Local Wellness Policy

Local Wellness Policy – Board Approved- January 24th, 2007.

Revised April 16th, 2024   The Child Nutrition and WIC Reauthorization Act of 2004 mandated by the U.S. Congress requires schools participating in federally funded meal programs to establish a Local Wellness Policy by the start of the school year on June 30, 2006. This policy must include the following elements: Objectives for nutrition education, physical activity, and other school-based initiatives aimed at enhancing student wellness.

Nutritional guidelines aimed at fostering student health and combating childhood obesity.

Assurance that the nutritional guidelines adhere to the Secretary of Agriculture’s regulations for reimbursable meals, ensuring they are not less stringent.

A strategy for monitoring the implementation of the policy, including appointing one or more individuals within the school responsible for its oversight.

Engagement from parents, students, the school food authority, the school board, school administrators, and the public in the policy development process.

Additionally, the Act expanded eligibility for free school meals to include homeless, migrant, foster, and runaway children automatically. It also revised nutrition requirements, such as offering milk with varying fat content and allowing substitutions for non dairy beverages with proper documentation. Schools are required to align their food service with the latest Dietary Guidelines for Americans and other scientifically valid nutritional information.

Statement of Responsibility Perspectives Charter Schools acknowledges the integral relationship between the food served in schools, physical activity, and nutrition education, and their collective impact on wellness. We understand that a nutritious diet is crucial for a student’s capacity to learn effectively and meet high academic standards. As part of the communities we serve, it is our responsibility to exemplify and actively promote Healthy Lifestyles, integrating wellness, good nutrition, and physical activity as essential components of the educational environment.

RODNEY D. JOSLIN CAMPUS | IIT MATH & SCIENCE ACADEMY | LEADERSHIP CAMPUS

1530 S. STATE ST. FL. 2 | CHICAGO, IL 60605 | P 312.604.2200 | pcsedu.org

Goals for Nutrition Education (Requirement 1) Perspectives Charter Schools is committed to fostering the Healthy Lifestyle of each student. To support this, we aim to integrate the lunch period as a vital part of our educational program and focus on the following objectives: Guarantee that no student goes hungry at school.

Provide a sustainable meal program that offers nutritious breakfast and lunch options daily.

Each campus will maintain an instructional garden to give students practical experiences with food, from planting to tasting, aligned with nutrition education and the core curriculum.

Encourage hands-on learning opportunities through activities such as farm visits, farmers market tours, and community garden excursions, which help students understand food sourcing and health implications.

Promote food sampling and tasting within school gardens and cafeterias to enhance nutrition education.

Use food sourced from school gardens and local farms in cafeteria meals when possible.

Incorporate eating experiences and nutrition lessons into the general curriculum across all grades.

Schedule lunch periods strategically after exercise and at appropriate times to avoid early or late dining.

Ensure all eating areas offer free, safe drinking water and hand washing facilities.

Involve students in a recycling program that focuses on reducing waste and using recycled products.

Prohibit student involvement in selling high-fat and high-sugar items during school events or fundraisers.

Update food service technology with modern equipment and systems like automated accounting and card swipe systems to ensure student privacy.

RODNEY D. JOSLIN CAMPUS | IIT MATH & SCIENCE ACADEMY | LEADERSHIP CAMPUS

1530 S. STATE ST. FL. 2 | CHICAGO, IL 60605 | P 312.604.2200 | pcsedu.org

Goals for Physical Activity (Requirement 1) Perspectives Charter Schools acknowledges the significant impact of physical activity on student health and academic success. We commit to providing diverse physical activity opportunities to enhance students’ physical, mental, emotional, and social well-being. Our physical education curriculum will include a range of kinesthetic activities, such as team sports, individual sports, and aesthetic movement forms like dance, yoga, or martial arts. We will ensure that: Physical education programs demonstrate the connection between physical activity, nutrition, and health.

We will improve physical education curricula and increase teacher training through professional development.

Gardening programs will be included to enrich physical activity options.

Suitable alternatives will be provided for students with physical disabilities.

Physical exercise will be moderated during extreme weather or other challenging conditions.

Goals for School-Based Learning Experience (Requirement 1) We recognize the importance of experiential learning in connecting diet, health, and environmental stewardship. Environmental education will be integrated across all grade levels, fostering understanding of ecological principles and promoting environmental responsibility.

We encourage staff to incorporate lessons on gardening, nutrition, and sustainable energy into various subjects.

Students will be urged to recycle, conserve resources, and use environmentally friendly materials.

Educational experiences will extend into the cafeteria and through field trips, linking practical activities with formal learning.

Goals for Waste Reduction (Requirement 1) To minimize waste and maximize nutrition, our school meal programs will prioritize fresh and minimally processed ingredients. o

Meals will be prepared using whole, fresh ingredients to reduce packaging waste and enhance nutritional value.

RODNEY D. JOSLIN CAMPUS | IIT MATH & SCIENCE ACADEMY | LEADERSHIP CAMPUS

1530 S. STATE ST. FL. 2 | CHICAGO, IL 60605 | P 312.604.2200 | pcsedu.org

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Cafeteria practices will focus on sustainability, including waste reduction, composting, and the use of recycled materials.

Food waste will be composted and utilized in school gardens.

We will review and possibly revise the use of disposable plates to further reduce waste.

Food Policy and Nutrition Guidelines (Requirement 2) Perspectives Charter Schools is dedicated to enhancing community health by educating students and families on maintaining lifelong healthy eating habits. Our food policy supports this mission by promoting nutritious eating through the following guidelines: Meals should be appealing, emphasizing a balance of variety, including favorites in moderation.

