Weathersfield board approves new standards for schools’ food

July 5, 2011 at 12:01a.m.

MINERAL RIDGE

The Weathersfield schools board of education has joined in approving new food-sale standards which start in all three school cafeterias in the fall.

The new mandatory state rules are required under Ohio Senate Bill 210, or the Healthy Choices for Healthy Children Act.

The new bill, which became law June 18, requires all districts to focus on what they sell on their la carte menus.

Schools superintendent Damon Dohar explained: “We can’t sell Little Debbies or treats, like chocolate — anything that might lead to childhood obesity.”

He said the schools have to sell other, more healthful choices or nothing at all. He added that items that may add to tooth decay, poor health or obesity are prohibited under the new law.

Dohar said that he and food-service coordinator, Debbie Donkers, are discussing their options to replace the sweet la carte items with more more healthful choices. He added that water, apples, maybe grapes or other seasonal fruits could be on the new list of choices.

In other business, the board has approved final revenues of $8.6 million for the district in fiscal year 2011 and expenditures of $8.46 million.

The district saved $150,000 this year, as had been predicted by treasurer Laurena Rouan in her five-year forecast presented to the board in May.

A temporary appropriation of $5.1 million was approved by the board for the first three to four months of the fiscal year from July to November.