MODESTO CITY SCHOOLS
WELLNESS POLICY
Modesto City Schools is committed to providing school environments that promote and protect
children’s health, well –being, and ability to learn by supporting healthy eating and physical
activity.
The school district will engage students, parents teachers, food service professionals, health
professionals and other interested community members in developing, implementing,
monitoring, and reviewing district-wide nutrition and physical activity polices.
All students in grades K-12 will have opportunities, support, and encouragement to be physically
active on a regular basis.
Foods and beverages sold or served at school will meet or exceed all required nutrition
recommendations.
Qualified child nutrition professionals will provide students with access to a variety of
affordable, nutritious, and appealing foods that meet the health and nutrition needs of students
and will provide clean safe and pleasant settings and adequate time for students to eat.
To the extent possible, all schools in the district will participate in available federal school meal
programs. Reimbursable school meals shall not be less restrictive than regulations and guidance
issued by the Secretary of Agriculture for schools.
Schools will provide nutrition education and physical education to foster lifelong habits of
healthy eating and physical activity and will establish linkages between health education and
school meal programs and with related community services.
Page 1 of 5
I. Nutritional Quality of Foods and Beverage
Sold and Served on Campus
The link between nutrition and learning is well documented. Healthy eating patterns are
essential for students to achieve their full academic potential. Well-planned and wellimplemented school nutrition programs have a positive influence on students’ eating habits.
Breakfast
To ensure that all children have breakfast, either at home or at school:


The Nutrition Service Program will, to the extent possible, operate the School Breakfast
Program at all school sites.
Schools that serve breakfast to students will notify parents and students of the availability
of the School Breakfast Program.
Free and Reduced-price Meals
Schools will make every effort to eliminate any social stigma and to prevent the overt
identification of students who are eligible for free and reduced priced meals.
Sharing of Foods and Beverages
Schools should discourage students from sharing their foods and beverages with one another
during meal or snack times, given concerns about allergies and other restrictions on some
children’s diets.
Page 2 of 5
II. Foods and Beverages Sold Individually
These foods and beverages are those sold outside of the reimbursable schools meals, such as
through vending machines, cafeteria ala carte lines, fundraisers or student stores.
Elementary Schools
The school food service program will approve all food and beverage sales to students in
elementary schools. All foods and beverages sold individually will be required to meet or
exceed all state and federal regulations.
Junior High Schools and High Schools
In junior high schools and high schools, all foods and beverages sold individually outside the
reimbursable school meal programs (including those sold through the a la carte lines, vending
machines, student stores or fundraising activities) during the school day will meet or exceed all
state and federal regulations.
Rewards
Schools will not use foods or beverages, especially those that do not meet the nutrition standards
for foods and beverages sold individually, as rewards for academic performance or good
behavior and will not withhold food or beverages as punishment.
Celebrations
Schools should limit celebrations that involve food or beverages during the school day.
School-Sponsored Events
Foods and beverages offered or sold at school-sponsored events outside the school day (such as
athletic events, dances, performances, etc.) will meet or exceed state and federal nutrition
standards.
Pleasant Eating Experiences
To ensure that all students have a pleasant eating experience:


Facility design will be given priority in renovations and new construction.
Drinking fountains will be available for students to get water throughout the day.
Page 3 of 5
III. Nutrition in the Curriculum
Modesto City Schools is committed to providing nutrition education what will foster the
knowledge, skills and behaviors that students need in order to lead healthy, productive lives. The
district’s health education program shall teach personal responsibility for one’s own lifelong
health, respect for and promotion of the health of others, the process of growth and development,
and informed use of health-related information, products and services.
The district shall provide a planned, sequential health education curriculum for students in grades
K-12 that is research based and age appropriate. The content of health instruction shall be
offered in accordance with law, Board policy, administrative regulation and state curriculum
framework frameworks.
The Board intends for health education to be part of a comprehensive district program to
promote the health and well-being of students and staff. Instruction in health-related topics shall
be supported by physical education, health service, nutrition service psychological and
counseling services, and safe and healthy school environment.
IV. Physical Education
Elementary Schools
Instruction in physical education shall be provided for a total period of time of not less than 200
minutes each 10 school days. (Education Cod 51210, 51223)
Junior High Schools
Instruction in physical education shall be provided for a total period of time of not less than 200
minutes each 10 school days. (Education Code 51210, 51223)
High Schools
Instruction in physical education shall be provided for a total period of time of not less than 400
minutes each 10 school days. (Education Code 51222)
Page 4 of 5
V. Monitoring and Policy Review
Monitoring
The superintendent or designee will ensure compliance with established district-wide
nutrition and physical activity wellness policies. In each school, the principal or designee
will ensure compliance with those policies in his/her school and will report on a regular basis
on the school’s compliance to the Superintendent or designee.
District/school food service staff will ensure compliance with nutrition policies within school
food services and will prepare reports on a regular basis.
The Superintendent or designee will develop a summary report to the Board every three years
on district-wide compliance with the district’s established nutrition and physical activity
wellness policy.
Policy Review
The Superintendent or designee will conduct a comprehensive review of the district’s
wellness policy every three years.
Page 5 of 5