workbook for developing a local school wellness policy

Workbook for Developing aLocal School Wellness Policy

Healthy Schools, Healthy Communities Project

1Workbook for Developing a Local School Wellness Policy

Table of Contents

I. Introduction ........................................................................................................................................ 3

II. Suggestions for How to Use This Workbook ...................................................................................... 4 Workbook Overview ........................................................................................................................... 4 GettingStarted .................................................................................................................................... 5 CoordinatingPolicyMeetings ............................................................................................................. 5 TechnicalAssistance ............................................................................................................................ 5

III. Background of the Issues ................................................................................................................... 7

IV. Minimum School Wellness Policy Requirements .............................................................................. 8

V. Tips for Writing a Strong Wellness Policy .......................................................................................... 9

VI. Definitions .......................................................................................................................................... 9

VII. Policy Development.......................................................................................................................... 13 A.Purpose,FindingsandStatementofPolicy .................................................................................. 13 B. NutritionEducation ...................................................................................................................... 25 C. SchoolMealsProgram .................................................................................................................. 39 D.OtherFoodsandBeverages .......................................................................................................... 55 E. PhysicalEducationandPhysicalActivity ....................................................................................... 75 F. OtherSchool-BasedActivities ...................................................................................................... 95 G.StaffWellness ............................................................................................................................. 103 H.Accountability ............................................................................................................................. 109 I. Communication .......................................................................................................................... 115 J. ImplementationandEvaluation ................................................................................................. 121 K. Definitions .................................................................................................................................. 131

VIII. Next Steps for Implementing Your School Wellness Policy ........................................................... 133

IX. Additional Resources for Policy Development .............................................................................. 134

X. School Wellness Policy Meeting Attendance Record ..................................................................... 136

XI. Full Examples of School Wellness Policies ..................................................................................... 138


I. Introduction

Thisworkbookprovidesanoverviewofschoolwellnesspoliciesandguidesschoolsthroughthestepsofdevelopingacomprehensiveschoolwellnesspolicy.ItwasmadepossiblethroughfundingfromtheStatewideHealthImprovementProgram(SHIP)oftheMinnesotaDepartmentofHealth.ContentwasadoptedfromdocumentsmadeavailablebyActionforHealthyKids,theMinnesotaDepartmentofEducation,NationalAssociationofStateBoardsofEducation,UnitedStatesDepartmentofAgriculture–TeamNutrition,andWisconsinAssociationofSchoolBoards.

Thisworkbookwasdesignedtopromotediscussionofkeywellnesspolicycomponentsinordertodevelopawellnesspolicythatincorporatesaschool’sexistingcultureandmeetstheuniqueneedsofitsstudents.Itbreaksthekeycomponentsofaschoolwellnesspolicyintomultiplesectionstomakethewritingprocessmoremanageable.Sections*coveredinclude:(1)Purpose,FindingsandStatementofPolicy;(2)NutritionEducation;(3)SchoolMealsProgram;(4)OtherFoodsandBeverages;(5)PhysicalEducationandPhysicalActivity;(6)OtherSchool-BasedActivities;(7)StaffWellness;(8)Accountability;(9)Communication;(10)ImplementationandEvaluation;and(11)Definitions.

Schoolsmaymodifytheworkbookasnecessaryandcompleteitattheirownpace;however,itisnotintendedtobecompletedinonesitting.Tomakethemostofthisresource,identifyastaffmembertoserveasthewellnesschampionwhowillleadschoolwellnesseffortsandhavehim/herfollowtheseactionsteps:

Reviewthispolicyworkbookinitsentiretytobecomefamiliarwithitscontent. 1.

Decidehowmanypolicymeetingsyouwillscheduleanddevelopanoutlinefordiscussing/2. draftingcontentforthekeypolicycomponents.(See the sample meeting schedule on page 6 for one suggestion on how to structure the meetings.)

Recruitawellnessteamtoparticipateindrafting/revisingyourschool’swellnesspolicy.3. (The team should be comprised of a diverse group of stakeholders, such as school staff, parents, students, school board members, food service staff, and community members.)

Schedulewellnesspolicymeetings,basedontheoutlinedevelopedinsteptwoandyourteam4. members’availability.

Conductteammeetingsanddraftyourpolicy. 5.

Presentyourwellnesspolicytotheschoolboardforapproval. 6.

Implementyourwellnesspolicy.7.

*Note: Schools also are encouraged to develop a tobacco-free school policy. Experts recommend writing this policy as a stand-alone document that expands on the general wellness policy. Visit the Public Health Law Center at www.publichealthlawcenter.org for more information.

http://www.publichealthlawcenter.org

4 Workbook for Developing a Local School Wellness Policy

II. Suggestions for How to Use This Workbook

Theinformationprovidedbelowofferssuggestionstohelpschoolsstructuretheirpolicywritingprocessandmakethemostofthisworkbook.Schoolsshouldnotfeelobligatedtofollowthisproposedformat.Dependingontheschoolanditsspecificneeds,notallcontentinthisworkbookmayberelevant,andschoolsmayhavetheirownideasforhowtobestusethisresource.That’sOK!

Workbook OverviewEachpolicysectionofthisworkbookisdesignedtoencouragediscussionofgoalsandassistwithdraftingspecificpolicylanguageandimplementationplans.Sectionsconsistoffourparts:

Rationale. 1. Backgroundinformationisprovidedforeachsectiontoprovidejustificationforitsinclusioninyourwellnesspolicyandtoinformteammembersoffederalandstatelegislationrequirements.

Discussing your goals.2. Goalsmustbedesignedtopromotestudentwellnessinamannerthattheschooldistrictdeemsappropriate.Schoolsshouldconsidertheircurrentpoliciesandpractices,datafromtheirschoolphysicalactivityandnutritionassessment,andstudentissuesandneedsandwritegoalsthatarefeasibletoachieve.Even if schools don’t currently have policies or practices in place for each of the sections discussed, they should take the opportunity to begin talking about how they could incorporate changes that would further promote the health of their students.

Reviewing policy examples. 3. Examplesofpolicylanguagespecifictoeachcontentareaareprovidedinavarietyofformats.Schoolsareencouragedtomakenotesoflanguageandformatstheyparticularlylikeandthatcouldbeincorporatedintotheirownpolicy.

Drafting your policy.4. Keepingtheirgoalsinmind,schoolsmustthinkaboutwhatpoliciesandsystemsneedtobeinplacetoachievetheirwellnessgoals.Schoolsmaycopypolicylanguagefromtheexamplesprovided,modifyingthetexttotailorittotheirschools,orwritetheirownpolicyfromscratch.(Note: Schools should regularly refer to the policy writing tips offered on page 9 of this workbook to make sure they are using strong, clear language.)

