No Food Birthdays at School

Yes, it is true. A school I work with just started NO FOOD BIRTHDAYS and the staff said it is going great! The teachers and administration drove this initiative and collectively agreed to implement this rule school wide.

Last year we tried to make changes across the district encouraging teachers and parents to bring in healthier birthday treats. We saw and continue to see great progress. Parents have gotten creative with fruit by making fruit salad in an ice cream cone, fruit kebabs and fruit mosaics. 

 

However, the staff at one of the schools said that by the end of the year, the unhealthy foods just keep coming back and by then it is harder to enforce.  They also mentioned that there is a lot of disagreement between children, parents, teachers and administrators about what is considered healthy and unhealthy. The increase in the number of food allergies is also a concern. It was easier for them to implement a “NO FOOD BIRTHDAYS” rule.  Of course every student is acknowledged on their special day, but instead of cupcakes with transfat frosting, students get to go out 5 minutes early for recess. Some children have donated a book, game or PE equipment for the classroom in honor of their birthday.  

If a parent really wants to bring in a non-food item for the students, teachers say yes but they don’t encourage it. One teacher told me “if a parent really wants to bring in a toy for each child, they can, but I actually try to discourage them from doing it. I don’t want the parents to spend that extra money and we all have so many pencils, silly bands, erasers and bouncy balls!” The teachers were also quick to recognize that students often have several birthday celebrations with friends, parents, grandparents, and a sports team or scouting group so there are plenty of other opportunities to celebrate with food.  

Teachers still have the occasional class party to celebrate a holiday but these only happen about 4 times a year and the treats are limited to one per party.

I get a lot of parents, teachers and administrators who tell me it can’t be done. I am delighted to share a success story of one school that collectively agreed on NO FOOD BIRTHDAYS. Instead of being upset, the teachers told me that parents are incredibly relieved and most importantly that the students are happy.

Perhaps other schools will be inspired to try to limit birthday celebrations with food.