Monday, November 19, 2012

Does Your PTA Promote Competitive Foods?


Did you know that snack foods, including beverages, available outside of the school meals program are referred to as “competitive foods.” This is because these unregulated items “compete” with the federal school meals program that meets nutritional standards and dietary guidelines.  

Students often consume up to 50% of their daily calories at school.*1  Nationally, 83% of elementary schools, 97% of middle/junior high schools, and 99% of high schools sell food and beverages outside of the school meals program through vending machines, school stores, or a la carte in the cafeteria.*2  In addition, on-campus or PTA sponsored fundraisers are a source of competitive foods. Nationally, forty percent of schools allow for the sale of foods such as chocolate bars and other candy for fundraising.*3  

National PTA encourages local unit PTAs to consider nutritional guidelines for beverages and
snack foods provided to students through PTA sponsored events and through PTA sponsored fundraisers.  Research has shown that students who eat a healthy diet perform better at school. PTAs can have a significant, positive impact on student learning by advocating for healthier food options during the school day and taking good nutrition into account when planning PTA events.


To celebrate November as PTA Healthy Lifestyles Month, Chesterfield County Council of PTAs/PTSAs Health & Safety Committee challenges you to implement the use of the "Acceptable Foods List" within your local unit.  The Acceptable Foods List and instructions on how to implement the guidelines was also shared at the November County Council General Membership Meeting.  PTA Presidents are encouraged to share this information with their Boards and implement the program this month.  These Guidelines can help ensure the following regarding the foods that students consume through PTA sponsored classroom celebrations:



  1. Snacks are more nutrient dense and that the portion sizes of treats and beverages are age-appropriate;
  2. That we are considering the important affects that unhealthy snacks play in the role of childhood obesity;
  3. Food sensitivities and severe food allergies are being taken into consideration;
  4. Food borne illnesses can be minimized or prevented by taking extra precautions.


HOW ONE PTA HAS ALREADY SUCCESSFULLY IMPLEMENTED THE INITIATIVE

"Winterpock Elementary School PTA participated in a pilot study by being the first school to implement the Acceptable Foods List within their Room Parent Program.  The PTA's Health & Safety Committee introduced the program to Principal, Gloria Cooper back in early 2012.  The School Administrator was thrilled to see the PTA so involved in supporting the healthy initiatives that Winterpock and other schools within the County were implementing.  Knowing that there would be changes in School Board Policies pertaining to foods being brought into schools during the upcoming school year and with new USDA guidelines for healthier school lunches being put in place, it just seemed a natural fit to ensure that the PTA was doing everything we could to support them.

Winterpock PTA Health & Safety Committee introduced the idea of the initiative to its Board and PTA Teacher Representatives at the June meeting.  There was an overwhelmingly positive response to put the program in place during the 2012-2013 school year.  We then worked over the summer to research which foods should be included in the list and what factors should be taken into consideration.  We didn't want to just address food allergies but rather wanted to ensure that we were doing due diligence to support all of our students.  The program was implemented the beginning of September 2012 which is when we shared the information and Acceptable Foods List with school staff, room parents, Board Members and the PTA General Membership.  

Overall the initiative has been very well received.  Surprisingly, there are a few parents who still want their child to receive a doughnut or other non-nutritional snacks during classroom celebrations, but the grand majority of our parents are pleased with the changes.  As we gear up for the Holidays, we are now prepared to ensure that we are providing more proportional, healthier snacks to our students.  There are still cookies and cupcakes on the list but they are mini portions.  We hope to provide a healthier snack like fresh veggies or fruit in tandem with the small treat instead of providing an abundance of sugary snacks for our classroom celebrations.  The students don't feel deprived and parents can rest assured that we have their child's best interests and wellness in mind. Now that the research is done, the list is complete and we have a proven study of how to successfully implement the initiative, it is time to get all of our other Chesterfield PTAs/PTSAs involved."  --Maria Cox, Winterpock PTA Health & Safety Chair  


*1  Neumark-Sztainer, D., French, S., Hanna, P., Story, M., & Fulkerson, J. (2005) School Lunch and Snacking Patterns among High School Students: Associations with School Food Environment and Policies. International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity. (2). Web site: www.ijbnpa.org/content/2/1/14>  
*2 Center for Science in the Public Interest. (2006) School Foods Report Card.
*3  U.S. General Accountability Office (2005)..School meals program: Competitive foods are widely available and generate substantial revenues for schools (U.S. GAO No. GAO-05-563).

