Stop junk food given to kids at 'birthday celebrations' on CVUSD school campuses.

As concerned parents of the Conejo Valley Unified School District, we are writing to enlist your support in cultivating a healthier environment for our children. Currently ‘birthday celebrations’ are being held on school grounds during recess, before/after school, that involve food (cake, cupcakes, doughnuts, candy, etc). This food/candy is given to kids WITHOUT parent permission. This is an issue due to allergies (8% of kids), obesity (1 in 4 kids), cavities, special needs children, behavior problems in class, not eating lunch, etc. We know that parents want their kids to feel special on their birthdays, but we want these celebrations to not involve food or beverages; instead read a favorite book, give out pencils, share something special, wear a birthday hat, etc. We want the Health and Wellness Policy for Conejo Valley USD to include that no food or beverage shall be given for birthday celebrations on school campus. School should be about education; let’s leave the birthday celebrations involving food off school campus.

Please see the other petitions involving healthy changes for CVUSD: http://www.parentsforhealthyschoollunch.com/sign_the_petitions_.html