Strong Bodies, Strong Minds
THE SPS WELLNESS PROGRAM
HEALTHY STUDENTS 2020
The program, which was revised in mid-2014, is working to decrease the number of calories and amount of fat and sodium in food and is promoting balanced meals. Meals now must contain meat or a meat alternate, and encourage the inclusion of a whole-grain side or side of fruits and vegetables. This will provide students with the protein, fiber, healthy sugars, and carbohydrates that their bodies crave to function properly. It is also cutting out added sweeteners, which add unhealthy sugars to children's diets and can contribute to high blood sugar and weight gains. Not only will it work to increase the healthiness of students' diets in the cafeteria, but it will also work to increase the healthiness of diets throughout the rest of the school and in school activities. Other food vendors such as school stores and vending machines will now be responsible for their foods as well, and school events will be healthier to promote a healthy lifestyle. In addition, we will be working to help students who are financially disadvantaged to stay healthy and well nourished by sending home backpacks full of food through our backpack program.
In addition to promoting a healthy lifestyle through food, SPS will also be promoting a healthy lifestyle through the promotion of exercise, community programs to help community wellness, and in-school programs to educate students about the importance of health and exercise. There will also be an increase in education about the harms of UV radiation, drugs and alcohol, and eating disorders. These, as well as increased allergen awareness, will help to eliminate preventable health issues and ensure that students maintain a healthy lifestyle.