Tuesday, November 13, 2012

Underage Drinking Prevention


Alcohol is the most commonly used drug by youth—more than all illegal drugs combined.  That's why Mothers Against Drunk Driving® (MADD) wants to provide the tools to help teens take a stand against underage alcohol use and to equip parents to have potentially lifesaving conversations about alcohol with their kids.

There are several ways teens can use their power to take a stand:
  • Read MADD’s teen booklet and share it with friends.
  • Visit www.facebook.com/MADDsPowerofYouth to enter to win NFL prizes through MADD Props™ by taking a pledge not to drink underage or ride with someone who has been drinking.
  • Enter MADD’s video contest to demonstrate your power to stop underage drinking and for a chance to win the latest iPad by December 28, 2012.
Parents often concern themselves with teaching their teens to not drink and drive rather than talking with them about the dangers of drinking underage. What parents may not know is that research shows the earlier kids start to drink, the greater the likelihood they will become alcohol dependent, drive drunk, and experience other negative consequences that are parents’ worst nightmares. 

Research also shows that parents are the leading influence on kids’ decisions of whether or not to drink alcohol.  MADD is empowering parents to use their influence to talk with teens about alcohol through the Power of Parents® program and the parenthandbook that equip parents with the research-based information to have these potentially life-saving conversations. Use this influence not only at home with teens, but share this valuable resource with other parents.

Please contact Cristi Cousins at MADD VA (804-353-7121 or cristi.cousins@madd.org) to learn more about MADD’s programs for engaging youth, parents and the community to prevent underage drinking.


Underage Drinking Prevention. Mothers Against Drunk Driving. 13 November 2012.  www.madd.org 

Monday, November 5, 2012

Get SAVVY about Substance Abuse Prevention


Get sAvvy about preventing abuse of these substances!


 PLEASE JOIN US AT THE SAVVY EXPOS TO:
Hear about prevention strategies and recent trends in youth substance abuse Share your knowledge    Connect with others in your area Review available programs and resources
NOVEMBER 14, 2012
NOVEMBER 29, 2012
6-8 p.m.
James River High School
3700 James River Road
Midlothian, VA 23113

10 am- 12 pm
Virginia Dept. of Forensic Science Northern Laboratory 10850 Pyramid Place Manassas, VA 20110











You play an important role educating and safeguarding youth and adults. On behalf of the Office of Governor Bob McDonnell, we invite you to attend a SAVVY Expo and join us as a SAVVY partner.
The expos will feature speakers and exhibitors sharing the most current information about substance abuse and prevention, spotlighting: bath salts, synthetic cannabinoids, prescription drug abuse, alcohol, inhalants and other commonly-abused substances. 
Test your SAVVY IQ, pick up dozens of ideas for working with teens, network with representatives of: PTAs, schools, health professions, law enforcement, first responders, community coalitions, elected officials, government agencies, youth advocates, community service boards and others. Refreshments, prizes and take-aways too! 
Please visit SAVVY VA on Facebook for updates about the program and exhibitors. Pre-registration is not necessary.
Please visit the Virginia.gov website to read about Governor McDonnell's Announcement on the Initiative to Promote Substance Abuse Awareness and Prevention for Virginia's Youth.

  
Questions? Please call or email ABC Education Coordinator Jennifer Farinholt at 804-213-4452 or jennifer.farinholt@abc.virginia.gov. Also check the SAVVY VA Facebook page for frequent updates!