list of snacks for this reason alone. Instead we list generic food ideas such as fresh fruit, canned fruit, whole wheat crackers, cheese, etc. We also include the peanut/tree nut disclaimer as well as alerting parents we may have addition food allergy needs within individual classes (dairy, egg, wheat, etc).
Kelly Lester says
Wow Lisa. This is fantastic. Sharing with my fans now - all lunch box/snack packin' moms and dads :) Thank you for this!
100 Days of Real Food says
Thanks so much Kelly...I really appreciate you sharing the snack list with your fans. And congrats on being the best selling lunchbox on Amazon. That is such an exciting accomplishment!
:)
Lisa
kammy says
I can't believe that they suggested items like oreos and twizzlers as good nut-free options for snacks! I like your list. My son has a peanut allergy so I'm always looking for good, healthy snack and lunch ideas.
We are lucky to go to a great school--they plant a big garden every year and use items from that garden (when available) in their salad bar, which is available every day for the kids! Love it!
Janice says
Very good list. My one suggestion is that the dried fruits are not a good snack choice. Dried fruits are sticky, stay on the teeth and cause cavities. Unless your child is brushing well after eating them, it is better not to have them eat them.
Jennifer says
Thanks for posting this list.
I'm not a parent but I do pack lunch everyday and I do love crunchy snacky foods (popcorn, chips, and especially crackers). So I love the "100% WHOLE-GRAIN SNACKS" list that I can use to help guide me into a true 100% real food lifestyle.
Kim M. says
Go Lisa!!!! :o)
Amy @ A Little Nosh says
So fantastic that you are making ACTUAL CHANGES at your child's school. I'm going to keep this as a resource for when my son starts school in a few years.
Mary says
Great work! I can't help but point out the irony that the widespread childhood allergies behind such school policies have likely arisen from a generation of heavily processed food diets, in which case your effort to steer your community in the direction of real food over yet MORE of the processed deserves widespread support. If I may add here a cautionary word about grains (yes, even whole grains) especially those containing gluten. Our doctor told us that there is a wide range of grain and/or gluten sensitivities that do NOT show up on the standard blood tests, which can cause any number of symptoms, including digestive, muscular, neurological and behavioral, etc. But please don't take my word for it. Read up on the grain question at the Weston A. Price Foundation, (which gives recommendations for preparation of grains for healthy consumption) or the work of Robb Wolf, Mark Sisson and Loren Cordain, who argue for a pre-agricultural diet that eliminates grains.
Mimi says
Thank you for enlightening your school officials about the dangers of boxed food. It never ceases to blow my mind when I go to the store and see the stuff people have in their carts: People either just don't get it...or don't want to! The last time I was at Costco, I was behind two women who were chatting about their real food choices. Neither one of them had a fresh thing in their cart! Cookies, crackers, sweet rolls and frozen dinner entrees were all I could see. Yet as one of the women said she had switched to "real food" she had yet to see it make a difference in her kid's behavior. It took all I had in me to keep from screaming at her, "That's not real food!! That's why you haven't seen a change!!" We've been romanced by big companies for so long that we believe what they tell us! If you can't pick it, gather it, fish it, hunt it or milk it...IT'S NOT REAL FOOD!!
Thank you for your awesome website! Small steps will change the world! Good for you!
100 Days of Real Food says
I am with you...I constantly want to approach people in the grocery store, but I have to hold myself back!
Candice says
Thank you so much for posting this. I have also been "converting" and have thought that this year I would get more involved with the PTA so that I can help change some of the fundraisers that they do through the year, such as licorice ropes and airheads for sale on Friday's at receess and pizza parties and also the classroom parties. I really appreciate everything you put out and love yoru site and have shared it with all my friends!
