Admin

Food in School

At North Hanover Township Schools, the health and safety of our students is a top priority. An increasing number of students have life-threatening food allergies, including but not limited to peanuts, tree nuts, dairy, eggs, and other allergens. In addition, School Nutrition Program Guidelines require that any food served during the school day meet specific nutritional standards.

To support a safe and inclusive environment for all students and remain in compliance with federal guidelines, the following policies apply to all food brought into school for classroom use:

Classroom Celebrations & Special Events

  • A list of approved snacks and treats is available through the school nurse and main office. These items meet safety and nutrition requirements and are appropriate for most classroom events.

  • North Hanover Township School District Acceptable food list, Click here for the  Approved Healthy Food List

  • All food items must be store-bought, sealed, and clearly labeled with full ingredient information. Items without readable ingredient labels will not be served.

  • Absolutely no homemade or home-prepared foods (baked goods, cooked meals, etc.) are allowed for classroom celebrations. Any homemade items brought in will be sent home and not distributed to students.

  • If your child's teacher has informed you of a specific classroom allergy, please avoid sending in items that contain or may be cross-contaminated with that allergen—even if the item appears on the approved list.

  • If you wish to contribute a food item and are unsure of its eligibility, please contact the school nurse or cafeteria manager in advance for guidance.

Alternative Options

To simplify celebration planning and ensure compliance, families are encouraged to:

  • Order snacks directly through the school cafeteria when available.

  • Consider non-food celebration items (e.g., pencils, stickers, small games, or books).