WWPS Nutrition Services implements new healthy practices

Last spring the Nutrition Services Department completed its Child Nutrition review and results indicate the district is meeting the new nutrition standards. Nutrition Services Director Pamela Milleson reports the department participates in several USDA programs: National School Lunch Program (NSLP), School Breakfast Program (SBP), After School Snack Program, At Risk Supper Program, Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program , Farm to School Program.

“We are very proud to be able to state that 84 percent of the Nutrition Services staff have received a School Nutrition Associations level one certification,” Milleson said. “Staff member must complete 10 hours of training in Basic Nutrition and 10 hours of training in Safety and Sanitation.”

The Nutrition Services Department is implementing the new Smart Snack guidelines for all snacks and beverages sold during the school day. Milleson says the district is working toward the Healthier U.S. School Challenge with staff seeking to obtain this special certification.

Also this year, the Nutrition Services Department, based on a recommendation from the School Health Advisory Committee, is limiting the amount of chocolate milk served in district cafeterias. Chocolate milk will only be available the first Friday of the month in elementary schools and on Fridays weekly in middle and high schools.

“The American Heart Association recommends that children consume no more than 12 grams of added sugar per day,” Milleson said. “Walla Walla Public Schools students consume 10 grams of added sugar each time they drink one carton of the chocolate milk served in the district’s school meal program.”