HIGHPOINT HAPPY!   HIGHPOINT HEALTHY!   

At Highpoint we understand how important it is for children to eat healthy and to exercise so we continuously teach our students the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle. ​

​From Kinder thru 8th Grade we teach our students "Organic Gardening." This program is very valuable because it provides a hands-on learning experience that connects them to nature, promotes environmental awareness, teaches important life skills like responsibility and patience, and encourages healthy eating habits by growing their own healthy foods. It's also integrated across various academic subjects like science, math, and nutrition, all while fostering a deeper understanding of the natural world and sustainable practices. 

Since healthy eating is part of our school's mission, we DO NOT allow junk foods that contain dyes, preservatives, and additives since these affect the learning process of our students. Please make sure your child does not bring these food items to school at any time, for any reason. These items includes: sugary soft drinks or juices, donuts, cakes, cupcakes, and candies. This includes for birthdays and special events.

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LET'S NOT FEED OUR CHILDREN PRODUCTS THAT CONTAIN ADDITIVES, PRESERVATIVES, CORN OILS, SYNTHETIC FOOD DYES/COLORINGS, ADDED SUGARS, HIGH FRUCTOSE CORN SYRUP, CANOLA OIL, or EXCESSIVE SODIUM. These ingredients may affect their health, their energy levels, their focusing and their concentration.

Remember..."WE ARE WHAT WE EAT!"

Some food dyes and colorings have been linked to numerous health concerns and illnesses, particularly in children and sensitive individuals.

​Synthetic Food Dyes to AVOID!:
1. Red 40 (Allura Red AC) -is Linked to hyperactivity, allergies, and possible immune system issues. Found in soft drinks, sports drinks and energy drinks, Fruit Loops, Trix, CapN Crunch Cereals, Skittles, Starburst and Gummies, Doritos, cheese-flavored chips, cakes, cookies, cupcakes, donuts, Pop Tarts, certain Frozen Treats.
2. Yellow 5 (Tartrazine) - May cause hyperactivity and allergic reactions, particularly in those sensitive to aspirin. Found in sugary sodas, Sports/Energy drinks, Doritos, Cheetos, Mac and Cheese, M & Ms, Gummies, Donuts, Sour candies and Cake mixes.
3. Yellow 6 (Sunset Yellow FCF) - Has been associated with potential allergic reactions and hyperactivity. Found in cheese-flavored snacks, sodas and fruit-flavored drinks, Sports/Energy drinks, Cupcakes, Donuts, Puddings and Gelatin Desserts, Processed Cheese products.
4. Blue 1 (Brilliant Blue FCF) - Some studies suggest it may affect nerve cells. Found in Sports/Energy drinks, blue colored cake and cupcake icing, ice pops and Slushies, some medications and supplements 
5. Blue 2 (Indigo Carmine) - Some animal studies indicate potential cancer risks. Found in colored candy and gum, certain ice creams and fozen desserts, processed snacks and chips.
6. Green 3 (Fast Green FCF) - Less commonly used but has been linked to bladder tumors in animal studies. Found in green jellybeans, candy (such as M & M's), gum, sports drinks and certain ice creams.

Natural but Potentially Harmful Colorings:
1. Caramel Coloring (Class III & IV) - Found in soft drinks and processed foods, may contain 4-MEI, a potential carcinogen.
2. Titanium Dioxide (E171) - Used in candies and processed foods, including cakes and cupcakes, has raised concerns about gut health and inflammation.
3. Annatto - A natural dye from the achiote tree, but some people experience allergic reactions to this.

Better Alternatives to add color to foods:
1. Beet juice (for red/pink)
2. Turmeric (for yellow)
3. Spirulina (for green/blue)
4. Paprika or annatto (for orange)

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These are the only snacks and drinks that we will be allowing inside our vending machines since at least they don't contain dyes, additives, preservatives, or an excessive amount of unhealthy ingredients:

Snacks:

• That's It Natural Fruit Bars (Mango, Cherry or Banana)
• 88 Acres Seed and Oat Bar (variety pack) 
• LULU Plantain Chips
• TERRA Sweet Potato Chips
• Siete Potato Chips (variety)
• Kibo Veggie Chips (variety)
• Simple Mills Almond Flour Crackers
• Coconut Oil Sweet Potato Chips
• Off The Eaten Path Variety Pack Veggie Crisps
• Herr's Baked Original Potato Crisps
• Cassava Strips Sea Salt Chips
• Stacy's Pita Chips (Simply Naked only)
• Lays Kettle Cooked Chips (40% Less Fat only)
• Snapz Crunchy Apple Chips
• Kettle Cooked Potato Chips (Original only)

Drinks:
Zico 100% Coconut Water
Aura Bora Original Flavors Variety Pack Herbal Sparkling Water
WAJU Natural Strawberry Sparkling Water
Spindrift Sparkling Water, 4 flavor variety pack 
Caliwater - Organic Peach Mango Water

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For a fun and healthy children's party, you can serve colorful, nutritious foods that kids will enjoy.
Here are some great ideas:

Fruits & Veggies:
1. Fruit Kabobs - Skewers with strawberries, melon, and pineapple.
2. Watermelon Pizza - Sliced watermelon topped with yogurt and berries.
3. Apple Nachos - Thinly sliced apples sprinkled with granola.
4. Veggie Cups - Individual cups with carrots, cucumber, cherry tomatoes, and hummus.
5. Sliced Avocados - put on fresh salads and with hummus
6. Green Salads mixed with sliced carrots, avocado, quinoa, spinach, kale, peas, etc. - Salmon and other proteins can be added.

Snacks & Finger Foods:
1. Whole Wheat Mini Sandwiches - Turkey, cheese, or peanut butter & banana.
2. Cheddar or Goat Cheese & Crackers - Use whole grain crackers with cheese cubes.
3. Baked Sweet Potato Fries - A fun, nutritious alternative to regular fries.
4. For special ocasions only: Low sugar mini-muffins, mini cupcakes with minimal quantity of white frosting only, small oatmeal cookies and small sugar free Pops.

Dips & Spreads:
1. Greek Yogurt Dip - Serve with fruit or whole-grain pretzels.
2. Guacamole & Salsa - Paired with whole-grain tortilla chips.
3. Hummus & Pita Chips - A protein-packed snack.
4. Fresh strawberries dipped in Cottage Cheese or Ricotta Cheese - Protein Packed superfood

Drinks:
1. Fruit-Infused Water - Water flavored with oranges, strawberries, or cucumbers.
2. Smoothies - Blend yogurt, banana, berries, and a splash of low-fat milk
3. 100% Fruit Juice (Diluted) - NOTE: Always mix with water to reduce sugar content.
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Desserts:
1. Yogurt Parfaits - Layer Greek yogurt, granola, and fruit.
2. Banana Ice Cream  - Frozen bananas blended into a creamy treat.
3. Homemade Popsicles - Made with real fruit and yogurt.
4. Dark Chocolate-Dipped Strawberries - A little sweetness with antioxidants.

NOTE:  Although peanut and almond butter are considered healthy snacks, we have deleted them from these lists due to peanut allergies.