So my kid's pediatrician says Rice Krispy Treats are OK to snack on, but......

[Big Cuddly Bear]

Instead of all the speculating in this thread it would be beneficial if you would actually:

A) Determine if there are treat and birthday policies at the school (caution: these may be two different policies)

B) Post the policy or policies

C) Take a picture of the poster in your doctor's office and post it

Otherwise we could go on like this for days.

Or...maybe that is the goal?

Or, you could not continue to read / post.

 

[scrapquitler]

Well, considering the fact that our government pays for our healthcare costs, they absolutely have the right to do this.

Sorry, but "The Government" is definitely NOT paying for your healthcare costs. YOU and your neighbor, the guy in that other town, the business in Toronto and that lady over in Vancouver are all paying for your health care. The costs are paid by taxes, which YOU pay, no matter what the government likes to call it. It's not the governemnts money, its YOUR money. There's a real difference, and most people don't get that.

 

[tlbwriter]

I think that rice krispie treats are certainly better than some items and OK for an occasional snack. I dislike the schools telling parents what their kids can eat.

They're not telling parents what their kids can eat. They're telling parents what they can distribute at school for other kids to eat. Big difference.

They most likely have a policy. But my point is they can't bring this to school to share, but the school can sell stuff that is equally, if note more, unhealthy. See the hypocrisy?

Well, yes, but I also see that the ice cream the school sells is something they have to go and choose. If parents don't want their kid to have it, they tell them not to buy it and they don't give them money to buy it. That's different from someone placing a RCT on your desk. I wish the schools wouldn't sell ice cream/cookies/etc. at all, but I do think it's not exactly the same as a snack being given to every single student in a class.

 

[jrmasm]

What's the problem? Nothing says Happy Birthday like a nice tray of vegetables.

Rice Crispy Treats are allowed at our schools.

 

[Pigeon]

I wish the schools could stop trying to parent the children and focus on educational issues. In some places, it's not the school's decision that they have to play mommy, but sometimes it is.

 

[LSmith]

I don't want this to turn into a health tax debate, but our very high taxes don't begin to cover health care costs in general. You throw in diet related illnesses, and we are not covering the bills.

Diet related illnesses are things that can be controlled by the person putting things into their bodies such as processed foods, fats, sodium and sugar, so that is where the government has to go in order to curb the costs of those illnesses.

Interesting to see what schools will and won't allow in terms of snacks. But as I already said, I do agree that it's absolutely hypocritical to sell or give away those snacks.

I started and maintained our school store for years, which made my school thousands of dollars. We are an alternative school with no parent club, so we need that money, but due to new government regulations, we cannot operate anymore, as board of health kicks in when you start selling fruits, veggies and sandwiches, so our cooking department has taken that over.

I know more about the new government regulations than necessary, but that's because we had to figure out if we could make a go of it, and we cannot. They orginally had no selling of chocolate milk on the list, which was my biggest seller, but they have since added that back on, due to many groups protesting about that. Incidentally, Rice Krispie treats are on the do not sell list.

Interesting thread, Tiger

The government pays for our health care? I don’t think so. We, the taxpayers shell out big time for our health care. Where do you think the government gets this money?

If the government cares about our health and what we eat then they should start by regulating what the farmers are allowed to pump the animals with huge amounts of hormones into the cows so they produce more milk and injecting antibiotics into all of the animals. Then they can work on regulating the amount of pesticides that are sprayed on our fruits and vegetables.

Until that time, I don’t think they have any right to tell us what we can eat.

 

[luvmy3]

Yep - only 3 grams of fat, (0.5 saturated). Only 150 calories and also provides 8% DA of Vitamin A in addition to the above. They are agreat snack when you are SICK of carrot and celery sticks being forced on you.

All good things in moderation is what should be taught, rather than - "That's not healthy".

I love chocolate ice cream - Blue Bunny - LOVE, LOVE it! But I don't eat it every day.

Interesting nutrition facts, if we are judging healthy by the amount of fat, calories and sugar RCT are better than the yogurt I send in (and not even the artifical colored kids stuff). Granted the yogurt give you calcium, protein etc but what constitutes healthy for one may not be the same for others. That would explain why RCT are on some approved lists and not on others.


I don't have a problem with a school setting the rules about what can be given out to other students other than your own child, but don't deny something and say it because its "unhealthy" and then go and serve junk food in the cafeteria.

 

[sbell111]

Once again our schools are reaching into our homes and telling us what to do.

They are not making any statement about what you do in your own homes. They are merely making a statement about what can be brought to school and shared with other kids.

The bottom line is this: The school has some kind of published list of treats that cannot be brought in and shared. The OP should have known that her homemade rice krispy treats were not on this list and chose some other treat.

 

[ols386]

Rice Krispie treats do have sugar in them, but so do bananas, and I think of bananas as being a healthy snack.

 

[Minnesota!]

Yet another reason I am glad I send my kids to a small private school.

Last week a mom brought in Pizza Hut for the whole class, and another mom brought in ice cream. I can ONLY IMAGINE what a field day some schools would have with that!

