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Mission Statement
Jeffco Parents Focus on School Nutrition was founded by parents of students in the Jefferson County Public Schools district who are concerned about the nutritional well-being of all children. Our goal is to work with the Jeffco Public Schools district, and at the individual school level, in order to continually improve the nutritional quality of all foods offered in Jeffco schools, as well as the level of nutritional education and awareness provided in Jeffco schools. (Meal programs for all schools within the Jeffco Public Schools district are administered on a standardized basis by the Jeffco Public Schools district.) Examples of actions advocated by Jeffco Parents’ Focus on School Nutrition include:
Eliminating/minimizing food ingredients with minimal, or even negative, nutritional value. For example, trans fats (i.e. partially hydrogenated oils); saturated fats; refined carbohydrates and sugar; and, high fructose corn syrup.
Maximizing food ingredients with high nutritional value. For example, fresh fruits and vegetables; whole grains; lean meats; and, other nutrient dense foods.
Creating a ‘culture of nutrition’ within our schools, through both enhanced classroom education and other school-based activities.
Getting students’ buy-in by involving them in the development and promotion of school menus and other food offerings, and nutrition-education related activities.
We believe the benefits from improved school nutrition are numerous, and include:
Students having a reduced risk of obesity and related health concerns.
Student behavior and readiness to learn being positively influenced by more nutritious food; students being better prepared to succeed academically, and to enjoy an enhanced school experience.
Students being better positioned to make healthy decisions regarding nutrition throughout their lives.
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