CHARLESTON, W.Va. – The West Virginia Board of Education (WVBOE) today sunk its teeth into the health and wellness of West Virginia students. The board voted during its monthly meeting in Charleston to change Policy 4321.1 Standards for School Nutrition to eliminate the sale of caffeinated beverages during the school day.

West Virginia Gov. Joe Manchin also expressed his strong support for the WVBOE in approving a policy which is in the best interest of the students of West Virginia.   

“The Board’s Wellness Committee has done wonderful work updating the nutrition policy and they should be commended,” said Board President Delores Cook. “Eliminating caffeinated soft drinks from schools is the right thing to do for students and I fully support the adoption of this policy.”

Policy 4321.1 establishes statewide standards and procedures for foods and beverages sold, served or distributed to students during the school day. The policy relates both to nutritional standards for meals and other foods.

Policy 4321.1 also promotes whole grain products, fruits and vegetables and more consumption of non-fat or 1 percent dairy products by students.  The policy changes also call for school lunches to provide at least one-third of a student’s recommended dietary allowances for calories, protein, calcium, iron, as well as vitamins A and C. In addition, the policy emphasizes the reduction of trans fats, sodium and sugar in the diets of school age children.

The revisions comply with federal requirements adopted in the Child Nutrition and WIC Reauthorization Act of 2004. The changes also include many recommendations issued by the Institute of Medicine’s Committee on nutrition Standards for Food in Schools in regards to competitive foods, such as those sold in vending machines.

The updated policy takes effect on July 1, 2008. For more information about Policy 4321.1, contact the West Virginia Department of Education Communications Office at 558- 2699.

Be sure to follow us on Facebook and Twitter.