PRINT ARTICLE

Print    Close This Window
Keystone Oaks to Offer Free Fresh Fruits and Vegetables to Elementary Students
Keystone Oaks’ Food Service Department will roll out a new, free fresh fruits and vegetables program to elementary students starting Thursday, October 24. The program will be implemented over the course of several days to allow the Food Service Department to fine tune the process of serving fresh produce in all three buildings. The District is excited to be able to offer this innovative program to all students in kindergarten through fifth grade, giving them the opportunity to enjoy nutritious fruits and vegetables during their school day at no cost to District families.

At their October 23 Business/Legislative Meeting, the Board of School Directors modified Policy 209.1: Food Allergy Management to allow food to be served in the classroom only through the USDA Fresh Fruits & Vegetables Program. The Food Service Department will be responsible for ensuring that there are no documented food allergies for any items served or that no violations exist under any student’s medical plans of care. The updated policy will be available on the District’s website by the end of this week.

The Keystone Oaks School District recognized that some students are not served lunch for more than four hours after eating breakfast. This length of time between meals can lead to decreased concentration levels and behavior issues in the classroom. Likewise, students who eat lunch early in the school day experience similar challenges in the afternoon.

Each day, students will be able to choose a fruit or vegetable from a mobile cart. Selections will vary by building based on allergies and other medical concerns, but may include apples, bananas, grapes, oranges, cucumber slices, baby carrots, celery, and tomatoes.

Please note that the Food Allergy Management Policy has not changed in regard to treats or food that are served at other times. Those food items must still be served in a non-instructional setting and the ingredient list must be submitted to the main school office at least three days in advance. Additionally, parents/guardians are not permitted to send in fruits or vegetables from home for students to consume during their designated break time.

Questions should be directed to the building principal or Mr. Kevin Lloyd, Director of Food Service, at [email protected] or 412-571-6059.