Grow Fit Classroom Celebrations

In keeping with our pledge to “Grow Fit”, we are celebrating birthdays and special events in a healthy way. At our schools, we’ve made a widespread commitment to promoting wellness. This extends to our celebrations, for which we strive to provide delicious and nutritious alternatives to high-sugar or high-calorie snacks and beverages. Activities such as dancing, games and crafts are also part of the fun.

As part of our Grow Fit program, our schools provide a wholesome eating environment that motivates children to make healthy choices. Our country is seeing an increase in health risks directly tied to poor food choices and physical inactivity. We’re concerned about these trends and are committed to helping lead the fight to prevent childhood obesity and prevent chronic disease later in life. We want to help ensure children at all our schools have the energy to learn and to pave the way for a lifetime of healthy habits.

Celebrations are very important to all of us. We schedule these special occasions in between mealtimes so that children can still enjoy our nutritional services. We encourage parents to contribute to our school events by bringing in a healthy food treat or non-food treat. Ask your school director for a sign-up sheet. Snacks such as those below are welcome! Try to avoid sugary items such as cupcakes, candy and soft drinks or salty snacks. 

Healthy celebration snack Ideas:

• Animal crackers
• Applesauce cups
• Cheese slices
• Fresh fruit (no grapes/melon balls)
• Fresh veggies (no baby carrots/celery/cherry tomatoes)
• Fruit cups in 100% juice
• Low-fat dip
• Low sugar yogurt
• Muffins
• Whole grain crackers

Non-food treat ideas: 

• Balls
• Bubbles
• Bookmarks
• Coloring book
• Crayons
• Erasers
• Fidget toys
• Finger/hand puppets
• Fun pencils
• Markers
• Pads of paper
• Party hats
• Plane gliders
• Play dough
• Puzzles
• Slap bracelets
• Slime
• Stickers
• Straws
• Toothbrushes

Don’t forget! If you opt to bring in a food item, they must be purchased from a licensed food provider. Foods made at your home cannot be brought into the school to ensure the safety of children who may have food allergies. Carefully read the labeling on all products to ensure they do not contain or are produced in plants that contain peanuts/tree nuts or other allergens. Always keep in mind the risk of a choking hazard when purchasing food/non-food items for small children. 

We welcome you to come and take part in our school celebrations! We appreciate your partnership as we teach our children about the importance of eating nutritiously and staying active.