As stated in the current Wellness Policy, the Upper Dublin School Board is committed to proper nutrition and the wellness of all Upper Dublin students. The revised District Wellness Policy’s accompanying Administrative Regulations state that the goal is to reduce and eliminate foods with some potentially harmful ingredients, ingredients such as partially hydrogenated oils (trans fats), MSG, BHT, and sodium nitrates and nitrites. These ingredients are mostly found in fully processed foods. According to CSPI, a very reputable consumer group, these ingredients should be avoided, and hence they are in Upper Dublin’s Administrative Regulations to the Wellness Policy. It is important to note that Food service is currently violating this policy in the following ways:

• Nutrition Advisory Committee (NAC): The NAC’s role in the Wellness Policy is defined as follows: “Work with Food Service to approve any items prior to them being taste tested or added to the menu. “
-->Several items had been added to the menu before approval of the NAC.

• Administrative Regulations: New Items with the “avoid” list ingredients are being brought up for vote to be added to the menu. Administrative officials are now considering the list of “Avoid” ingredients to just be a guideline, not necessary to follow. In fact, as of the beginning of the 2012-2013 school year, some food items with these harmful ingredients are on the current menu (examples: meatballs, uncrustables).

Please join us in letting Upper Dublin School District know that we need to follow the Wellness Policy and accompanying Administrative Regulations and adhere to this minimal list. In addition, we would like the current Wellness Policy/Administrative Regulations to be enforced by the Superintendent (or designee) to assure compliance as the policy states.