Nutrition Services :: Nutrition Policies

The Texas Department of Agriculture has established new policies regarding the foods available on school premises.  The TDA policies promote the nutritional well-being of children and include guidelines not only for the school food service programs, but also products offered in vending machines, school stores, or sold as part of school fundraisers.

The Child Nutrition Policy adopted in August 2004 affects the following areas: fats and fried foods, portion sizes, foods of minimal nutritional value, and competitive foods.  GISD is already in compliance with most of these new regulations.  However, the regulations regarding competitive foods (food or beverages sold or made available to students that compete with the school's operation of breakfast, lunch, or after school snack programs) will result in the following policy changes for the 2004-2005 school year:

  • All competitive foods offered to students must meet the nutrition standards listed in Section V, B of the Texas Public School Nutrition Policy.
  • Competitive foods (beverages/foods sold or provided in vending machines, schools tores, or school fundraisers) will be prohibited anywhere on campus during the following periods:
    • High School:  Prohibited during breakfast and lunch meal periods
    • Middle School:  Prohibited until after 2:00 PM, and from 4:00- 4:30 PM
    • Elementary School: Prohibited until after the end of the school day and after-school snack program (3:35 PM) except on three exempt days per year
  • Effective immediately, Georgetown ISD will allow cupcakes and other normally disallowed foods to be distributed in classroom birthday parties, as long as the party takes place after the last lunch period is over and doesn't replace a nutritious meal for the students.

The entire Texas Public School Nutrition Policy which contains detailed guidelines for school meal programs, foods of minimal nutritional value, and competitive foods may be viewed on the Texas Department of Agriculture website.  Visit the links in the side bar under the Texas Department of Agriculture for additional information.

For more information about Nutrition Services, contact:

Karen Kovach
Nutrition Services Director
Georgetown Independent School District
603 Lakeway Drive, Georgetown TX 78626
Email: kovachk@georgetownisd.org
Phone: (512) 943-5119