Birthday parties are encouraged and well celebrated at our school.

 

[luvsJack]

I think that most of the schools in the US have bigger things to worry about than whether a kid is served a 2" RKT. This is ridiculous.

Our cafeteria MAKES the cornflakes and pb version of the the things. Aren't they made in a similar way?? And dd said for they do have RKT for the classes that have a peanut allergy. I mean a RKT is not as good as say an apple but they are certainly better than a birthday cake loaded with frosting or cookies.

Its not like he was trying to feed them something like this everyday. Its once for one kid's birthday.

I mean really, lets worry more about whether we can get some new textbooks this year and less about being food natzis.

Serve them a nutritious lunch. Have good snack choices in the machines for break. And let them have a treat once in awhile.

If they are really worried about obesity--get the kids MOVING. PE with organized games and sports everyday, breaks/recess with things to do to get the kids moving. This will do a lot more for them that acting silly over a cereal treat.

 

[Big Cuddly Bear]

OK, for my final post in this thread, I actually did go to the pediatrician's office to take a picture. Well, actually I went to get my daughter's health reports for camp. So while there I asked if I could see one of the posters

RKT's were NOT on the list. I asked the woman who brought me back if I was wrong about RKT's being on the posters. She said "You must have been coming here a long time, as the posters that had those on them were thrown out 6 or 7 years ago. Nobody would call a Rice Krispy Treat healthy these days."

So, there you have it. Turns out I was right, but also wrong.

Still, my other point was, why is it OK to sell kids "bad" foods, but you can't bring in and give away "bad" foods. It is not about whether it was homemade or not, because they do allow homemade stuff.

Also, to those who say I should have known the policy, well, you are probably right, however, my kids have been going to this school since kindergarten, and this was a change made for this school year. Personally I didn't care to read it, as I don't think it is a big deal that my kids RKTs were not on the list. But for the school to sell ice cream sandwiches and not allow RKTs is just wrong, IMO. Not to mention all the 16 ounce bottles of sugar filled Gatorade that they sell.

Pure hypocrisy on their part, IMO.

Now this upcoming year my kids will attend a new school, and I will read the policy.

 

[Tiger926]

What I would love is to see a sample menu from your school. We all have ideas about what we think is healthy and what our bodies need to perform well.

Everything is homemade, except for Nutri Grain bars, which we have permission to distribute as we teach at-risk kids, and so some don't eat at all throughout the day, except for what we feed them, so we are allowed to send them home with these as well as we also have a food box distribution room as well with canned goods, bottled water, etc. for our neediest students.

Samples:

Muffins: oatmeal, morning glory (carrot, nuts and raisins), blueberry/cranberry, banana and pumpkin. Yogurt, juice, milk (white only) and fruit.

See now I really am not trying to be argumentative, but I have a big problem with milk. Talk about an industry that makes money on lies. Sure if you like milk drink it, but milk isn't good for you. I don't know why institutions love to push this nasty stuff. Have you ever wondered why so many people can't digest it or are allergic to it? We are the only other species that drinks milk from another species. The human body isn't make to digest the stuff yet some people like to act like it is so healthy, you want healthy, serve water, plain and simple WATER. ALso any calcium or vitamin D that you may get is wasted because your body works so hard to digest that poison.

Again, as I said earlier, we all have our ideas about what is healthy and ok, and what isn't. I would never serve milk to anyone on the pretense that it is healthy, nothing could be further from the truth.

I am allergic to milk, so I understand, but most of my kids only eat fast food, and some don't eat at all, so they would buy 1 chocolate milk from me, and that is all they ate all day long. Teaching at-risk kids is a whole different world, so feeding them milk, is better than nothing at all.

Sorry, but "The Government" is definitely NOT paying for your healthcare costs. YOU and your neighbor, the guy in that other town, the business in Toronto and that lady over in Vancouver are all paying for your health care. The costs are paid by taxes, which YOU pay, no matter what the government likes to call it. It's not the governemnts money, its YOUR money. There's a real difference, and most people don't get that.

The government pays for our health care? I don’t think so. We, the taxpayers shell out big time for our health care. Where do you think the government gets this money?

If the government cares about our health and what we eat then they should start by regulating what the farmers are allowed to pump the animals with huge amounts of hormones into the cows so they produce more milk and injecting antibiotics into all of the animals. Then they can work on regulating the amount of pesticides that are sprayed on our fruits and vegetables.

Until that time, I don’t think they have any right to tell us what we can eat.

Like I said, I don't want to turn this into a health tax debate. Our taxes do not adequately cover our health costs, especially those from diet related illnesses. Sure they are using my money, but last time I checked, I wasn't allowed to tell them how to spend it, so at this point in time, since I work in a school, I have to abide by the government's rules regarding serving healthy snacks in schools.

Tiger

 

[Deb in IA]

Pure hypocrisy on their part, IMO.

Now this upcoming year my kids will attend a new school, and I will read the policy.

Probably is, Papa Deuce, but when dealing with schools, I've learned it is better just to read the policy and abide by it, rather than trying to REASON with the school.

