Student Nutrition Program Scenarios
This practical guide can help adults navigate situations related to student nutrition programs in a positive, supportive way. Remember that menu planning and deciding what to serve for the student nutrition program is an adult responsibility (see Rise and Shine topic page).
Here is a list of common scenarios related to eating that you might encounter in your school. For each scenario, you can find:
- a response that you might be tempted to use (i.e., Instead of...)
- a more neutral response that we recommend (i.e., Consider...)
- a rationale for the recommended response (i.e., Here's why...)
- Answering in a way that places judgement on the food.
“Well no, those types of cereals aren’t healthy. Too much sugar is bad for you.”
“We shouldn’t have bacon every day. You would have a heart attack if you ate that much bacon.”
- Making a neutral or positive comment about a student’s preferred food, but then offering what is available.
“Cereals with marshmallows are tasty but we don’t have them. We do have these other kinds, have you tried any of them yet?”
“I like bacon too, but cooking bacon is not possible for our program. Would you like cheese or an egg instead?”
- Commenting negatively on a student's preferred food might make them feel bad.
- Judging food preferences reinforces diet culture.
- Allowing students to enjoy their food without judgement creates a positive eating environment (see Eating at School topic page).
Saying whether you agree or not with this statement.
“I also don’t drink cow's milk; I like oat milk.”
“Drinking cow’s milk is good for you because it has calcium and vitamin D.”
- Remaining neutral.
- Saving nutrition education for the curriculum lessons, not during mealtimes.
“That’s okay, every person/family has their reasons for why they choose certain foods. ”
“No problem, you don’t need to drink the milk. Do you want to grab your water bottle instead?”
- Many factors influence the foods we eat including access to food, taste, texture, preferences, allergies, and culture.
- Allowing the students to enjoy their food without judgement and pressure helps create a positive eating environment.
- Limiting access to the food program.
“You can have another fruit, but not another muffin.”
“Are you sure you’re still hungry?”
“Eat the rest of your lunch before you come back for a snack.”
- Trusting students’ hunger and fullness cues.
- Encouraging universal access to the Student Nutrition Program in your school.
- If you have concerns about students not having enough to eat, reach out to their families and/or speak with your administrators.
“Please feel free to help yourself to the snack bin.”
- Students are hungry for a variety of reasons at school.
- Supporting universal access decreases stigma related to the program.
Elementary School Food Scenarios
