4:10 p.m. Edmonds School District’s Wellness Committee has banned parents bringing edible treats to school for sharing at birthday parties. The Herald reports that the sacking of sweets was inspired by a federal Wellness Policy, which requires schools participating in federal child-nutrition programs to monitor the healthfulness of unregulated items, including food sold through vending machines or student-run stores. Edmonds decided to take the policy one step further — federal policy doesn’t apply to food freebies.Classroom birthday parties pose a problem that’s far from short and sweet — “we’re not just talking about one cupcake a year, we’re talking about 25 cupcakes a year,” said DJ Jakala, spokeswoman for Edmonds School District. Kids will be able to receive gift pencils, origami frogs or even extra recess time — but, at last check, more than 83 percent of those voting in an unscientific poll were telling The Herald that’s not enough for the children to chew on. — E.W.
Kids, no more birthday cupcakes
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By Bill Lucia
Bill Lucia writes about Seattle City Hall and politics for Crosscut. He can be reached at bill.lucia@crosscut.com and you can follow him on Twitter @bill_lucia.
Bill Lucia writes about Seattle City Hall and politics for Crosscut. He can be reached at bill.lucia@crosscut.com and you can follow him on Twitter @bill_lucia.