Our New Healthy Lunch Policy
This policy was revised in January, 2016 by the Staff and sanctioned by the BOM in March 2016
AIM:
Healthy lunches are actively promoted in Saint John of God School to ensure the health of the children and to provide a foundation for healthy living in all its aspects.
 RATIONALE:
We encourage healthy lunches because they
aid concentration and learning improve overall health and well-being contribute to healthier teeth produce less waste/litter are less expensive
DEFINITION:
A healthy lunch consists of well-balanced amounts from each of the four recommended food groups:
Meat, fish, eggs. Milk, cheese, yogurt. Fruit and vegetables. Cereals, bread and potatoes.

Ideas for healthy lunch:
Sandwich, roll, bread, crackers, rice-cakes, cereal bars. Fruit, dried fruit, vegetables. Milk, water, pure fruit juice. Yogurt, yogurt drinks, cheese.
The following items do not constitute a healthy lunch and are not encouraged in school:
Fizzy drinks. Sweets, jellies, chocolate bars, lollipops. Crisps. Biscuits, buns, cakes.
​One treat may be brought to school on a Friday  eg. one chocolate bar/ packet of jellies
 
NB: We have several students in our school who have severe nut allergy. St. John of God School is strictly a ‘Nut Free Zone’. All types of nuts and nut products are prohibited in the school. We thank you for your co-operation in this important matter.
 Current Practice
Healthy eating is taught as part of the SPHE and Science programmes throughout the school. Children starting school are directed to websites showing examples of healthy lunches and the rationale behind the idea. All classes participate in ‘Active Breaks’ and other activities as part of our work towards the Active Flag Award; children are encouraged to engage in 60 minutes of physical activity every day. The school takes part in healthy eating programmes, projects and competitions. eg. Food Dudes, Incredible Edibles There are displays supporting a healthy eating policy visible in the school. We invite outside speakers and agencies to give advice on nutrition and oral health etc.
Promotion of Policy
The policy will be promoted by class teachers, supported by the Principal, Board of Management and Parents Association. The policy is available to all on the school website. Teachers wholly support parents’ choice of healthy lunches. Children are encouraged to bring home uneaten lunches.