Completeexamplesofschoolwellnesspoliciesandlinkstoadditionalresourcesareincludedattheendofthispacket.Formoreinformationandsuggestionsspecifictorecommendedschoolnutritionandphysicalactivitypractices,viewtheHealthySchools,HealthyCommunitiesSchoolWellnessResourceKit,availableonlineatwww.ci.minneapolis.mn.us/dhfs/ship.asp.

ThePublic Health Law Center alsooffersseveralfreepublicationsrelatedtoschoolwellnesspoliciesthatcomplementtheinformationprovidedhere.Thesematerials,whichincludeareviewofcurrentlegislationrequirements,apolicychecklist,andadditionalexamplesofpolicylanguage,canbeaccessedonlineathttp://publichealthlawcenter.org/.

http://www.ci.minneapolis.mn.us/dhfs/ship.asp

http://publichealthlawcenter.org/


Getting StartedBeforedraftingawellnesspolicy,theschoolwellnesschampionshouldreviewthecontentofthisworkbook,developanoutlinefordiscussing/draftinglanguageforthekeypolicycomponentsanddecidehowmanymeetingsarenecessarytocompletethepolicy.Sevenmeetingsof60minuteseachisageneralrecommendation,butschoolsareencouragedtodevelopatimelinethatbestfitswiththeirschoolcalendarandstaffmembers’schedules.Someschoolsmayfindthatfewermeetingsareneeded;othersmayrequiremore.Somemayfinditmostappropriatetoincorporatepolicywritingsessionsintotheirstaffdevelopmenttrainings.Oneexampleofameetingscheduleisprovidedonpage6. Schoolsthatchoosetoworkoffthisexamplearewelcometomodifyit,asneeded.Regardless of the method chosen, school champions should set specific deadlines for completing the draft policy and presenting it to the school board for approval.

Thewellnesschampionwillneedtorecruitawellnessteamtoparticipateindrafting/revisingtheschool’swellnesspolicyandthenschedulethewellnesspolicymeetings.Teammembersshouldconsistofadiversegroupofstakeholders—including,butnotlimitedto,schoolstaff,parents,students,schoolboardmembers,foodservicestaff,andcommunitymembers—andbededicatedtoattendingallwellnesspolicymeetings.Considerschedulingallpolicymeetingswellinadvancesothatmemberscanmakearrangementtobepresent,andmakesurethateveryoneisawareofthepolicydeadline.

Coordinating Policy MeetingsBeforeeachpolicymeeting,thechampionshouldforwardmaterialsrelevanttothetopicsbeingdiscussedthatday.Askteammemberstoreviewalldocumentssothattheymaycomepreparedtoparticipateindiscussions.Thiswillhelpensurethatmeetingsmakethebestuseofeveryone’stimeandthattheteammaintainsprogresstowardmeetingitspolicydeadline.

Ateachmeeting,identifyoneteammembertobetheofficialnote-takerandhavehim/hermakenotesondiscussionsandchosenpolicylanguageforthesectionscovered.Keeptrackofwhoattendsmeetingsusingtheattendancerecordprovidedattheendofthisguide.Aftereachmeeting,thewellnesschampionshouldusethenotestoprepareanofficialdraftofthepolicylanguage,whichcanthenbesenttoallteammembersinafollow-upemail.Policydraftscanbereviewedatthestartofsubsequentmeetingsoratthelastmeetingwhenfinalrevisionstothepolicyaremade.

Onceafinalwellnesspolicyhasbeendrafted,yourteammustpresentittotheschoolboardforapproval.Moresuggestionsrelevanttothisprocessareincludedattheendofthisworkbook.

Technical AssistanceMDHFSstaffisavailabletoprovidetechnicalassistancetoHealthySchools,HealthyCommunitiespartnersbyphone,e-mail,orin-personmeetingsthroughoutthepolicywritingprocess.PleasecontactSarahReuben-Meillieratsarah.reubenmeillier@ci.minneapolis.mn.usorLornaSchmidtatlorna.schmidt@ci.minneapolis.mn.usforsupportandtodiscussyourschool’suniqueneeds.

mailto:[email protected]

mailto:[email protected]


Example Schedule for Wellness Policy Meetings

Allmeetingswilloriginallybescheduledfor60minutes.Contentandlengthofmeetingswillberevised,asneeded,dependingonprogress.

Meeting 1WelcomeandIntroductions•BackgroundoftheIssues• ................................................................................................................ 7MinimumPolicyRequirements• ...................................................................................................... 8TipsforWritingaStrongWellnessPolicy• ....................................................................................... 9Purpose,FindingsandStatementofPolicy• .................................................................................. 13

Meeting 2NutritionEducationGuidelines• .................................................................................................... 25SchoolMealsProgramGuidelines• ................................................................................................ 39

*Note: If your food service provider/caterer is not already a member of your wellness team, you may want to invite him/her to this meeting.

Meeting 3FoodandBeverageGuidelines• ..................................................................................................... 55

Meeting 4PhysicalEducationandPhysicalActivityGuidelines• ..................................................................... 75OtherSchool-BasedActivitiesGuidelines• .................................................................................... 95

Meeting 5StaffWellness• ............................................................................................................................. 103Accountability• ............................................................................................................................. 109Communication• .......................................................................................................................... 115

Meeting 6ImplementationandEvaluation• ................................................................................................. 121

Meeting 7Reviewofdraftpolicy•Finalrevisionsbeforepresentingtoschoolboard•


III. Background of the Issues

Childhoodobesityhasmorethantripledinthelast30years.1InMinnesota,aboutoneoutofeveryfourchildrenisoverweightorobese.2Nationally,morethanoneoutofeverythreechildrenareoverweightoratriskofbecomingoverweight,withratesbeinghighestamongminorityandlow-incomepopulations.3,4Shockingly,ourcurrentgenerationofchildrenisthefirstinmanyyearstohaveashorterlifeexpectancythanitsparents.5

Schoolsarerecognizedasmajorplayerincombatingchildhoodobesitybecauseofthesignificantamountoftimechildrenspendthere.Atschool,childrenareexposedtoadultrolemodelsandavarietyofnutritionandphysicalactivitypracticesthatwillshapetheirlifelonghabits.Schoolsareexpectedtopromoteschoolhealth,andtherearemanyopportunitiestopromotehealthiereatingandincreasephysicalactivityduringtheschoolday.Inadditiontoimprovingchildhoodhealth,researchshowsthatahealthydietandregularphysicalactivityimproveacademicperformanceandstudentbehavior.6

Inresponsetotherisingtrendofchildhoodobesity,CongresspassedtheChildNutritionandWICReauthorizationActof2004.Thislegislationrequiresalldistrictsandschoolsthatparticipateinthefederallyfundedschoolmealprogramstodevelopandimplementalocalwellnesspolicybythebeginningofthe2006schoolyear.Policiesarerequiredtobedevelopedlocally,ratherthanatthestatelevel,toallowdistrictstotailorthemtotheirschoolsettingsandlocalneeds.Statelegislationpassedin2010statesthat,asofAugust1,2010,everyMinnesotaschooldistrictmustpostitscurrentlocalschoolwellnesspolicyonitswebsite(whenavailable).

