Nutrition
Healthy eating is a key part of overall
health and wellness. Healthy eating provides the nutrients
and energy needed for growth and development. Proper nutrition helps prevent obesity. It also helps
prevent many health problems, such as anemia, heart disease,
hypertension, type 2 diabetes, cancer, and stroke. Proper nutrition is also important because
it promotes learning and academic achievement. Studies have
shown that certain nutrients in healthy foods help cognitive performance; missing breakfast is linked to lower performance in school; and
participating in school breakfast programs is linked to increased
learning and academic achievement, improved attention, and decreased behavioral problems.
Child Nutrition Programs
School nutrition services provide access to a variety of nutritious meals that accommodate the health and nutrition needs of all students. Rhode Island state law mandates that all public schools make lunches and breakfasts available to all students, including those who qualify for free or reduced-price meals under federal income guidelines.
The Child Nutrition Programs (CNP-Connect) administered by the RI Department of Education, Office of Statewide Efficiencies, have been designed to contribute to the health and well being of RI children and some adults by supporting nutritious meals served in schools, day care centers, family day care homes, and summer food programs.
The RI Department Education is responsible for administering the five major United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Child Nutrition Programs: the National School Breakfast Program, the National School Lunch Program, the Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program, the Child and Adult Care Food Program, the Special Milk Program, the Summer Food Service Program, and the Afterschool Snacks Program.
Healthier Snacks & Beverages
RI General Law requires that elementary, middle, junior high and senior high schools sell only healthier beverages and healthier snacks, except when items are sold by pupils away from the premises of the school; by pupils one hour or more after the end of the school day; or during a school sponsored pupil activity after the end of the school day.
For additional information contact:
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RI Department of Education 401-222-4253 |
RI Department of Health 401-222-4847 |
