POLL: Should Kids Get Sweets in School Parties?

An e-mail sent to parents of Westford Public School students on Friday announced that, due in part to new guidelines passed this summer by the Massachusetts Public Health Council, sugary snacks such as brownies, cupcakes, and sodas would no longer be allowed during school celebrations.

The move also came in part due to increasing food allergies reported in children in addition to concerns over child obesity.

Although the e-mail did not indicate whether this also extended to extra-curricular or other school celebrations held during non-school days, the letter indicates that non-sugared juice portions of 4 ounces and store bought snack items in their original packaging would still be allowed while soda, sports drinks, and any products with nuts would no longer be permitted.

The superintendent's office is asking all parents to let those in charge of school parties know in advance what food they will be bringing along with the ingredients in those items.