Boulder Valley Schools Classroom
BOULDER, Colo. -
The Boulder Valley school district is trying to pull parents into the kitchen as it revamps its food program. It is encouraging parents to think carrot sticks instead of cupcakes when bringing food for school parties or special occasions.
On Tuesday night, the district's school board heard the 19 goals of the proposal from its interim direction of nutrition services, Ann Cooper. She says each will ensure the wellness of every student.
Most- parents can agree with, including: getting rid of highly-processed ingredients, making foods from scratch and using fresh fruits and vegetables daily. But one goal is giving some parents concern.
"We'd like parents and teachers to support the guidelines when choosing snacks and party food for kids," says Cooper. That means bringing in healthy foods.
For some parents that sounds like expelling junk food as a choice for parents to bring during special events.
"I think that is definitely our choice. I don't think the school should have a say in it at all," says parent Kelly Haley.
"If you're having a party, there's going to be some of those things offered. And if you against that, I'm afraid you need to be realistic. You are going to be in the minority," says Grandmother Susan Laird. But some parents agree with the goal--saying what other parents bring into the classroom could undermine their children's nutrition.
"I don't want my children to be obese, to have health problems when they get older, and have people making fun of them," says Elsa Hayden.
It is a discussion that provokes food for thought and some concern of an outright ban on sweets. "Parents can bring in whatever they want. We don't dictate what they do. But we suggest they bring food that's as healthy as possible," says Cooper.
It is just a suggestion now. And parents hope stays that way. But it is possible it could become policy at a future date.
"I think there needs to be limits drawn. Kids need to be kids. They need to have that freedom. It (junk food) didn't kill us," says mother Connie Wince.
The board will vote on the proposal in August.
On Tuesday night, the district's school board heard the 19 goals of the proposal from its interim direction of nutrition services, Ann Cooper. She says each will ensure the wellness of every student.
Most- parents can agree with, including: getting rid of highly-processed ingredients, making foods from scratch and using fresh fruits and vegetables daily. But one goal is giving some parents concern.
"We'd like parents and teachers to support the guidelines when choosing snacks and party food for kids," says Cooper. That means bringing in healthy foods.
For some parents that sounds like expelling junk food as a choice for parents to bring during special events.
"I think that is definitely our choice. I don't think the school should have a say in it at all," says parent Kelly Haley.
"If you're having a party, there's going to be some of those things offered. And if you against that, I'm afraid you need to be realistic. You are going to be in the minority," says Grandmother Susan Laird. But some parents agree with the goal--saying what other parents bring into the classroom could undermine their children's nutrition.
"I don't want my children to be obese, to have health problems when they get older, and have people making fun of them," says Elsa Hayden.
It is a discussion that provokes food for thought and some concern of an outright ban on sweets. "Parents can bring in whatever they want. We don't dictate what they do. But we suggest they bring food that's as healthy as possible," says Cooper.
It is just a suggestion now. And parents hope stays that way. But it is possible it could become policy at a future date.
"I think there needs to be limits drawn. Kids need to be kids. They need to have that freedom. It (junk food) didn't kill us," says mother Connie Wince.
The board will vote on the proposal in August.
