Nutrition Policy

At SoundSide Montessori Academy (SMA), we believe that nurturing the whole child includes establishing lifelong healthy eating habits. Good nutrition fuels the body and mind, supports growth and development, and enhances focus and learning throughout the day.

Our Nutrition Policy is rooted in our commitment to promoting healthy food choices, which align with our Montessori philosophy and curriculum. We partner with families to support wellness both at school and at home and ensure the health and safety of all students, particularly those with dietary restrictions or food allergies.

All students are expected to bring their lunch each day. We encourage families to pack nutritious, balanced meals that include:

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• Fresh fruits and vegetables

• Whole grains

• Lean proteins

• Dairy or non-dairy alternatives/unsweetened

Please ensure all lunch items are:

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• Clearly labeled with your child’s full name

• Easy for your child to open and manage independently

• Prepared in manageable, bite-sized portions

Due to health regulations, staff are not permitted to prepare foods requiring the addition of boiling water (e.g., instant noodles or oatmeal).

To support our wellness curriculum and create a focused learning environment, the following items are not allowed on campus:

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• Sugary foods and drinks: sodas, fruit-flavored drinks (e.g., Capri-Sun, lemonade), candy, cookies, cake, pudding, baked goods, chocolate, energy drinks

• Squeezable pouches: yogurt, applesauce, or pureed fruits and vegetables

• Highly processed snacks: items with excessive sugar, artificial coloring, or preservatives (e.g., Cheetos, Doritos, Jell-O, gummy snacks)

• Choking hazards (toddlers): hot dogs, popcorn, uncut grapes, cherry tomatoes, etc.

Some students may follow special diets for medical, cultural, or religious reasons. Please inform your child’s teacher of any restrictions or allergies so we can accommodate their needs, particularly during shared snack times and food-based lessons.