1 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2010, June). “Healthy Youth! Health Topics: Childhood Obesity.” Retrieved July 13, 2010, from http://www.cdc.gov/healthyyouth/obesity/.2 Child Policy Research Center, National Initiative for Children’s Healthcare Quality, and Child and Acolescent Health Measurement Initiative. (2009). “2007 National Survey of Children’s Health. Minnesota State Fact Sheet.” Retrieved September 8, 2010, from http://nschdata.org/Viewdocument.aspx?item=545. 3 Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and Trust for America’s Health. (2010, June). “F as in Fat: How Obesity Threatens America’s Future 2010.” Retrieved July 13, 2010, from http://healthyamericans.org/reports/obesity2010/. 4 Ogden, C.; Carroll, M. (2010). “Prevalence of Obesity Among Children and Adolescents: United States, Trends 1963-1965 Through 2007-2008.” Retrieved September 8, 2010, from http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/hestat/obesity_child_07_08/obesity_child_07_08.htm.5 Olshansky, S.J.; Passaro, D.J.; Hershow, R.C.; Layden, J.; Carnes, B.A.; Brody, J.; Hayflick, L.; Butlern, R.N.; Allison, D.B.; Ludwig, D.S. (2005).” A potential decline in life expectancy in the United States in the 21st century.” N Engl J Med. 352(11):1138-45.6 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2010, June). “Healthy Youth! Student Health and Academic Achievement.” Retrieved July 13, 2010, from http://www.cdc.gov/HealthyYouth/health_and_academics/index.htm.

http://www.cdc.gov/healthyyouth/obesity/

http://nschdata.org/Viewdocument.aspx?item=545

http://healthyamericans.org/reports/obesity2010/

http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/hestat/obesity_child_07_08/obesity_child_07_08.htm

http://www.cdc.gov/HealthyYouth/health_and_academics/index.htm


IV. Minimum School Wellness Policy Requirements

Federallegislationmandatesthatschoolwellnesspoliciesaddressthesefivecontentareas(atminimum)7:

Goalsfor1. nutrition education, physical activity, and other school-based activitiesthataredesignedtopromotestudentwellnessinamannerthatthelocaleducationalagencydeterminesisappropriate.

Nutrition guidelines 2. selectedbythelocaleducationalagencyfor all foods available on each school campus underthelocaleducationalagencyduringtheschooldaywiththeobjectivesofpromotingstudenthealthandreducingchildhoodobesity.

Guidelines for reimbursable school meals3. ,whicharenolessrestrictivethanregulationsandguidanceissuedbytheSecretaryofAgriculture.

A4. plan for implementation of the local wellness policy,includingdesignationof1ormorepersonswithinthelocaleducationalagencyorateachschool,asappropriate,chargedwithoperationalresponsibilityforensuringthateachschoolfulfillsthedistrict’slocalwellnesspolicy.

Community involvement5. ,includingparents,students,andrepresentativesoftheschoolfoodauthority,theschoolboard,schooladministrators,andthepublicin the development of the school wellness policy.*

Eachofthesecontentareasisincorporatedintothisworkbook.Schoolsthatcompletetheworksheetsprovidedinthispacketwillfeelconfidentthattheyhavewrittenapolicythatmeetsorexceedsthefederalrequirementsforalocalschoolwellnesspolicy.

*An attendance record is included at the end of this guidebook to assist you in tracking which individuals and stakeholder groups are represented at your wellness policy meetings.

7 USDA. (n.d.) “Local Wellness Policy Requirements.” Retrieved July 7, 2010, from http://www.fns.usda.gov/tn/Healthy/wellness_policyrequirements.html.

http://www.fns.usda.gov/tn/Healthy/wellness_policyrequirements.html


V. Tips for Writing a Strong Wellness Policy

Apolicy’slanguagewilldetermineitscomprehensivenessanditsstrength.Youwanttoensurethatyourpolicyisausabledocumentthatiseasytounderstandandminimizesambiguity.KeepthesetipsfromtheNationalAssociationofStateBoardsofEducation8inmindtodevelopastrongschoolwellnesspolicy:

Uselanguagethatissimple,clear,specific,andaccurate.1.

Avoidjargon.2.

Beconciseandbrief.3.

Includerationaleforthepolicyanddescribethebenefitsofadoptingit.4.

Beconsistentwithotherinitiativesthatpromotestudentwellnessandthevisionsforstudent5. learning.

Buildinaccountability—citewhowillbeheldresponsibleforwhatanddescribeenforcement.6.

Providepracticalguidanceforimplementing.7.

Besuretoincludeprovisionsforevaluationandperiodicreview.8.

VI. Definitions

Asyoudraftyourpolicy,makenotesofanykeytermsthatrequireamoredetailedexplanation.Attachthesetermsandyourspecificdefinitionofthemtothefinalversionofyourpolicytominimizeconfusionaboutpolicylanguage.Examplesoftermsthatmayrequireadefinitionandspaceforaddingyourowndefinitionsareincludedonpage131ofthisworkbook.

8 National Association of State Boards of Education. (2000, March). “Fit, Healthy, and Ready to Learn: A School Health Policy Guide.” pp. B13–B14.

Purpose, Findings andStatement of Policy


VII. Policy Development

A. Purpose, Findings and Statement of PolicyYourschoolwellnesspolicyshouldbeginwithastatementofitspurpose,asummaryofthemainconceptsandpracticesthepolicywillpromote,andfactsthatsupporttheneedforthepolicy.Asateam,beginbydiscussingtheitemsoutlinedbelowandreviewingsomeofthecurrentfactsaboutchildhoodobesityandschoolsonthenextpage.Thenreviewtheexamplepoliciesprovided.Drawfromtheseexamplesandyourdiscussionstodraftyourownstatementofpurposeandfindings.(Youmayalsochoosetolookupadditionalstatisticsaboutchildhoodwellnesstofurthersupportyourpolicy.)

