Unity School is dedicated to fostering an environment where students can make healthy food choices that support both academic success and lifelong health. Healthy eating patterns are crucial for students to reach their full academic potential and achieve optimal physical and mental growth. Proper nutrition enhances attention, creativity, test performance, behavior, and attendance. Additionally, establishing positive eating habits in childhood can reduce the risks of mortality and chronic diseases in adulthood.
Goals
Foods and beverages provided during the school day should aim to minimize the use of trans fats, saturated fats, excess sodium, and sugar, as outlined by the Dietary Guidelines for Americans. Meals served through the cafeteria will:
- Be appealing and attractive
- Be served in a clean and pleasant setting
- Offer variety and exposure to new and different foods
- Provide a range of choices to help children learn to make wise selections
- Accommodate students with food allergies or intolerances
- Coordinate with classroom curricula to enhance nutrition education
Lunch
All students must remain on campus during mealtime hours. Lunch can be ordered in classrooms before 8:50 a.m. each morning or brought from home. Lunch periods are approximately 40 minutes long, including recess. Students are not allowed to have lunch delivered to campus through a meal delivery system. If a student does not have lunch, one will be ordered for them from the school cafeteria.
The menus are designed to be both child-friendly and nutritionally balanced, offering opportunities for students to try new, healthy foods daily. Food is prepared from scratch using healthy cooking techniques and incorporates organically grown vegetables and herbs from the campus gardens. The menu is available on the school’s website at Unity School Lunch Menu and through the Unity School app.
Cafeteria Meals
Students can choose from a main entrée, a specialty entrée salad, or a sandwich (peanut butter, peanut butter and jelly, cheese sandwich, or veggie burger) daily. Lunch also includes appropriate side dishes, such as a fresh vegetable, fresh fruit, an occasional treat, and access to our Hydration Station, which offers infused water and low-fat milk daily. Pizza slices are available every Wednesday through Uptown Pizza in Delray Beach.
Students who wish to purchase an additional beverage with lunch or those who bring lunch from home can buy access to the Hydration Station, which offers plain or infused water and low-fat milk. A supersized meal (a larger entrée) is also available for a small additional charge. Lunch is billed monthly.
Home-Bagged Lunch and Snacks
Bagged lunches and snacks should contribute positively to a student’s diet and health. Lunches brought from home should be healthy and nutritious, and must not require cooking or heating. If a student has special dietary needs, they are responsible for bringing their own lunch. Students in grades K-8 are encouraged to bring a nutritious snack.
Plain water and low-fat milk are the preferred beverage options for lunch and snacks at Unity School. Beverages containing added sugars or caffeine, such as juice, soda, and flavored waters, are not permitted.
Candy has minimal nutritional value and is therefore prohibited. Snacks containing chocolate are also discouraged unless they meet the Food and Beverage Nutrient Standards and Guidelines.
Preschool Snacks
Each morning, the cafeteria provides a healthy snack to Toddler, Orientation, and Preschool students. These snacks are freshly prepared and focus on whole-body nutrition. They contain the right amount of nutrients to keep young minds engaged and support strong bone and muscle growth. Occasionally, a pre-packaged snack low in salt and added sugar is offered to help children learn about nutrition labels and portion control. A fruit and protein option will always be available.
Parents may provide their own snack for their child, but we ask that you adhere to Unity School’s Wellness Policy when making your selections.
Food Events
When providing food for parties and class events that will be shared with others, it is essential to adhere to the Wellness Policy Guidelines. All food must be prepared, packaged, and purchased from a store or food facility that is inspected by the Department of Health. This includes facilities such as Publix, Whole Foods, Fresh Market, Walmart, Target, Trader Joe’s, etc. All items must be brought in their original packaging. Homemade food is not permitted.
Birthday celebrations are recognized without the need for food service. We ensure that each child’s special day is celebrated in various other meaningful ways. We ask that treats and cakes be provided when students are at home, rather than on campus.
Food and beverages should not be used as rewards for academic performance or good behavior, nor should they be withheld as a form of punishment.
Sharing of food and beverages:
Students are not permitted to share food and beverages with one another during meals or snack time due to concerns about allergies, the spread of illnesses, and other dietary or cultural restrictions.
General Nutrition Standards and Guidelines
- Food of minimal nutritional value should not be given away, sold, or used as incentives for students, except for peppermint, which has been documented to enhance memory.
- Packaged snacks should not exceed 250 calories.
- Encourage foods containing fruits, vegetables, healthy proteins, and whole grains.
- Frozen desserts, including ice cream, should not exceed 4 ounces.
- Sweetened water ice, such as popsicles or Italian ice, should contain 100% fruit juice.
- Snacks and sweets should not exceed 1.5 ounces.
- Cookies, muffins, and cereal bars should not exceed 3 ounces.
- No candy or chewing gum is allowed.
- Avoid artificial colors and additives.
Qualifications of School Food Service Staff
A qualified nutrition professional with ServSafe Manager Certification will oversee the School Food Service Program. Appropriate training will be provided to kitchen and cafeteria workers based on their level of responsibility. All local, state, and federal regulations shall be met.
This policy is effective during the school day.
