Nutrition concerns for student

[GatezRN]

I had a teacher bring me a preschooler's lunch box and snacks this morning. Packed for lunch was potato chips, croutons, and a store bought piece of pound cake. For snack, a bag of Cheeze-its and a chocolate Fiber One bar. Once juice box for the day. So, obviously teachers are concerned about this student's nutrition while here during a full school day, as am I.

I'm not sure how to handle this tactfully. Is it my place to call the parent directly and discuss our concerns? Or, would a general letter out to the entire student body emphasizing the district's wellness policy with an attachment of healthy snack options be better? I vote for the latter since I see quite a few "less than healthy" snacks and lunches here, but I am totally willing to address the parent if needed.

Also, there is a language barrier with the mother, the one I would most likely speak to when calling during school hours. The student is vegetarian.

As a new school nurse, I greatly appreciate the advice I receive here!!

[schooldistrictnurse]

Daily occurrence or just a "we didn't get to the grocery store" day?

[GatezRN]

Daily occurrence. After talking to the principle, we decided to go with a nice letter highlighting the wellness policy and on the back I included a long list of "suggested" healthy snacks. Student has a brother in another preschool class here that brings healthier options. I'm thinking this little one is just and extremely picky eater.

[100kids, BSN, RN]

It's hard. As the Nurse I'd like to see that child have more healthy options in their lunchbox but as a Mother I say it's none of the school's business. It's tough for me to find the balance between those 2 roles some days. I think a note encouraging healthy lunches/snacks is a great idea but if I got a call criticizing or questioning my child's lunchbox items I would be livid. I get a bit upset when schools try to parent my kids-that's my job. I know it all comes from a good place I just think we have to be careful. If the child appears unhealthy, has issues with learning or other signs of concern I could see a call home but for all we know at home they have well balanced healthy foods for breakfast and dinner.

[GatezRN]

Thank you 100kids, I agree. I have my own K and 1st graders at a different school in town, and I would also be upset if the school criticizing what I send for my child. And that was one reason I decided to go with the letter to all. Plus, there is a cultural issue that I am trying to be sensitive to. I may do something in the cafeteria at lunch time to try to engage all the kids and encourage healthy choices from home. sometimes just a compliment from the nurse on a good choice goes a long way with these little ones. Have a great day!

[100kids, BSN, RN]

I may do something in the cafeteria at lunch time to try to engage all the kids and encourage healthy choices from home. sometimes just a compliment from the nurse on a good choice goes a long way with these little ones. Have a great day!

So true! Smart idea!

[JustBeachyNurse, LPN]

My sons elementary school nurse worked with a parent who was a RD and the PTA to have a free healthy snack table at lunch once a month. Small bites to taste with larger, appropriate portions if they liked the bite. All wet encouraged to try with no negative reinforcement if they didn't like the taste

Kiwi magazine often has grants to start school gardens. Many Lowes & Home Depots offer similar grants with employees volunteering to help the students. Research shows the students were excited to try the produce they helped grow. It can cross into science and health classes too.

[vampiregirl, BSN, RN]

Is there any chance that the child is trading away what was actually packed in the lunch box by the parent?

I only ask because it's mentioned that the sibling brings healthier options....

[Farawyn]

I don't see a problem with emphasizing healthy snacks across the board.

Or how about bring a fruit day? Bring an orange food day? Lots of things you can do on that level to encourage it.

Although the orange food thing may encourage Cheetos and Doritos...

[rbytsdy]

Does the child ever buy lunch? Or qualify for free/reduced lunch? Not that school lunches are anything to brag about but it might be an improvement.

I had a teacher send me a student who was coming in dirty and horrible lunches. His lunch one day was a huge ziploc bag of fruit loops. Mom called me in a rage the following day wanting to know what I said to her child.

This is a tough one. It's hard to win without making a parent mad.