High fructose corn syrup is out. Snacks are back in at Old Rochester Regional school, but this time with healthier guidelines.

On Thursday, the Joint School Committee passed a policy that effectively reversed the administration's “zero tolerance” food policy, which was established in September.

Grace Knox, a member of the Mattapoisett School Committee and the policy sub-committee, said the idea had been brought up during the summer as the Department of Education looked to place strict guidelines on food in classrooms.

“They have backed off on those guidelines since then,” said Knox.

Of the policy, Marion School Committee member Jay Pateakos said, “Some parents were concerned. A lot of parents were blindsided by it.”

In a reaction to the administration’s strict guidelines, sub-committee member Christine Winters authored the new food policy.

"The process of putting this together was looking at the food policy as part of a wellness policy," she said.

The new policy allows for one monthly birthday celebration as well as food related to lessons. Healthy snacks are encouraged and should be after lunch, if possible. Per parents' request, high fructose corn syrup is prohibited.

“We want to encourage moderation, helping children make good choices,” said Winters. She said the goal was to have the least amount of disruption in schools, but to “still allow kids to have some fun over the course of the year.”

By having monthly celebrations scheduled, parents of children with food allergies can also prepare snack alternatives that their kids can eat.

“It eliminates the surprise factor for parents of kids with life-threatening allergies,” said Winters.

Superintendent Doug White affirmed the subcommittee’s role in setting the food policy.

“I think this is a good compromise,” he said.

The Joint School Committee approved the policy with one minor change that distinguished soft drinks from the healthier option of seltzer water.