'No Donut Policy' Hinders Jenks School Tradition, Frustrates Parents

One Green Country school district is getting very strict with what kinds of food parents bring to class.

Parents at Jenks East Elementary said they're upset over a new policy, which doesn't allow parents to bring in certain food items, donuts specifically.

Parents took to Facebook to express their frustrations over the issue after some dads were told one of their monthly traditions is no longer allowed.

It's an event through the Dynamic Dads Program where dads come up to school and do an activity with the kids.

The tradition at Jenks East Elementary and Jenks East Intermediate is for dads to bring donuts and read with the kids.

Parents lined up for school pick up Thursday afternoon don't see what the issue is.

“I think it's OK, it's only once a month. Yeah, and I think it's fun, so I don't think it's a big deal at all," one mother said.

One father said, "My opinion is that it's a little bit silly, you know, I understand the kids who are allergic to peanuts and all that, but I think it's a little bit silly, kids not enjoying donuts."

The school said donuts are no longer allowed because of the schools wellness policy, which says  the school does not provide minimum nutrition foods defined by USDA Smart Snack Standards.

It's an effort to promote an overall healthy environment, but parents said they're frustrated because the school isn't providing the donuts at all. They said the dads pay for, pick up, and deliver the donuts and feel that, as long as they are providing the snack, it shouldn't break any rules.

It's a problem that's a talker. One Facebook post alone brought in 71 comments, mainly parents upset by the new rule.

Something the district said it hopes to work out.

Some of the dads have been invited to a meeting with administrators Friday, to discuss the issue.