Just Say NO to Food Rewards in School: A Must-Read Guide for Parents
August 30, 2012 | Posted by Stacy under Food rewards |
A couple weeks ago, I received an email from a concerned mom wanting to tackle the issue of food rewards at her child’s school:
“I’ve been reading your blog this morning and just wanted to say thanks for all you’re sharing here. I’m currently building my own case against food rewards in class. I wrote a letter to our superintendent about the concerns I have with the use of food rewards in the school and now she wants to meet to talk about it. I don’t want to blow this opportunity to make a valid case to the powers that be. Do you have any experience taking on the school about this issue? Any advice as I head into this meeting? Thanks!” ~Lisa
Funny that she should ask! For those who haven’t been following my blog from the beginning, here’s a little background: Last winter, I grew frustrated with all the classroom parties and food rewards at my son’s elementary school. I decided to approach the school principal about it—but before doing so, I did my homework. I wanted to have all my ducks in a row before talking to him. Like Lisa, I really wanted my voice to be heard and knew that this was my best shot. Based on my research and what I’ve learned since, I put together these tips for Lisa, who met with her superintendent and principal last week (and I’ll let you know how it went in a minute!):
1) Check your school district wellness policy In accordance with the Child Nutrition and WIC Reauthorization Act of 2004, all school districts participating in the federally funded school meals program must have a written policy that addresses nutrition and physical activity. With very little effort, I found a copy of ours on the school district’s website. Arming yourself with the “official policy” (and I suggest printing it out and having it available to show school officials!) will show that you’re prepared and that your request is in line with the district’s stated goals. In other words, you’re not some crazy anti-sugar crackpot—you merely want the school to live up to its promise.
2) Keep it positive Lest you rub people the wrong way or be branded a troublemaker, start by offering some glowing words about the school. Tell the superintendent how much your child loves it or praise a certain part of the curriculum or a favorite teacher. When you’re ready to get down to business, be sure to phrase your request in a positive way: Say something like, “I’d love to see the school encouraging healthy rewards as outlined in the district wellness policy” instead of “Teachers shouldn’t be giving out candy!” or “I don’t understand why the class is being rewarded with junk food!” Put yourself in your superintendent’s shoes and try not to say anything that will offend him or her.
3) Build your case Prepare a few talking points on the downsides of food rewards (for example, they can heighten kids’ desire for sweets, teach them to reward or comfort themselves with food, and interfere with their internal hunger cues, etc.). In your meeting, be sure to make the link between food and behavior. Kids have more trouble focusing and behaving in class after downing a lot of junk or sugar. The last thing educators want is unruly children who are too hyped up to pay attention!
4) Rally the troops Try to find like-minded parents to back you up. Power in numbers! If they won’t come with you to the meeting, ask them to send an email—and even offer to draft it for them. A lot of parents who may care about this issue may just be too busy to take an active role. If nothing else, at least tell the superintendent that you’ve spoken to other parents who share your opinion.
5) Offer solutions School officials are busy people with lots on their plate. So make the idea of making changes as easy as possible for them! Come in with ideas for non-food rewards that could be used in place of treats and candy. (100 Days of Real Food—one of my absolute favorite websites—recently put out a list of that is so creative and comprehensive that I’m just going to send you there for a printable copy.)
Late last week on my Facebook page, I posted a link to Lisa’s own blog, Autumn’s Lunchbox, where she describes the outcome of her meeting with her daughter’s school. As I suggested, she went in with a copy of her school district’s wellness policy, which she found in an “obscure place” on its website. Here’s her account of how it all went down:
“During the meeting, we talked about our experiences [at the school] so far, our reasons for wanting things to change and our hopes for better times ahead. [The superintendent and principal] listened and were in agreement that it was time to start getting closer to what their wellness policy states. We talked about how times have changed and some alternatives that teachers could use [to reward students] instead of candy. They admitted that they hadn’t been looking closely at what happens in the classroom and our principal admitted to not even reading the [wellness] policy until this came up.”
Gulp! Sadly, this is par for the course in a lot of schools around the country. Despite having wellness policies addressing food not being used as a reward, many schools are doing nothing to discourage the practice. Ditto for all the junk food being served at class parties and other school celebrations and being sold in school stores and vending machines.