Identifythehealthandwellnessissuesandneedsthatyourstudentsface.a)

Whyisawellnesspolicywantedatyourschool?b)

Whatdoyouenvisionthispolicyachievingforthestudentsandstaffatyourschool?c)


Facts Regarding Childhood Overweight and Obesity and Schools

Since1980,ratesofchildhoodoverweightandobesityhavemorethantripled.• 9

Currentestimatesshowthatmorethanone-thirdofchildrenandadolescentsinAmericaare•overweightorobese.10,11

Childrenwhoareoverweightorobesearemorelikelytosufferfromnegativehealthconditions•aschildrenandasadults,includinghighbloodpressure,heartdisease,diabetes,andcancer;andtheymayalsosufferfrompsychologicalstress,suchaslowself-esteemorbullying.12

30%ofboysand40%ofgirlsbornin2001willdeveloptype2diabetesintheirlifetime.• 13

Today’syouthmakeupthefirstgenerationinmanythatisexpectedtohaveashorterlife•expectancythanitsparents.14

Nutritionandphysicalactivityaretwobehaviorsthathaveacriticalimpactonchildhood•overweightandobesity.15

Schoolsarecapableofbeingapowerfulforceincombatingchildhoodoverweightandobesity•becauseyouthspendasignificantamountoftheirtimeatschooleachday.Schoolshavetheabilitytoteachstudentshealthyeatingandphysicalactivitybehaviorsandprovideanenvironmentthatmodelsandsupportsthosebehaviors.16

Propernutritionandphysicalactivityreduceschildhoodoverweightandobesitybutalso•increasesstudents’academicperformance.17

9 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2010, June). “Healthy Youth! Health Topics: Childhood Obesity.” Retrieved July 13, 2010, from http://www.cdc.gov/healthyyouth/obesity/.10 Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and Trust for America’s Health. (2010, June). “F as in Fat: How Obesity Threatens America’s Future 2010.” Retrieved July 13, 2010, from http://healthyamericans.org/reports/obesity2010/. 11 Ogden, C.; Carroll, M. (2010). “Prevalence of Obesity Among Children and Adolescents: United States, Trends 1963-1965 Through 2007-2008.” Retrieved September 8, 2010, from http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/hestat/obesity_child_07_08/obesity_child_07_08.htm.12 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2009). “Child Overweight and Obesity: Consequences.” Retrieved September 8, 2010, from http://www.cdc.gov/obesity/childhood/consequences.html.13 Narayan, KM; Boyle, JP; Thompson, TJ; Sorensen, SW; Williamson, DF. (2003). “Lifetime risk for diabetes mellitus in the United States.” JAMA. 290(14):1884-90.14 Olshansky, S.J.; Passaro, D.J.; Hershow, R.C.; Layden, J.; Carnes, B.A.; Brody, J.; Hayflick, L.; Butlern, R.N.; Allison, D.B.; Ludwig, D.S. (2005).” A potential decline in life expectancy in the United States in the 21st century.” N Engl J Med. 352(11):1138-45.15 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2009). “Childhood Overweight and Obesity: Contributing Factors.” Retrieved September 8, 2010, from http://www.cdc.gov/obesity/childhood/causes.html. 16 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2009). “Childhood Overweight and Obesity: Contributing Factors.” Retrieved September 8, 2010, from http://www.cdc.gov/obesity/childhood/causes.html.17 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2010). “Healthy Youth! Student Health and Academic Achievement.” Retrieved September 8, 2010, from http://www.cdc.gov/healthyyouth/health_and_academics/index.htm.

http://www.cdc.gov/healthyyouth/obesity/

http://healthyamericans.org/reports/obesity2010/

http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/hestat/obesity_child_07_08/obesity_child_07_08.htm

http://www.cdc.gov/obesity/childhood/consequences.html

http://www.cdc.gov/obesity/childhood/causes.html

http://www.cdc.gov/obesity/childhood/causes.html

http://www.cdc.gov/healthyyouth/health_and_academics/index.htm


Policy Examples: Purpose, Findings and Statement of Policy

Example 1

Preamble

Whereas,childrenneedaccesstohealthfulfoodsandopportunitiestobephysicallyactiveinordertogrow,learn,andthrive;

Whereas,goodhealthfostersstudentattendanceandeducation;

Whereas,obesityrateshavedoubledinchildrenandtripledinadolescentsoverthelasttwodecades,andphysicalinactivityandexcessivecalorieintakearethepredominantcausesofobesity;

Whereas,heartdisease,cancer,stroke,anddiabetesareresponsiblefortwo-thirdsofdeathsintheUnitedStates,andmajorriskfactorsforthosediseases,includingunhealthyeatinghabits,physicalinactivity,andobesity,oftenareestablishedinchildhood;

Whereas,33%ofhighschoolstudentsdonotparticipateinsufficientvigorousphysicalactivityand72%ofhighschoolstudentsdonotattenddailyphysicaleducationclasses;

Whereas,only2%ofchildren(2to19years)eatahealthydietconsistentwiththefivemainrecommendationsfromtheFoodGuidePyramid;

Whereas,nationally,theitemsmostcommonlysoldfromschoolvendingmachines,schoolstores,andsnackbarsincludelow-nutritionfoodsandbeverages,suchassoda,sportsdrinks,imitationfruitjuices,chips,candy,cookies,andsnackcakes;

Whereas,schooldistrictsaroundthecountryarefacingsignificantfiscalandschedulingconstraints;and

Whereas,communityparticipationisessentialtothedevelopmentandimplementationofsuccessfulschoolwellnesspolicies;

Thus,the_____________________SchoolDistrictiscommittedtoprovidingschoolenvironmentsthatpromoteandprotectchildren’shealth,well-being,andabilitytolearnbysupportinghealthyeatingandphysicalactivity.Therefore,itisthepolicyofthe________________SchoolDistrictthat:

(continued on next page)


Theschooldistrictwillengagestudents,parents,teachers,foodserviceprofessionals,health•professionals,andotherinterestedcommunitymembersindeveloping,implementing,monitoring,andreviewingdistrict-widenutritionandphysicalactivitypolicies.

AllstudentsingradesK-12willhaveopportunities,support,andencouragementtobephysically•activeonaregularbasis.

Foodsandbeveragessoldorservedatschoolwillmeetthenutritionrecommendationsofthe•U.S.DietaryGuidelinesforAmericans.

Qualifiedchildnutritionprofessionalswillprovidestudentswithaccesstoavarietyof•affordable,nutritious,andappealingfoodsthatmeetthehealthandnutritionneedsofstudents;willaccommodatethereligious,ethnic,andculturaldiversityofthestudentbodyinmealplanning;andwillprovideclean,safe,andpleasantsettingsandadequatetimeforstudentstoeat.

