Volcano School of Arts & Sciences recognizes that there is a link between nutrition education, the food served in schools, physical activity, and environmental education, and that wellness is affected by all of these. The Board also recognizes the important connection between a healthy diet and a student’s ability to learn effectively and achieve high standards in school.
Volcano School offers free breakfast and lunch to all students under the nutritional guidelines of the USDA’s National School Lunch and Breakfast Program. Students may purchase an optional second lunch for $3.50.
Volcano School will serve meals that meet USDA’s requirements as well as follow principles of the Dietary Guidelines for Americans. Food and beverages sold or served as part of federally reimbursed meal programs will meet the nutrition recommendations of the current United States Dietary Guidelines for Americans, such as no more than 30 percent of total calories from fat (averaged over a week) and no more than 10 percent of total calories from saturated fat (averaged over a week).
Nutrition & Health Education
The aim of nutrition education is to facilitate the adoption of healthy eating and other health-promoting, nutrition-related behaviors. Nutrition education occurs in the classroom as well as in the larger school community.
Nutritional standards focus on increasing nutrient density, decreasing fat and added sugars, and moderating portion size. Meals served through the Child Nutrition Programs are appealing and attractive to children of various ages and diverse backgrounds and served in clean, safe, and pleasant settings. We strive to offer fresh fruit and vegetables daily in each meal, including only one percent fat and nonfat milk options. We will provide whole grains whenever possible and introduce new whole grain products as they become available. Volcano School participates in the Fresh Fruits and Vegetable program.
For more information, read the full VSAS Wellness Policy.
Healthy Food Program
Community & Family Involvement
Volcano School encourages parents to provide healthy lunches and snacks and to refrain from including beverages and foods that do not meet good nutrition standards for foods and beverages. Volcano School encourages parents to send in healthy snacks for birthday and holiday celebrations. Examples might include: yogurt, fruit snacks, boxed raisins, frozen fruit bars, fruit, or granola bars, and 100% fruit juices instead of pop and cupcakes.
Sustainable Food Practices
Environmentally-friendly practices such as the use of locally grown and seasonal foods, school gardens, and no disposable tableware are used as much as possible. Volcano School reduces waste by recycling, reusing, composting and purchasing recycled products. VSAS is committed to furthering our sustainability efforts including garden to table and waste diversion. Our vision is to incorporate knowledge and practices for sustainability and malama 'aina into the regular curriculum. VSAS Healthy Food Program relies on grants, donations, and volunteers. Please let us know if you can help out!