 

[roscoepc1]

Well, considering the fact that our government pays for our healthcare costs, they absolutely have the right to do this.Just heard the figures for how much obesity and diabetes, two diet related diseases, cost our country in healthcare, and the amount is in the billions.

Schools have taken out physical activity over the years, but they are slowly putting it back in, and so diet is next. As a teacher, I have to tell you, that teaching kids who are high on sugar all day is not easy. Unhealthy snacks and foods does not equal good brain energy. We implemented a breakfast program at our school with healthy foods, and you can't believe the positive progress and improvements we have seen in our kids, especially the ADHD kids.

Don't want this thread to be hijacked, but I just wanted to clarify this based on my response, as our schools have been dealing with this for the past few years.

Tiger

Um, no...the Government does NOT! I do, with my taxes that they gouge out of me every year, then mis-manage to a frightful degree!

 

[roscoepc1]

The government pays for our health care? I don’t think so. We, the taxpayers shell out big time for our health care. Where do you think the government gets this money?

If the government cares about our health and what we eat then they should start by regulating what the farmers are allowed to pump the animals with huge amounts of hormones into the cows so they produce more milk and injecting antibiotics into all of the animals. Then they can work on regulating the amount of pesticides that are sprayed on our fruits and vegetables.
Until that time, I don’t think they have any right to tell us what we can eat.

While I disagreed with the PP on the gov't paying for our healthcare, and you don't indicate where you're from, as a former farmer, and someone who is still very closely involved with agriculture in Ontario, I have to correct you on this....PLEASE don't fall prey to movies like "Food Inc" if you are Canadian....it is about the U.S....NOT Canada! Canadian farmers, as a whole, care very much about their animals (of course there are scummy exceptions everywhere) and their crops, and are actually very heavily regulated as far as what they can and cannot add, or what medications can be used in our industry. Growth hormones are illegal in Canada. Pesticides are very carefully researched, and you need to take extensive classes and have a licence to even buy them, let alone apply them.

Canada is VERY different from the U.S. i this area...please don't lump us togather....

 

[SaraJayne]

Yet another reason I am glad I send my kids to a small private school.

Last week a mom brought in Pizza Hut for the whole class, and another mom brought in ice cream. I can ONLY IMAGINE what a field day some schools would have with that!

Birthday parties are encouraged and well celebrated at our school.

My kids go to public school and I am sooo glad we don't have to deal with ridiculous "food police" policies.

Birthdays and holidays are all celebrated. Homemade snacks (with peanut butter!! ) are fine, as are store bought treats.

The teachers and staff love treats.

 

[DisneyFan32WI]

This thread inspired me to buy marshmallows and Rice Krispies when I was at the store this afternoon. This evening, I plan on making them! I haven't made those in such a long time...I can't wait!

 

[torinsmom]

OK, for my final post in this thread, I actually did go to the pediatrician's office to take a picture. Well, actually I went to get my daughter's health reports for camp. So while there I asked if I could see one of the posters

RKT's were NOT on the list. I asked the woman who brought me back if I was wrong about RKT's being on the posters. She said "You must have been coming here a long time, as the posters that had those on them were thrown out 6 or 7 years ago. Nobody would call a Rice Krispy Treat healthy these days."

So, there you have it. Turns out I was right, but also wrong.

Still, my other point was, why is it OK to sell kids "bad" foods, but you can't bring in and give away "bad" foods. It is not about whether it was homemade or not, because they do allow homemade stuff.

Also, to those who say I should have known the policy, well, you are probably right, however, my kids have been going to this school since kindergarten, and this was a change made for this school year. Personally I didn't care to read it, as I don't think it is a big deal that my kids RKTs were not on the list. But for the school to sell ice cream sandwiches and not allow RKTs is just wrong, IMO. Not to mention all the 16 ounce bottles of sugar filled Gatorade that they sell.

Pure hypocrisy on their part, IMO.

Now this upcoming year my kids will attend a new school, and I will read the policy.

They can sell foods like that, because parents have a choice whether their child gets them or not. You are sending in a snack that is given to all students. In essence, you are determining what another parent's child will eat.

Every school is different. We don't allow homemade foods, because of sanitation, but we do allow cupcakes or pretty much any other type of treat for birthdays and parties. Parents provide snack for all the kids 2-3 weeks per year each. We make suggestions, but we can't MAKE anyone send in what we want. Most parents buy things like cheese sticks, goldfish, pretzels, nutrigrain bars, etc. but we do get in RKT, cookies, and fruit snacks sometimes. We have had parents send in notes telling us snacks their child is not allowed to eat, and they send in alternate snacks. I respect that, just like I respect the needs of a child who has food allergies.

 

[Planogirl]

This thread inspired me to buy marshmallows and Rice Krispies when I was at the store this afternoon. This evening, I plan on making them! I haven't made those in such a long time...I can't wait!

I plan to have a nice cold glass of milk with a handful of Oreos. Seriously I have this treat once in a great while and reading the stuff about milk being bad for you inspired me to enjoy this later.