Tothemaximumextentpracticable,allschoolsinourdistrictwillparticipateinavailablefederal•schoolmealprograms(includingtheSchoolBreakfastProgram,NationalSchoolLunchProgram[includingafter-schoolsnacks],SummerFoodServiceProgram,FruitandVegetableSnackProgram,andChildandAdultCareFoodProgram[includingsuppers]).

Schoolswillprovidenutritioneducationandphysicaleducationtofosterlifelonghabitsof•healthyeatingandphysicalactivity,andwillestablishlinkagesbetweenhealtheducationandschoolmealprograms,andwithrelatedcommunityservices.

Source: Model School Wellness Policieshttp://www.schoolwellnesspolicies.org/WellnessPolicies.html

http://www.schoolwellnesspolicies.org/WellnessPolicies.html


Example 2

Introduction

Approximately13%ofschool-agechildrenareobese,and15%areoverweight. •(2001 Surgeon General’s Report)

Between56–85%ofschoolagechildrenconsumesodaeveryday.• (J Am Diet Assoc. 2003)

51%ofschool-agechildrenconsumelessthanoneservingoffruitsandvegetablesaday. •(J Am Diet Assoc. 2003)

84%ofschool-agechildrenconsumetoomuchfat.• (J Am Diet Assoc. 2003)

Amongchildrenofvaryingages,8to45%(dependingongeographicregion)ofnewlydiagnosed•casesofchildhooddiabetesareType2,non-insulindependentassociatedwithobesity.(American Academy of Pediatrics, 2000)

Mosthighschoolstudentstakeonlyoneyearofphysicaleducationbetweengrades9and12•andlessthanathirdofhighschoolstudentsattendphysicaleducationclassesdaily (NASPE 2001).Oneoutoffourchildrendoesnotattendanyschoolphysicaleducationclasses(CDC 1999-2000).

Theresearchlistedabovepresentsanalarmingrealitythattoday’sschools,communities,andfamiliesarefacedwithaddressing.Recognizingthevalueofschoolmealsandgoodnutrition,schooleducators,administratorsandschoolboardofficialsmustcreatehealthyschoolenvironmentsthroughadoptingsoundnutrition,foodservice,andphysicalactivityenvironmentpoliciesthatprotectthehealthofschoolchildrenandallowthemtoachievetheirfullacademicpotential.

Purpose and Goals

Allstudentsshallpossesstheknowledgeandskillsnecessarytomakenutritiousandenjoyablefoodchoicesforalifetime.Inaddition,allschoolstaffisencouragedtomodelhealthyeatingbehaviorasavaluablepartofdailylife.Schoolleadersshallprepare,adopt,andimplementacomprehensiveplantoencouragehealthyeatingthatincludes:

Afoodserviceprogramthatemployswell-preparedstaffwhoefficientlyserveappealingchoices•ofnutritiousfoods;

Pleasanteatingareasforstudentsandstaffwithadequatetimeforunhurriedeating;•



Anoverallschoolenvironmentthatencouragesstudentstomakehealthyfoodchoices;•

Opportunitiesandencouragementforstafftomodelhealthyeatinghabits;•

Servicestoensurethatstudentsandstaffwithnutrition-relatedhealthproblemsarereferredto•appropriateservicesforcounselingormedicaltreatment;and

Strategiestoinvolvefamilymembersinprogramdevelopmentandimplementation.•

Theschoolnutritionprogramshallmakeeffectiveuseofschoolandcommunityresourcesandequitablyservetheneedsandinterestsofallstudentsandstaff,takingintoconsiderationdifferencesinculturalnorms.

Source: Action for Healthy Kids, Arizona State Teamhttp://www.ade.az.gov/health-safety/cnp/nslp/NutritionPolicy-StateBoardMeeting.pdf

http://www.ade.az.gov/health-safety/cnp/nslp/NutritionPolicy-StateBoardMeeting.pdf


Example 3

I. Purpose

Thepurposeofthispolicyistodevelophealthylearnersthroughaschoolenvironmentthatpromotesandprotectstudents’health,wellbeingandabilitytolearnbysupportinghealthyeatingandphysicalactivity.

II. General Statement of Policy

A. TheMinneapolisPublicSchoolsrecognizethatnutritioneducationandphysicaleducationareessentialcomponentsoftheeducationalprocessandthatgoodhealthfostersstudentattendanceandeducation.

B. Theschooldistrictwillinvolvestudents,parents,teachers,foodservicestaffandcommunitypartnersandindustryexpertsinimplementing,monitoringandreviewingourdistrictWellnessPolicyandGuidelines.

C. Theschoolenvironmentwillpromoteandprotectstudents’health,wellbeingandabilitytolearnbyprovidingopportunitiesforhealthyeatingandphysicalactivity.

D. AllstudentsingradesK-12willhaveopportunities,supportandencouragementtobephysicallyactiveonaregularbasis.

E. Allstudentswillhaveaccesstoavarietyofaffordable,nutritiousandappealingfoodsthatmeettheirhealthandnutritionneeds.

F. Allfoodsandbeveragesmadeavailableoncampus(including,butnotlimitedto,concessions,schoolstores,vending,beveragecontracts,andalacartecafeteriaitems)willmeetandstrivetoexceedUSDADietaryGuidelineswhereappropriate.

G. Thereligious,ethnicandculturaldiversityandfoodallergiesofthestudentbodywillberespectedinmealplanning,nutritioneducationandphysicalactivity;andschoolsiteswillprovideclean,safeandpleasantsettingswithadequatetimeforstudentstoeat.

H. Allschoolsinthedistrictwillfully participateinthefederalschoolmealprogramstothemaximumextentpracticable.

Source: Minneapolis Public Schoolshttp://sss.mpls.k12.mn.us/uploads/Wellness_Policy.pdf

http://sss.mpls.k12.mn.us/uploads/Wellness_Policy.pdf


Draft Purpose, Findings and General Statement of Policy

Policy language:(State findings and the purpose of your wellness policy using the discussion items and examples from the previous pages.)


(Additional space for drafting Purpose, Findings, and General Statement of Policy)

Nutrition Education


B. Nutrition EducationNutritioneducationprovideschildrentheknowledgeandskillstheyneedtomakefoodchoicesthatmaintainandpromotehealth.MinnesotaK-12AcademicStandardsandGraduationRequirementsstatethat“ingradesK-8,healthinstructionmustbegiveneachyearorbydistrict-determinedgradebands.Grade9-12instructionmustbeprovidedtoallstudentsatleastonceinbothareas(healthandphysicaleducation).”