Kim says
I, too, am disgusted with our children's food choices at school and what many in the administration consider to be "healthy." As a result, a few of us parents decided to do something proactive so we planted a vegetable garden at our school (https://sites.google.com/site/freshpickedgarden/home). We figured it's better to get the kids involved in learning about where real food comes from and learn about how to plant, harvest and eat fresh food. This spring/summer was our first, but judging from the students' response we have won over even some of the pickiest eaters. Students tried Kale, Swiss chard, or even some forms of lettuce for the first time. We had Harvest Nights where families could come out and pick fresh produce - the kids were eating the carrots straight from the ground. We plan to serve veggie kabobs at our "welcome back picnic." This is just the beginning, but we plan to involve each classroom and each grade in taking ownership of the garden.
sherry says
Adding prices to the snack list is a great suggestion! At the risk of being on the unpopular side of a hot button issue, I would far rather see non-organic carrots and full fat ranch dip than anything served to a child that lists high fructose corn syrup as an ingredient. The current rate of obesity among citizens of this country, and particularly children, has been directly traced to the addition of HFCS as an ingredient to commercial foodstuffs.
Stephanie says
Good good good for you! Way to step up! People like you are how things are going to change! Thanks for the list...
Leah says
This is awesome. My daughter is only 1, so she is not taking snacks to school yet, but I am taking note for things she can eat now and things I would like to eat!
I am also a former Kindergarten teacher and you are right about the junk that is served.
Question (maybe you have already addressed this somewhere in your blog-I am a new follower) What do you do when your daughter is invited to a birthday party and there is junk served? Or it's at McDonalds.
100 Days of Real Food says
Well, we haven't been invited to a McDonald's birthday party yet although ironically I had my own birthday party there when I was little (aaaacccck!). But, we have been invited to places like Monkey Joe's and Chuck-E-Cheese where they serve highly processed pizza and of course the grocery store birthday cake full of HFCS and artificial colors/flavors. Lately, I've been letting my kids decide what they want to do. I offer to make a yummy homemade whole-wheat pizza to bring or they can eat what's at the party. They pick what is at the party of course, but I figure almost anything in moderation has got to be okay and when/if the time comes that they stop eating the junk food at parties I want them to do it b/c they made the choice....not b/c I made the choice for them. I am constantly reminding my husband that when it comes to all this junk and candy we've both already "been there done that" and our kids have not (yet). I think they have to figure out some of this stuff on their own (with our guidance) for it to have a long-lasting affect on them. The other day a friend offered my daughter a freezie pop and I let her decide if she wanted it...she ate it and afterward she said it actually tasted kind of bad to her. Now THAT conclusion is going to take her a lot farther over her not eating it b/c "mommy said so." And by the way...it didn't taste good b/c she's gotten used to all the fresh, real food we've been feeding her. Our palettes have changed for the better!
Jeanie says
How timely. Every time school starts I get so bugged with all the food. We eat a lot of real food, though I don't hesitate to throw homemade treats into the mix. And I don't even mind a processed treat here or there at the schools, but what was once a special thing has become a barrage of constant processed snackage. It's shocking almost. And odd to me because I feel like there's also a constant flow of media about how chub our youth are becoming. Anyway, I've shifted to rant mode, but in short--great post and great ideas. I've been considering approaching our school as well. Thanks.
Eating Poorganically says
THIS IS AWESOME! I'm so excited about this. My husband is a teacher at my daughter's elementary school, and I know that he would love to take this in to encourage the teachers to make a change. What a great list. My ONLY suggestion would be that you put on the handout that "REAL FOOD" is not necessarily expensive. I might even take the time to add the prices to mine, just so people know that great options can be affordable. I think that the stigma of expensive "organic" food really prevents a lot of people in lower income areas (like mine) from considering healthier options. Good for you!
Mindy says
This is awesome! We homeschool, so we don't have this issue with the school, but with all the other kids events we attend - they always hand out junk food. And I'm the crazy mom on the soccer team who always brings healthy snacks while everyone else brings sugary junk. LOL. I wish more people would get on board with this, but you gotta start somewhere! Kudos to you!
Halala Mama says
Thank you for this list... my daycare/preschool has a line in the handbook that says according to the state board of health that only commercially brought foods and snacks can be brought in for snacks or lunches! I was crushed. My son eats so few choices of real food so I don't want to crowd it out with junk! This gives me some more good ideas for his lunches! Thanks!
Holly says
Halala Mama: I'd double check on the only commercially made foods for lunch. While most schools require that for snacks/treats shared with other students, I've never seen it required for a student's personal lunch.