Preference for scratch-made meals using fresh, unprocessed ingredients, with an emphasis on nutrient-dense foods.

Whole grains will be the sole grain option.

A diverse selection of fruits and vegetables is offered, aiming for at least five different fruits and vegetables each week.

Protein sources include skinless poultry, lean turkey, beans, low-fat dairy, and eggs, with limited servings of high cholesterol meats.

No deep frying in food preparation.

Restriction on non-nutritious snacks like candy and chips on school grounds.

Beverages limited to water, low-fat milk, and 100% fruit juice, except during special school meal times.

Offer low-fat and fat-free flavored milk, alongside non-dairy alternatives as defined by the USDA, with organic options when possible.

Milk and juice servings capped at 8 ounces.

Consistent food and beverage standards across all school-related activities, with allowances for special events at the discretion of the Food service Director.

Lunchroom Climate Our goal is to foster a lunchroom environment that offers a relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere for both students and teachers. We will ensure: Easy access to hand-washing facilities before and after meals.

RODNEY D. JOSLIN CAMPUS | IIT MATH & SCIENCE ACADEMY | LEADERSHIP CAMPUS

1530 S. STATE ST. FL. 2 | CHICAGO, IL 60605 | P 312.604.2200 | pcsedu.org

Sufficient space and pleasant surroundings for eating.

A minimum of 20 minutes for students to eat once seated.

National School Lunch, Breakfast, and After School Snack Programs We aim to surpass USDA Dietary Guidelines by providing nutritious, fresh, and culturally diverse meals.

Breakfast will be provided at no cost to enhance participation and emphasize its importance.

We will promote maximum participation in meal programs through effective outreach and by removing any stigma associated with meal subsidies, using tools like electronic swipe cards.

An after-school snack will be offered free of charge to students involved in afterschool activities.

Director of Food Service (Requirement 4) Perspectives Charter Schools has established a full-time Director of Food service to oversee and manage all food service operations. This role encompasses: Ensuring compliance with USDA and ISBE standards for food programs.

Managing food procurement and related contracts.

Overseeing the food service budget.

Supervising menu planning and nutritional guidelines to enforce the Local Wellness Policy.

Coordinating with chefs and food service teams across all schools.

Healthy Lifestyles Goals To further our wellness mission, we aim to: Government Regulations and Guidelines (Requirement 3) The Director of Food Service will oversee adherence to the Perspectives Charter Schools Local Wellness Policy, ensuring it meets or exceeds standards set by the Secretary of Agriculture and state laws: RODNEY D. JOSLIN CAMPUS | IIT MATH & SCIENCE ACADEMY | LEADERSHIP CAMPUS

1530 S. STATE ST. FL. 2 | CHICAGO, IL 60605 | P 312.604.2200 | pcsedu.org

Ensuring compliance with all federal regulations for the National School Lunch Program, School Breakfast Program, and other federally funded food service programs, with the Greater Chicago Food Depository handling compliance for the After School Meal Program.

Adhering to Illinois laws related to food and beverage services in schools.

Following food safety, security, and HACCP guidelines.

Maintaining operational and accessible drinking water fountains.

Accommodating dietary, cultural, or religious preferences of students.

Measurement and Implementation (Requirement 4) The Director of Food Service will work closely with the Food Service team to monitor and refine the implementation of the wellness policy, making regular recommendations to the Board of Directors. Responsibilities include: Annually reporting on the policy’s effectiveness, including a review of financial statements and meal program strategies.

Proposing methods to enhance meal delivery and cost-efficiency.

Aiding in the development of promotional activities to increase meal participation.

Suggesting ways to increase the use of fresh, local produce.

Gathering student feedback through taste tests, surveys, and involvement in the Healthy Lifestyles Taskforce.

Providing periodic updates as needed.

Food Service Management Annual Report (Requirement 4) To foster community partnership and inform continuous improvements in food service, Perspectives Charter Schools mandates an annual report from the Food Service Management Company to the Board of Directors. This report will ensure transparency and enable the Director of Food Service to evaluate the Wellness Policy’s implementation effectively. It will include: •

Service levels and participation rates at each site.

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Financial performance including a Profit and Loss Statement.

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Outreach and Promotion Plan developed with the Director of Food Service.

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Budget forecasts for the upcoming year.

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Progress towards meeting Local Wellness Policy objectives.

RODNEY D. JOSLIN CAMPUS | IIT MATH & SCIENCE ACADEMY | LEADERSHIP CAMPUS

1530 S. STATE ST. FL. 2 | CHICAGO, IL 60605 | P 312.604.2200 | pcsedu.org

• •

Nutritional analysis of the meals served.

Current equipment inventory and future needs.

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Maintenance and equipment replacement budget.

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Management of Food Service financial reserves and budget planning.

• Analysis of food sourcing, including the proportion and financial impact of locally sourced purchases, and their effect on meal participation and produce consumption.

• Assessment of nutrition education’s reach and delivery methods.

Community Involvement (Requirement 5) To assess the policy’s impact on student health and education, Perspectives Charter Schools will establish a Healthy Lifestyles Taskforce. This taskforce, meeting at least four times a year, will be formed through a transparent, inclusive process. Members will include: Chef and/or Food Service Manager.

A Healthy Lifestyles Instructor from each campus.

Directors of Healthy Lifestyles and External Affairs.

A principal or assistant principal from each campus.

A board member, a teacher, high school student, middle school student, and a parent or guardian from each campus.

RODNEY D. JOSLIN CAMPUS | IIT MATH & SCIENCE ACADEMY | LEADERSHIP CAMPUS

1530 S. STATE ST. FL. 2 | CHICAGO, IL 60605 | P 312.604.2200 | pcsedu.org