TheMinnesotaDepartmentofEducation18andCentersforDiseaseControlandPrevention19offertheserecommendationsforqualitynutritioneducation:

Makenutritioneducationinteractiveandteachstudentstheskillstheyneedtoadopthealthy•eatingbehaviors,suchashowtoplanandpreparehealthfulmealsandreadingfoodlabels.Emphasizethepositive,appealingaspectsofeatinghealthfully,asopposedtojusttheharmfuleffectsofnoteatinghealthfully;andgivestudentsopportunitiestotaste-testdifferenthealthfulfoods.

Offernutritioneducationintheschooldiningroomaswellasintheclassroom,with•coordinationbetweenthefoodservicestaffandteachers.

Includebothnutritionandphysicaleducationstandardsindistricthealthandphysicaleducation•curricula.

Ensurethatteachersprovidingnutritioneducationhaveappropriatetraining.Alsoconsider•waystogetallstaffinvolved—themorerolemodelsstudentshave,themorelikelytheyaretochangetheirownbehaviors.

Encourageteamworkbetweenfoodservicestaffandteacherstodevelopwaystointegrate•nutritionintootherclassesatallgradelevelstoreinforcemessages.

Offerparent/familynutritioneducationopportunities.•

Free Health Curriculums and Activities

KidsHealthintheClassroom http://kidshealth.org/classroom/

USDAFoodandNutritionService–TeamNutrition http://tn.ntis.gov/

18 Minnesota Department of Education. (2007, July). “Local Wellness Policy–Guide for Development.” Retrieved July 15, 2010, from http://education.state.mn.us/mdeprod/groups/Nutrition/documents/Instruction/007301.pdf.19 National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, Division of Adolescent and School Health. (2010). “Health Youth! Nutrition: School Health Guidelines.” Retrieved September 10, 2010, from http://www.cdc.gov/HealthyYouth/nutrition/guidelines/summary.htm.

http://kidshealth.org/classroom/

http://tn.ntis.gov/

http://education.state.mn.us/mdeprod/groups/Nutrition/documents/Instruction/007301.pdf

http://www.cdc.gov/HealthyYouth/nutrition/guidelines/summary.htm


GoalsWiththeserequirementsandrecommendationsinmind,stateyourgoalsfornutritioneducation.Consideryourschool’swellnessculture,existingpolicies,andthestudentissuesandneedsidentifiedduringyourdiscussionofthepolicy’spurpose.

Inordertoachieveyournutritioneducationgoals,discussstandardsfor:

Thefrequencyofnutritioneducationforgradelevelsandthesubjectstobetaught.a)


Hownutritioneducationwillbeintegratedintocoursesandactivitiesoutsideoftraditionalhealthb)classesandschoolmealprograms.

Whattrainingand/orcertification(bothcurrentandongoing)youwillrequireforstaffteachingc)nutritioneducation.


Example Policy Language and PoliciesNowthatyouhavestatedyourgoalsfornutritioneducation,reviewtheexamplepolicylanguageandpoliciesprovidedbelow.Drawfromtheinformationprovidedonthepreviouspages,yourdiscussions,andtheseexamplestodraftyourownpolicyregardingnutritioneducationatyourschool.

Example Policy Language — Nutrition Education

Studentsingradespre–K-12receivenutritioneducationthatisinteractiveandteachestheskills•theyneedtoadopthealthyeatingbehaviors.

Nutritioneducationisofferedintheschooldiningroomaswellasintheclassroom,with•coordinationbetweenthefoodservicestaffandteachers.

Studentsreceiveconsistentnutritionmessagesthroughoutschools,classrooms,cafeterias,•homes,communityandmedia.

Districthealtheducationcurriculumstandardsandguidelinesincludebothnutritionand•physicaleducation.

Nutritionisintegratedintothehealtheducationorcorecurricula(e.g.,math,science,language•arts).

Schoolslinknutritioneducationactivitieswiththecoordinatedschoolhealthprogram.•

Staffwhoprovidenutritioneducationhaveappropriatetraining.•

SchoolsareenrolledasTeamNutritionSchools,andtheyconductnutritioneducationactivities•andpromotionsthatinvolveparents,students,andthecommunity.

Theschooldistrictwillprovideopportunitiesforon-goingprofessionaltrainingand•developmentforfoodservicestaffandteachersintheareasofnutritionandphysicaleducation.

Theschooldistrictencouragesparents,teachers,schooladministrators,students,foodservice•professionals,andcommunitymemberstoserveasrolemodelsinpracticinghealthyeatingandbeingphysicallyactive,bothinschoolandathome.

Source: USDA Food and Nutrition Servicehttp://www.fns.usda.gov/tn/Healthy/wellnesspolicy_examples.html

http://www.fns.usda.gov/tn/Healthy/wellnesspolicy_examples.html


Policy Examples: Nutrition Education

Example 1

Nutrition EducationSchoolswillprovidenutritioneducationasapartofaholistic,sequential,ageappropriate,comprehensiveprogramdesignedtoprovidestudentsandtheirfamilieswiththeknowledgeandskillsnecessarytopromoteandprotecttheirhealthforalifetime.DevelopmentandadoptionofNutritionEducationcurriculawillfollowdistrictpolicies6200and6220andtheaccompanyingregulationsregardingnewcurricula.NutritionEducationatMPSwill:

a.Developanddeliverasequential,interdisciplinarycomprehensiveK-12healtheducationprogramthatwillbeincludedaspartofaK-12comprehensivecurriculumdeliveredbyalicensedelementary(K-5)orHealthEducator(7-12)ingradelevelbands:K-2,3-5,6-8,9-12;

b.Beofferedasapartofanearlyandconsistentprogramthatisintegratedthroughouttheschooldayandafter-schoolprograms;

c.Usetheschoolcafeteriaasa“learninglaboratory”andincludeenjoyable,developmentallyage-appropriate,participatoryactivitiessuchastastetests,promotions,andvisitstofarmsandgardens;

d.Beculturallyrelevantandteachstudentsaboutcross-culturalnutrition;

e.Linkwithschoolmealprograms,otherschoolfoodsandnutrition-relatedcommunityservices;

f.Provideandpromotenutritioneducationtofamiliesandthebroadercommunityin cooperationwithsuchagenciesasWIC,PICAHeadStart,CommunityHealthClinics,ECFE,AdultEducationandothercommunityorganizations;

g.Berevieweddistrict-wideannuallybyschoolhealtheducationinstructors,foodservice,healthrelatedservices,city-widestudentgovernment,andmedicalandnutritionprofessionals;

h.Promoteahealthylifestyleandwellnessprogramsusingdistrictcommunicationsresourcessuchascablechannel15andPSAs;

i.Trainstaffinstressmanagement,nutritioneducationandprovidegeneralwellnessresourcesandopportunities.