Lisa says
If I were you I'd take my child out of that day care immediately!
michele says
Where I live the school district does not allow foods to be brought in w/ the first ingredient is sugar. Luckily that eliminates alot of junk, but would you believe that they have no problem w/ aspartame or food dyes. Something is surely warped. In any event you would be suprised how many parents complain and complain that they cannot bring cupcakes or donuts in for a birthday. How ridiculous. This has always been very bothersome to me.
Lisa says
Arrrgh, I got so disapointed when grains were promoted as healthy on your list! I provided a link earlier on that (2 links provided below). Either way, conventional wisdom has us still chained to whole grains as being "healty." But I'd take whole grain recommendations for children than those unhealthy recommendations on the school's initial list.
Anyway, all this is besides the point, which is, the HUGE progress you've made with your daugther's school!! Great job Lisa. Way to tackle your school's "safe list." Also, the school principals can't control what is served in their cafertia?? What a joke! Is this common at every school? So ridiculous.
The Definite Guide to Grains
http://www.marksdailyapple.com/definitive-guide-grains/
Why Grains Are Unhealthy
http://www.marksdailyapple.com/why-grains-are-unhealthy/
Laura says
This is wonderful! I have three girls in three different schools and wish I had the nerve (and the support from other moms and dads) to suggest such a movement here. Many of our homeschooling families know about Real Food; however, our public schools just aren't educated, can't afford it, and well, think I'm crazy and obsessed. For now, I just have to send my girls their own lunch and preschool snack (also because she's gf/df and its not fair to make everyone try that when they are 4!!). Kudos to you for going straight to the principal and developing a positive, working relationship. I just wanted to share that Nourish MD has made some school and "coach" friendly letters with generic suggestions. I love your list and wanted to share theirs: http://www.nourishmd.com/resources/articles/sports-a-nutrition/1332-sports-edition (also has a healhty parties pdf). I hope this helps everyone get the word out. :)
JenM says
Thank you for this! My husband and I were just reviewing our daughter's school lunch menu - it is sad, sad, sad to say the least. We were trying to figure what to send her for lunch and while the main dishes are easier (she has 5-7 that she likes and isn't interested in trying more) the snacks are difficult for us. She likes Greek yogurt, but can't open them, etc. And, I'll be getting her lunch ready in the morning before work (and getting another daughter ready). So having a shopping list of sorts is a tremendous help! And, it's all nut free in case there are nut allergies in her class.
Johanna says
Thanks for a great list alternative snacks. I'm shocked that your school would actually suggest candy and such as appropriate snacks for children. We have to provide a box of snacks for our son's kindergarten class each month. The snacks my older son got was usually Cheez-Its or something like it when he was in kindergarten. And we got tired of sending in pretzels every month. I am excited to try some of the Trader Joe's items, or even some dried fruit!
Kari says
My daughter's school is not nut free, but I have been looking for healthier alternatives to send with her on days she wants to pack (besides just PB & J, and lunchables....eeeek!) I have to say though that I am very impressed with the offerings from the cafeteria. This year they will begin serving kale chips, sweet potato spears with low fat ranch dip, roasted zucchini, roasted cauliflower, spinach salads, as just a few examples of sides they offer. Today they had broccoli parmesaen (not sure what that is, I'll have to ask her when she gets home.) I'm sure it's not organic (school systems probably don't have the budget for that) but I'm pleased so far! Thanks for your list. I'm going to print it to use for after school snacks, lunch fillers and classroom party ideas. Thanks again!
Rebecca ~ Sweet Baby Yams says
As parents, we really need to think about healthier snack options. What you did will help and influence other parents to think outside of the box. Thank you for sharing this list!
MemeGRL says
There will be snark. Handle it. This is a great list. Thanks. My one son has developed an issue with red dyes, my other eschews anything grown from the ground that isn't a grain, so these are very helpful. Thanks for the assist!
Claire says
God bless you! The junk incentives and junk social gatherings and junk snacks drive me nuts! You can't get away from them it seems - I've experienced the issues you describe at both Catholic and public schools. It will be a real battle, but I'm on board. Thanks for your work and inspiration!
Julia says
Wow! What an AWESOME resource. My children's school serves way too much junk food for snacks and parties and none of the other parents seem to care. Healthy food to them is gummy fruit snacks. At the first grade end of year party my son was served soda! I'm not as far along on my journey as you are, but we are making small changes each week. Thanks for all you do.
