St. Brigid's N.S.

LUNCHES:

Following consultations with teachers and parent reps, we introduced a Healthy Eating Policy in the school in September 2005. This policy is based on Healthy Eating Guidelines outlined by the Health Promotion Unit of the Dept. of Health & Children and has been endorsed by the Health Board.
Please consult the nutrition and health tips pages in the journal.

We would like to thank all members of the school community for embracing this policy enthusiastically We hope that all involved –parents, children and teachers will continue to look on the positive and the long term benefits of this policy rather than dwell on the do’s and don’ts. To this end we have devised the following list of suggested guidelines for healthy lunches as well as a list of food and drinks students are not permitted to have on the school premises.

Suggested guidelines for healthy Lunches Foods/Drinks not permitted.


Sandwiches (Brown bread preferably)
Bars/Sweets/Chocolate
Pitta Bread
Biscuits/Cakes
Raw Vegetables
Crisps(or similar)
Fresh Fruits
Cereal Bars e.g. Rice Crispy Squares
Yoghurt, Petit Filous, Yops, Actimel etc.
Fizzy Drinks
Cheese
Sports Drinks – High Caffeine Content
Crackers
Drinks with artificial sweeteners
Scones
Chocolate Spread
Pasta
Plain Buns
Pre-packed processed lunches e.g. Lunchables
Rice
Waffles
Water
Milk
Pancakes

Fresh Juice (unsweetened only)
Foods not permitted for hygiene reasons
Peanut Butter
Popcorn
Raisins
Chewing Gum



It is important that children are educated to appreciate the contribution that good food makes to health. In implementing this policy we are encouraging our young people to develop positive and responsible attitudes to eating. To ensure the continued success of the policy a concentrated effort by all parties is necessary. Again we would like to thank everyone involved for participating and ensuring the success of the policy and to remind everyone that any feedback is most welcome as this policy can be reviewed as necessary.
All food not eaten by your child will be returned in his/her lunch box so that you may realise your child’s likes and dislikes.

If your child has any medical condition that makes this policy unsuitable please advise the class teacher.