Example 2

Nutrition Education

A. Instructional Program Design Nutritioneducationtopicsshallbeintegratedwithinthesequential,comprehensivehealth1. educationprogramtaughtateverygradelevel,pre-kindergartenthroughtwelfth.Thenutritioneducationprogramshallfocusonstudents’eatingbehaviors,bebasedontheoriesandmethodsproveneffectivebypublishedresearch,andbeconsistentwiththestate’s/district’shealtheducationstandards/guidelines/framework.Nutritioneducationshallbedesignedtohelpstudentslearn:

Nutritionalknowledge,includingbutnotlimitedtothebenefitsofhealthyeating,a.essentialnutrients,nutritionaldeficiencies,principlesofhealthyweightmanagement,theuseandmisuseofdietarysupplementsandsafefoodpreparations,handlingandstorage;Nutrition-relatedskills,includingbutnotlimitedtoplanningahealthymeal,b. understandingandusingfoodlabels,andcriticallyevaluatingnutritioninformation,misinformation,andcommercialfoodadvertising;andHowtoassessone’spersonaleatinghabits,setgoalsforimprovement,andachievec.thosegoals.

Nutritioneducationinstructionalactivitiesshallstresstheappealingaspectsofhealthyeating2. andbeparticipatory,developmentallyappropriate,andenjoyable.Theprogramshallengagefamiliesaspartnersintheirchildren’seducation.Theschoolhealthcouncilshallassessallnutritioneducationcurriculaandmaterialsfor3. accuracy,completeness,balance,andconsistencywiththestate’s/district’seducationalgoalsandstandards.Materialsdevelopedbyfoodmarketingboardsorfoodcorporationsshallbeexaminedforinappropriatecommercialmessages.

B. Staff Qualifications Staffresponsiblefornutritioneducationshallbeadequatelypreparedandregularlyparticipate1. inprofessionaldevelopmentactivitiestoeffectivelydeliverthenutritioneducationprogramasplanned.Preparationandprofessionaldevelopmentactivitiesshallprovidebasicknowledgeofnutrition,combinedwithskillpracticeinprogram-specificactivitiesandinstructionaltechniquesandstrategiesdesignedtopromotehealthyeatinghabits.

C. Educational ReinforcementSchoolinstructionalstaffshallcollaboratewithagenciesandgroupsconductingnutrition1. educationinthecommunitytosendconsistentmessagestostudentsandtheirfamilies.Guestspeakersinvitedtoaddressstudentsshallreceiveappropriateorientationtotherelevantpoliciesoftheschool/district.Schoolstaffisencouragedtocooperatewithotheragenciesandcommunitygroupstoprovide2. opportunitiesforstudentvolunteerworkrelatedtonutrition,suchasassistingwithfoodrecoveryeffortsandpreparingnutritiousmealsforhouse-boundpeople.Schoolofficialsshoulddisseminateinformationtoparents,students,andstaffaboutcommunityprogramsthatoffernutritionassistancetofamilies.



D. Coordination of Programs Thefoodserviceprogramshallbecloselycoordinatedwithnutritioninstruction.Theschool1. cafeteriashallserveasalaboratorytoallowstudentstoapplycriticalthinkingskillstaughtintheclassroom.Foodservicestaffshallalsoworkcloselywiththoseresponsibleforothercomponentsoftheschoolhealthprogramtoachievecommongoals.TheComprehensiveHealthEducationStandardsforArizonaSchoolsshouldbeimplementedthroughouttheentireschoolenvironment.Thesestandardscanbeviewedathttp://www.ade.az.gov/Schoolculinary,vocationaltech,artprograms,etc.shallprovideaconsistentlearning2. experiencethatreinforcestheobjectivesoftheschoolfoodserviceprogramandwillcomplywiththeDietaryGuidelinesforAmericanswhereappropriate.Schoolsareencouragedtooffermealsduringbreaksintheschoolcalendarandtocoordinate3. withotheragenciesandcommunitygroupstooperate,orassistwithoperating,asummerfoodserviceprogramforchildrenandadolescentswhoareeligibleforfederalprogramsupport.Achild’sneedfornutrientsdoesnotendwhenschooldoes.

E. Nutrition-Related Health Problems and Modified DietsSchoolcounselorsandschoolhealthservicesstaffshallconsistentlypromotehealthyeatingto1. studentsandotherstaff.Theseprofessionalsshallbepreparedtorecognizeconditionssuchasobesity,eatingdisorders,andothernutrition-relatedhealthproblemsamongstudentsandstaffandbeabletoreferthemtoappropriateservices.TheschoolfoodserviceprogramwillcomplywithUSDA’sdisabilityrequirementsformodified2. diets.TheschoolfoodserviceprogramisstronglyencouragedtomeetethnicdietaryrequestsasrecommendedbyUSDA.


http://www.ade.az.gov/



Example 3

Nutrition Education and Promotion.

__________SchoolDistrictaimstoteach,encourage,andsupporthealthyeatingbystudents.Schoolswillprovidenutritioneducationandengageinnutritionpromotionthat:

Isofferedateachgradelevelaspartofasequential,comprehensive,standards-basedprogram•designedtoprovidestudentswiththeknowledgeandskillsnecessarytopromoteandprotecttheirhealth;Ispartofnotonlyhealtheducationclasses,butalsoclassroominstructioninsubjectssuchas•math,science,languagearts,socialsciences,andelectivesubjects;Includesenjoyable,developmentally-appropriate,culturally-relevant,participatoryactivities,•suchascontests,promotions,tastetesting,farmvisits,andschoolgardens;Promotesfruits,vegetables,wholegrainproducts,low-fatandfat-freedairyproducts,healthy•foodpreparationmethods,andhealth-enhancingnutritionpractices;Emphasizescaloricbalancebetweenfoodintakeandenergyexpenditure •(physicalactivity/exercise);Linkswithschoolmealprograms,otherschoolfoods,andnutrition-relatedcommunityservices;•Teachesmedialiteracywithanemphasisonfoodmarketing;and•Includestrainingforteachersandotherstaff.•

Communications with Parents.Thedistrict/schoolwillsupportparents’effortstoprovideahealthydietanddailyphysicalactivityfortheirchildren.Thedistrict/schoolwillofferhealthyeatingseminarsforparents,sendhomenutritioninformation,postnutritiontipsonschoolwebsites,andprovidenutrientanalysesofschoolmenus.Schoolswillencourageparentstopackhealthylunchesandsnacksandtorefrainfromincludingbeveragesandfoodsthatdonotmeettheabovenutritionstandardsforindividualfoodsandbeverages.Thedistrict/schoolwillprovideparentsalistoffoodsthatmeetthedistrict’ssnackstandardsandideasforhealthycelebrations/parties,rewards,andfundraisingactivities.Inaddition,thedistrict/schoolwillprovideopportunitiesforparentstosharetheirhealthyfoodpracticeswithothersintheschoolcommunity.