On Lisa’s blog, she admits that it was hard for her to speak up. As she puts it, “I worried that [my daughter’s] teacher would not appreciate me messing with her way of doing things. I also worried that the Principal or teachers would get mad at me.” I can really relate to this because it’s so similar to how I felt when I was pushing for healthy changes at my son’s school. No one likes being the bad guy or squeaky wheel. But sometimes you have to make a little noise in order for anything to change!!
Lisa ends her blog post with these compelling words:
“If you see something that you feel is wrong, don’t be afraid to say so…Be kind, don’t get angry or assign blame, don’t get frustrated when the support isn’t what you expected, and when someone admits that they are wrong about something, listen to what they have to say. I am so glad that I said something. I’m feeling really positive about my kids’ future in this school. I know we’ll encounter many challenges along the way, but this was a great success for all of our kids.”
I couldn’t be happier for Lisa, and I really hope that her willingness to take a stand will lead to a healthier environment for her daughter and all the children at their school.
RESOURCES:
These two handouts discuss the downsides of food rewards at school as well as healthy alternatives:
Rewards Kids Will Crave (Utah Department of Health)
Constructive Classroom Rewards (Center for Science in the Public Interest)
How do you feel about kids being rewarded with food? Are food rewards used in your child’s school? Please scroll down to leave a comment.
We’re still feeling really good about how the meeting went. I’m so glad I contacted you– I think it really helped me to finally find someone out there who felt like I did. That support definitely renewed my belief that I was doing the right thing. As a result of this one letter and meeting, every school in the district will now be addressing this issue. More parents have expressed their support as well. It’s all been positive.
Thanks again!
Wow, Lisa, that is SO great! I think there are a lot of parents who feel the same way as we do. But as you know, it is hard to get up the courage to say anything. Kudos to you for following through and not letting your fears get the best of you. I really hope it leads to positive changes. Fingers crossed!!!!!!!!
This made my morning. Way to advocate for positive change! Thank you!!!
Thanks so much for your kind words!
this is a terrific informational post! My son just started kindergarten and it is just the seccond week, but already his class has earned an ice cream party!?! I signed up for the PTA Health and Wellness committee, so your advice comes at the perfect time.
Thanks, Natalia! I wish you lots of luck. So glad to hear that you got a spot on the Health and Wellness Committee. Keep me posted on your progress!
Can someone please help direct me to my school’s Health and Wellness guide? Do all states require each school has one in place? I am needing some advice on how to make a point as to why using food as rewards is not right.
Maegan — Since you already found me on Facebook, I’m not going to go into details here. But just want to say that I’m so glad that we connected, and I’ve got my fingers crossed that you get your school to see the light about food rewards. Please keep me posted!
I disagree with the food rewards at my daughters middle school. I also disagree with how and why they do it! For the kids who made their “goal” on computer testing they got donuts!!! The ones who did not reach goal got Smartie candies.…they had a T-CAP rally Friday. They did some T-CAP questions the winner got candy, the loser got a dum dum sucker.…REALLY? Children were asked to bring in candy to use for rewards during T-CAP review games…but the children were allowed to give the candy out so it became a popular kids get the candy, unpopular kids were laughed at and told they couldn’t have any.…teachers are constantly giving out candy and even soda, our school has a policy against unhealthy snacks.
WOW, I thought our school was bad. That blows my mind. Have you thought about taking it up with your school principal? Is there anyone charged with monitoring the wellness policy?
Hi, I am part of a group of parents that want to remove junk food rewards from our K-8 school. I looked up our district policy as you recommended (for Osceola county in Florida) and here is what it says. Is that what you used to speak to the Principal or is it something more detailed?
Thanks in advance
Laure
WELLNESS PROGRAM 2.95*+
I. The Superintendent shall establish a Wellness Program that shall include, but not
be limited to, the following components:
A. Goals for nutrition education, physical activity and other school-based
activities that are designed to promote student wellness;
B. Goals for nutrition education, physical activity and other activities that are
designed to promote employee wellness;
C. A plan for implementing the goals of the program;
D. Nutrition guidelines for all foods available on each school campus and
District facility during the school/work day;
E. A plan for evaluating the implementation of the wellness program;
F. A plan for modifying the program based on evaluation data;
G. Designation of a wellness coordinator at each school and District facility;
and
H. Involvement of parents, students, representatives of the school food
authority, the School Board, teachers, school administrators, support staff,
District administrators, and the public.
II. This program shall meet the requirements of the National School Lunch Act and
the Child Nutrition Act of 1966.