The Cumberland School District is taking steps to improve student nutrition.  The school food service department is committed to this goal.  Some of the improvements that have been made over the past few years are listed below: 

• All soda and fruit drinks have been removed from vending machines.
• Fresh fruit and/or vegetables are offered daily for those that take the main entrée meal or the salad bar
• All  bread is homemade with 50% whole wheat flour or oatmeal
• Food service staff is continually trying new recipes (healthier muffins, cookies, etc.)
• The amount of sugar used to make the jelly has been reduced by 20%
• Fruit is served for dessert most days of the week
• A mix of romaine, carrots, other vegetables, and spinach (when available) has replaced iceberg lettuce in the salad bar
• Changing the recess schedule so that lunch follows recess for grades K - 6.
• The purchase of nutrition software for menu planning and analysis of nutrient content in food with a goal to eventually have all options labeled with nutritional information.
• Adding the option of a nutritious bagged lunch for elementary students that participate in the school lunch program.
• Adding the option of a small side salad with the main entree for older students at no extra charge.

Continued improvements are currently being planned, such as:

1. Labeling all food options with nutritional information.
2. Ensuring that all fundraisers support the health of our students and the community.
3. Ensuring that the fat content of foods does not exceed the nutritional guidelines.

What can parents do?

Start at home by:

• Giving kids healthy options
• Limiting juice intake to ½ cup per day;  serve 100% juice only
• Eliminating soda
• Stop using food as a reward
• Increasing the number of home-cooked meals you eat together as a family each week.

Send healthy snack and class treats to school, such as:

• Fresh fruit, fruit salad, fruit kabobs
• Dried fruit (raisins, cranberries, apricots, banana chips), 100% fruit snacks
• Low or non-fat yogurt or yogurt tubes
• Bagels with peanut butter or low-fat cream cheese
• Vegetables with dip
• Celery with peanut butter
• Whole grain crackers with cheese
• String cheese sticks
• Angel food cake plain or topped with fruit
• Low-fat pudding
• Granola bars
• Whole-grain, fruit muffins

Favorite Nutrition Websites