Non-Food Celebrations in Schools – A Letter to Parents

Dear MVCSD Families:

We write to share guidance regarding (1) food sold in schools, and (2) foods made available during the school day for classroom celebrations and recognition activities.

This guidance aligns with federal, state, and district policies, including:

• The Healthy Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010 (HHFKA)- a law with a focus on improving nutrition and reducing childhood obesity. It allows the USDA to set higher nutritional standards for school meals and snacks.
• USDA Smart Snacks in Schools – this federal regulation applies to foods sold a la carte, in school stores, vending machines, and any other venues where food is sold to students. Smart Snacks standards are applicable during the school day, which is defined as the midnight before to 30 minutes after the end of the instructional day;
• Mount Vernon City School District Nutrition Policy 5660 (adopted in 2006) and Wellness Policy 5661 (adopted in 2006 and revised in 2023) - these local policies pick up where the federal regulations stop. Classroom parties and celebrations where students or teachers provide the food or fund its purchase are not subject to the Smart Snacks standards. Instead, such celebrations are subject to the local wellness policy and should comply with the standards of that policy. To that end:
  • “The Mount Vernon City School District is committed to providing schoolenvironments that promote and protect children’s health, well-being, and ability to learn by supporting healthy eating and physical activity.”
  • “All foods made available on all school campuses will meet nutritional requirements set by the USDA… for the NSBP and NSLP.”

These guidelines are in place to do the following:

• Protect students with food allergies and/or medical dietary needs;
• Ensure fairness and consistency across classrooms and schools; and
• Maintain compliance with federal, state, and district regulations.

The policies require that food sold and/or provided during the school day support our students’ health and wellness. Food-related activities must not interfere with the district’s child nutrition programs. Student safety, including addressing food allergies and medical needs (like diabetes), must always be prioritized.

This is not about restrictions…rather, it is an opportunity to think creatively about how we celebrate! We recognize that honoring special moments is an important part of school experiences. We are committed to supporting meaningful, fun, and inclusive non-food-based celebrations that allow every child to participate safely. Attached to this letter are several successful ideas! These safe options help reinforce positive behavior, build classroom community, nurture learning, create good habits, and fully align with district wellness expectations. Our goal is to ensure that all schoolday activities support student health, safety, and equity, while still allowing students to feel celebrated and appreciated.

We thank you for your partnership to help us (1) model positive behaviors, (2) encourage healthy lifestyles, and (3) maintain a safe and healthy learning environment for all students. If you have questions about celebrations or would like to suggest an activity, please get in touch with your
child’s school administration for guidance.

Thank you for your continued support of our students and the school community!