Board approves Connecticut Healthy Food Certification and narrow fundraising exemptions

The Cheshire Board of Education voted to participate in Connecticut’s Healthy Food Certification program for July 1, 2026–June 30, 2027, and separately approved narrowly drawn exemptions that permit sale of noncompliant food or beverages only at events occurring after the official school day and at the location of the event (for example, concession stands at after-hours soccer games and school plays).

Superintendent and food-service staff said the certification covers foods sold separately from reimbursable school meals across school stores, vending machines, cafeteria culinary programs and fundraising activities; participation brings a federal reimbursement benefit (10 cents per lunch) that yields roughly $20,000 a year for the district. The exemption language the board approved clarifies that the sale window is limited to events (not regular practices or meetings), that sales must happen at the event location, and that items cannot be sold from vending machines or school stores.

All three motions — the certification and the two exemptions (food and beverages) — were adopted unanimously.

Next steps: the district will continue to follow Connecticut Nutrition Standards and implement approved exemptions for after-hours events while reporting program participation to the state.