Nutrition and Wellness

Families will be notified on an annual basis about the district’s wellness and nutrition policies. 

Nutrition

The Richland School District’s Board of Directors recognizes that a healthy school environment prepares students for college, careers, and successful futures. Students who eat well-balanced meals and engage in regular exercise are more likely to learn in the classroom. The Board supports the District’s increased emphasis on nutrition, at all grade levels to enhance the well-being of the District’s students. Therefore, it is the policy of the Board to provide students with access to nutritious food as stated in this policy and accompanying procedure

Nutrition and Food Services Program

The Board supports the philosophy of the National School Lunch and School Breakfast Program and will provide wholesome and nutritious meals for children in the District’s schools. The Board authorizes the Superintendent to administer the food services program. Expenditures for food supplies shall not exceed the estimated revenues.

The Superintendent or their designee is responsible for:

• Annually distributing meal applications and determining eligibility for school meals;
• Protecting the identity of students eligible for free and reduced-price meals;
• Ensuring meals meet USDA meal pattern requirements;
• Ensuring meal periods are in compliance with USDA regulations;
• Establishing a Food Safety Plan;
• Determining meal prices and submitting them to the board for approval annually;
• Using the full entitlement of USDA Foods;
• Maintaining a nonprofit school food service account;
• Ensuring all revenues are used solely for the school meal program;
• Accommodating children with special dietary needs;
• Ensuring compliance with USDA nondiscrimination policies;
• Following proper procurement procedures; and
• Ensuring compliance with the Smart Snacks in School standards.

Federal Programs

Participation in various federal programs related to nutrition, including the National School Lunch Program, the School Breakfast Program, and the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA Smart Snacks in School nutrition standards), require a wellness policy. 

Free and Reduced Priced Student Meals

Free and reduced meals are available to eligible households. Pick up an application at any school, or access it at www.rsd.edu/ departments/nutrition-services. You will also find a link to www.mymealtime.com where you can view what your student is purchasing, make deposits and check balances. For more information, contact Nutrition Services at 509-967-6114.

Nutrition Policy 6700

Nutrition Procedures 6700

Wellness

The board recognizes that a healthy school environment prepares students for college, careers, and successful futures. Students who engage in regular exercise are more likely to learn in the classroom. The board supports the district’s increased emphasis on health, physical education, and physical activity at all grade levels to enhance the well-being of the district’s students. Therefore, it is the policy of the board to emphasize health education and physical education and provide students with opportunities for physical activity.

The District, through a wellness committee, will develop and implement a comprehensive wellness policy in compliance with state and federal requirements for districts participating in the National School Lunch Program, the School Breakfast Program, and the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Smart Snacks in School nutrition standards.

All schools, as a best practice and subject to available funding, will participate in a multicomponent approach by which schools use all opportunities for students to be physically active, such as the Comprehensive School Physical Activity Program (CSPAP) recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and will provide the following:

• Quality physical education;
• Physical activity during the school day (brain boosters/energizers);
• Physical activity before and after school;
• Recess that aims to be safe, inclusive, and high quality;
• Family and community engagement;
• Staff wellness and health promotion;
• Opportunities for active transportation; and
• Access to school district facilities for physical activity, fitness, sports, and recreation programs.

Wellness Policy 6702

Wellness Procedure 6702