Many children like to celebrate their birthdays with their classmates. Sending in a food treat to the classroom can exclude those children who have food allergies or other dietary restrictions. It could create an unsafe environment even with the best of intentions. Additionally, excess sugar from treats can contribute to unstable blood sugars and hyperactivity.
Per our wellness policy, we are recommending choosing non- food or healthy food alternatives for birthdays and classroom parties. The list below is a guide to healthy food suggestions.
-Come into the classroom and read your child's favorite book to the class
-Buy something for the classroom (books, games, music)
-Decorate a box and send it to the classroom (have the teacher ask each child to write one sentence about something nice about the birthday student)
-Bring in something that all of the classmates can sign (shirt, tote bag, autograph stuffed animal, pillowcase, etc.)
-Ask the teacher if the birthday student can have a show and tell and bring in a favorite thing or something that tells about their life
Note: please make sure to talk to your child’s teacher at least 24 hours prior to bringing in any food
A few healthy food ideas:
Fruit Kabobs
Veggie Sticks and Hummus
Popcorn cups
Many fun celebratory healthy food choices can be found online as well!