Potable Water Standard Operating Procedures
Student Access to Free, Potable Water
With the passage of the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010, Federal and state regulations regarding schools that participate in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP), School Breakfast Program (SBP), At-Risk After School Care Program (ASCP), Child and Adult Care Feeding Program (CACFP) and Summer Food Service Program (SFSP), require these schools to provide access to free, fresh, potable water in school food service areas where meals are served or consumed to all K-12th grade students during the operation of these programs.
Why Water?
Hydration is crucial to support normal bodily functions, but the benefits of water go beyond that. Drinking more water has been shown to:
help keep students focused and ready to learn
help prevent dental cavities
prevent unwanted weight gain when consumed instead of sugary beverages
provide an opportunity for staff and teachers to model healthy behaviors for students
By providing drinking water as an alternative to sugary drinks, schools can support children’s ability to learn and their health overall.
Free potable water must be available and unrestricted during meal periods.
Child Nutrition Services will provide cups of water free of charge upon student request.
