More keen on rules than healthy children

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Surrey Leader

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Re: Trustee choked over food rules (The Leader, Feb. 15).

I absolutely concur with Heather Stilwell when it comes to these new food service rules that have been implemented within the schools.

While I understand and agree with the idea behind the new regulations, I personally believe that these food rules are taking the idea of health and wellness too far.

The parents’ choice of whether their child can purchase a doughnut with their once-a-month hot lunch meal and other infrequent events has been taken away.

We have been informed that if parents would like to bring a classroom treat, it will have to consist of pre-made store-bought items.

I believe that homemade cookies are far healthier and easier to be tailor-made to any allergies that may be in the class than store-made cupcakes.

These new rules also affect a school’s ability to fundraise. Little things like doughnuts on sports day and other infrequent events add up.

Big things like kids selling chocolate-covered almonds can make up the majority of the fundraising for an entire year. And when a school is trying to raise money for something big, like a playground, every cent that is earned through fundraising is crucial.

I find it ironic that my kids’ school had a playground removed this past summer due to age, and the sole financial responsibility of replacing the equipment falls on the school and the Parent Advisory Committee.

And now the PAC is finding these food service rules are negatively affecting our ability to fundraise for a replacement playground. So, because fundraising attempts are being hindered by these “healthy living” rules, we will continue to have kids standing around doing nothing in the empty space where a playground once stood.

It seems that the provincial government and the Fraser Health Authority are more keen on rules and regulations than actual working strategies towards healthy, active children.

Corinna Cooke