Jenna says
Most pre-schools here, including the ones our kids attend, are nut/peanut free. Thanks for the suggestions. Almond butter and homemade granola with nuts are common snack foods for us, so thanks for some other ideas. My only pet peeve with the nutfree rules is that, even though I have kids with other allergies (eggs, gluten) and I'm attentive to cross contamination issues, I really can't guarantee anything that comes out of our house is nut free. Our fresh fruit could be cut on the sale cutting board where I spread their toast for breakfast.
Lauren B. says
MAJOR props to you on this list and working with the principal. Thanks for standing up for Real Food in schools!
Richelle @ The Carolina Clipper says
This is an amazing resource. While our budget will not allow organic, I'm still happy to serve our family apples over Doritos, etc. We base our fruits, veggies, and meals around what's on sale and eat healthy! Instead of buying prepackaged things ($$$) I'm also making our own trail mixes and baking things like waffles, granola bars, and more (many of the yummy recipes from here). I also stock up when things are on sale (like unsweetened applesauce, etc). I've printed this list and will post in my pantry as inspiration. Thanks!
Jamie says
This is wonderful! My son just started preschool (nut free)and they offer a breakfast and lunch. The meals they consider healthy were appalling to me and, same as your experience, the nut free options suggested were also horrible. I might have to suggest your list! You have so many great options, how can any parent not bring something off this list, it's presented so nicely. I just pack my son his breakfast for now. Thanks for sharing!!
The Table of Promise says
Please keep us posted on what the feedback is from parents!! I will be curious to see what their reaction is, or if the school takes some or all of your suggestions! I bet $5 that they remove the suggestion for organics. Given their high price, organic produce is a hot button issue. I see it almost like a divider/ identifier between group in different tax brackets. I see it's potential to offend other parents. However, I do completely agree with you, organic is best.
I think it is great that you took the reigns on this. I am facing something similar when my kids start school in three weeks!
Ingrid says
This list is going straight on our fridge! I also am going to share with the school, so they can use it, too! Thanks so much for sharing!
LauraElle says
Well done!!! Between the real food lunches & this snack list, Junior is set for first grade.
Marsha says
I'm glad they let you develop the list.
I am really surprised your school district still allows the junk food in such quantities. I am a school board member, and our nutritional staff eliminated candy, cupcakes, etc several years ago. They have been baking their own whole wheat pizza crusts and breads for many years. Snacks suggested NEVER include doughnuts, candy, etc. I'm glad they let you develop the list.
Ashley says
This is awesome! If it's ok with you I'm gonna take it to use for my daughter's school with a few differences - sadly we do not have a Trader Joe's around here. My daughter has a severe tree nut allergy and she is starting school this year - her school has been great so far - her classroom will be completely nut free and they are willing to make the school nut free if that's what I want. I am still very nervous about sending her to school, however, this helps a lot as you can imagine! Thank you!
100 Days of Real Food says
Absolutely...that's exactly why I shared the list. I was hoping others might be able to implement it in their schools as well. Good luck!
Michelle says
Good for you for becoming involved! So many people complain about things but don't take action! Way to go introducing the parents and students of the school to real foods. Maybe you can team up with Jamie Oliver and take on the cafeteria next. :-)
kate uslan says
Hi Lisa,
Great post! I am also excited to work on healthy snacks/fundraising issues in CMS this year and am attending the CMS PTA Fall festival this weekend to share information from the Alliance for a Healthier Generation. Just wanted to let you know that we have TONS of resources on alternative fundraisers, celebrations and rewards so if you want to send me an email I can get you all set up!
-Kate Uslan
Leah Eviston says
I would be very interested in your resources. I have a son with several food allergies and school functions like you said can be a challenge. THank you for sharing! I can help others as well, as we all fight this battle.
kate uslan says
http://www.healthiergeneration.org It is FREE and anyone can join and access a ton of resources to help make your school a healthier place.
100 Days of Real Food says
Thanks Kate! I will send you an email.
Lauren says
I hate to point it out but there appears to be a typo! What looks like it was intended to be "Trader Joe's Ready to Eat Beets" is typed as "Trader Joe's READ to Eat Beets"
100 Days of Real Food says
Thanks for catching that...just fixed it! :)