Jackson School Board approves food policy revisions

The Jackson School Board approved several policy revisions during its meeting Tuesday, including two regarding food-rule revisions resulting from the federal Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010 that drew opposition from board member Paul Stoner.

Under the new law, all foods and beverages served or sold during the school day are required to meet U.S. Department of Agriculture standards.

The school day is defined as from midnight before the start of the traditional school day to 30 minutes after the end of the school day, according to information from the district.

The new standards apply to all foods served or sold to students, including items sold in school stores, vending machines and other areas.

In general, these rules also apply to fundraisers in the district during the school day, but the law allows "infrequent" fundraisers, including the sale of food and beverages that do not meet the nutrition standards, the information said.

Stoner voiced his concern and asked the two policies to be voted separately from the others, which covered everything from evaluation of certified staff to test integrity and security.

"I feel like the changes are a little bit of an overreach into what should be a more local ... matter, as opposed to something that should be dictated by the federal government and those regulations," Stoner said. " ... I don't think this particular change is that drastic, but it is an increment more than what it was previously, and I just felt like it was something we needed to stand up against at this point before it gets to the point where it's more restrictive and more stipulations are placed on it."

Assistant superintendent administrative/student services Beth Emmendorfer said food service is working with each campus to ensure they meet the requirements. She said each building will get five exemptions for such things as pizza parties.

Emmendorfer said the new rules don't tell parents they can't provide cupcakes for birthday parties or school lunches, for example.

In other business, the board recognized district art show winners and the Jackson High School metalworking students.

rcampbell@semissourian.com

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Pertinent address: 614 E. Adams St., Jackson, MO