Life Balance Initiative
The Grand Traverse Area Catholic Schools (GTACS) recognize 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. We also recognize the important connection between a healthy diet and a student’s ability to learn effectively and achieve high standards in school. The Church teaches us that Grace builds on nature. If we want our children to have a healthy spiritual life, we need to start a healthy temple of the Spirit within our bodies.
What does this new Life Balance Initiative mean for my child?
GTACS is embracing a philosophical change in how we serve the needs of the whole child. One of the immediate changes within our school system is in the food we serve our students. We have new meal selections that are more nutritious and fresh, while limiting the amount of processed foods, trans fats and refined sugar. We also provide hormone-free milk. We are committed to promoting and mentoring healthy eating habits, physical activity and balanced lifestyles through student education.
This spring, a Wellness Committee was formed to research other schools in the country who have implemented a similar philosophy. We have taken those schools’ best practices and implemented what we felt would apply here at GTACS. This Committee, along with our new Dining Services Director, Michael Bauer, developed a Wellness Policy and Snack Guidelines for the Grand Traverse Area Catholic Schools.
After collaborating with other schools across the country and studying their successful food service programs, we wanted to offer the same benefits to our own students. In addition, in the Child Nutrition and WIC Reauthorization Act of 2004, the U.S. Congress established a requirement that all school districts with a federally funded school meal program form a Wellness Committee to draft a Wellness Policy. Armed with great information, we went to work.
Why implement this program now?
We are appreciative to the Traverse City Area Public Schools (TCAPS) for providing our lunch program in the past. We are now ready to hit the ground running with our own program thanks to our new resources and expertise. It is our goal to take a traditional lunch program and create a nationwide model.
How was this Life Balance Initiative funded?
In late June 2007, GTACS began receiving grants from foundations and organizations. These grants allowed us to renovate St. Francis/Holy Angels kitchen. The cafeteria at St. Francis/Holy Angels now resembles an actual dining room and the initial stages of our program are in place.
How is the kitchen organized?
All food preparation will now be done at the main kitchen at St. Francis High School. The kitchen staff prepare the food to be driven to the satellite schools at Immaculate Conception and St. Elizabeth Ann Seton each day. The kitchen staff at those schools will then ready the food for serving.
As Christ did ...
GTACS recognize that the sharing and enjoyment of food and participation in physical activities are fundamental experiences for all people and are a primary way to nurture and celebrate our cultural diversity. These fundamental human experiences are vital bridges for building friendships, forming inter-generational bonds, strengthening communities and learning about our spiritual life. It is no coincidence that Christ gives Himself to us in the form of a sacred banquet. The banquet is where we learn to love Him and each other.
How much will lunches cost including milk?
Holy Angels ........................ included in tuition
Immaculate Conception.... $2.85/meal
St. Elizabeth Ann Seton .... $3.30/meal
St. Francis ........................... $3.30/meal
Milk sold separately 40 cents
2009-10 Meal Prices (download a printable version)
What kind of meal and wellness program should I expect?
Imagine a delicious plate of roasted chicken, steamed vegetables and fresh fruits;
Imagine an offering of homemade, wholegrain breads;
Imagine a warm bowl of homemade stew or soup;
Imagine a comprehensive fitness program, nutritional education and wellness plan for your child;
Imagine first hand knowledge of our area's agricultural bounty direct from the farmer;
How will I pay for the lunches?
Checks for lunches should be made out to GTACS on a weekly or monthly basis. Please refrain from sending cash whenever possible. We are exploring an online payment program and will have more details available at a later date.
What about the free and reduced lunch program?
All qualified children will be eligible for this program. A form to apply for this program will be sent home the first week of school. In accordance with Federal Law and the U.S. Dept. of Agriculture policy, this Institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age or disability. to file a complaint of discrimination, write USDA Director Office, Room 326-W, Whitten Building, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, D.C. 20250-9410 or call (202)720-5964 (voice and TDD). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.
What about snacks at school?
Along with the Wellness Policy, Snack Guidelines have been created for parents to use as a guide when selecting nutritious snacks to send with their children to school. Whole foods, like fruits and vegetables always make great snacks. Additional snack suggestions are available for review in the Snack Guidelines. All students will now be allowed to have water bottles during class for hydration and all system-wide vending machines containing pop will be removed and replaced with healthier selections. The Wellness Policy and Snack Guidelines will be available for review at all school Open Houses, on a special page of our school website very soon, and available upon request at each school office.
More exciting news!
In the future, the GTACS website will contain nutrition, wellness information and recipes to be used at home; Nutrition education will become part of the curriculum so students learn how to make healthy lifestyle choices throughout their life; Local, fresh produce will become an integral part of the meals at GTACS. The Farm to School Program will allow our students to benefit first hand from living in an area where agriculture is a primary resource and to learn from local farmers about their products.
GTACS will now be a model for recycling, reduction and composting of waste. With a shift in cooking meals using fresh, whole ingredients, waste disposal will be less.
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