Food Marketing in Schools.School-basedmarketingwillbeconsistentwithnutritioneducationandhealthpromotion.Assuch,schoolswilllimitfoodandbeveragemarketingtothepromotionoffoodsandbeveragesthatmeetthenutritionstandardsformealsorforfoodsandbeveragessoldindividually(above).*School-basedmarketingofbrandspromotingpredominantlylow-nutritionfoodsandbeverages**isprohibited.Thepromotionofhealthyfoods,includingfruits,vegetables,wholegrains,andlow-fatdairyproductsisencouraged.



Examplesofmarketingtechniquesincludethefollowing:logosandbrandnameson/invendingmachines,booksorcurricula,textbookcovers,schoolsupplies,scoreboards,schoolstructures,andsportsequipment;educationalincentiveprogramsthatprovidefoodasareward;programsthatprovideschoolswithsupplieswhenfamiliesbuylow-nutritionfoodproducts;in-schooltelevision,suchasChannelOne;freesamplesorcoupons;andfoodsalesthroughfundraisingactivities.Marketingactivitiesthatpromotehealthfulbehaviors(andarethereforeallowable)include:vendingmachinecoverspromotingwater;pricingstructuresthatpromotehealthyoptionsinalacartelinesorvendingmachines;salesoffruitforfundraisers;andcouponsfordiscountgymmemberships.

*Advertisingoflow-nutritionfoodsandbeveragesispermittedinsupplementaryclassroomandlibrarymaterials,suchasnewspapers,magazines,theInternet,andsimilarmedia,whensuchmaterialsareusedinaclasslessonoractivity,orasaresearchtool.**Schoolsshouldnotpermitgeneralbrandmarketingforfoodbrandsunderwhichmorethanhalfofthefoodsorbeveragesdonotmeetthenutritionstandardsforfoodssoldindividuallyorthemealsarenotconsistentwithschoolmealnutritionstandards.




Draft Policy – Nutrition Education

Policy language:(Include an overview of goals and specific rules for nutrition education using the discussion items and examples from the previous pages.)


(Additional space for drafting Nutrition Education Policy)

School MealsProgram


C. School Meals ProgramAllschoolsparticipatinginfederalschoolmealprogramsforreimbursementmustensurethatmealsarenotlessrestrictivethanthe1995NutritionStandardsandMealRequirementssetforthbytheUSDA.Atminimum,mealsmustserveavarietyoffoods,includinggrains,fruits,andvegetables;bemoderateinsugarandsaltcontent;andhavenomorethan30%ofcaloriesfromfatandlessthan10%ofcaloriesfromsaturatedfatinaweek’stime.Breakfasts,onaverageovertheschoolweek,mustalsoprovideone-fourthoftheRecommendedDietaryAllowances(RDA)forprotein,iron,calcium,andvitaminsAandC.Lunches,onaverageovertheschoolweek,mustalsoprovideatleastone-thirdoftheRDAforprotein,iron,calcium,andvitaminsAandC.

Manyprofessionalsconsiderthe1995NutritionStandardsandMealRequirementsoutlinedabovetobeoutdated.Thus,schoolsareencouragedtoadoptcriteriaforschoolmealsthatexceedtheminimumfederalrequirementsandbettermeetthenutritionalneedsofschool-ageyouth.TheInstituteofMedicine(IOM)recommendsupdatingschoolmealrequirementstoemphasizeincreasingtheamountandvarietyoffruits,vegetables,andwholegrains;settingminimumandmaximumcalorielevels;andreducingsaturatedfatandsodiumcontent.Italsorecommendsthatastudentmustselectafruitandbreakfastandeitherafruitoravegetableatlunchforhis/hermealtoqualifyforreimbursement.20 OtherkeydifferencesincurrentrequirementsandthoserecommendedbytheIOMareoutlinedbelow.

Current* School Lunch Requirements and Recommendations for Changes

Type of Specification Current* Requirements IOM Recommendations

Fruits Requireddailyamountincreased

Consideredtogetherasa Twoservingsrequireddaily, fruitandvegetablegroup. amountincreased.MustincludeVegetables Nospecificationsforthe darkgreen,brightorange, typeofvegetable. legumes,starchy,andother vegetableseachweek.

Grains/Breads Norequirementforwholegrains Atleasthalfmustbewholegrainrich

Milk Whole,reduced-fat,low-fat, Fat-free(plainorflavored) fat-freemilks(plainorflavored) andplainlow-fatmilkonly

Calories Mustmeetminimumlevel Mustbewithinminimum andmaximumlevel

Sodium None(decreasedlevel Graduallybutmarkedlydecrease recommended) sodiumtospecifiedlevelby2020

*AsofOctober2010

Source: Institute of Medicinehttp://www.iom.edu/~/media/Files/Report%20Files/2009/School-Meals/School%20Meals%202009%20%20Report%20Brief.ashx

20 Institute of Medicine. (2009, October). “Report Brief: School Meals: Building Blocks for Healthy Children.” Retrieved October 6, 2010, from http://www.iom.edu/~/media/Files/Report%20Files/2009/School-Meals/School%20Meals%202009%20%20Report%20Brief.ashx.

http://www.iom.edu/~/media/Files/Report Files/2009/School-Meals/School Meals 2009 Report Brief.ashx




Regardlessofthecriteriachosen,schoolsmustworkcloselywiththeirfoodservicestafforcaterertoensureschoolmealnutritionstandardsaremet.

GoalsWiththeserequirementsandrecommendationsinmind,stateyourgoalsforyourschoolmealsprogram.Doyouaimto:

Provideschoolmealsthat□ meet minimum requirementsoutlinedinfederallawsandregulationsthatapplytochildnutritionprograms,includingminimumnutritionalstandards. or

Provideschoolmealsthat□ meet or exceed minimum requirementsoutlinedinfederallawsandregulationsthatapplytochildnutritionprograms,includingminimumnutritionalstandards.

Ifyouchoosetoexceedminimumrequirements,howwillyoudefineyourhigherstandards(e.g.a)InstituteofMedicinerecommendedmealrequirementsorsomevariationofthem)?

Whatadditionalrequirements,ifany,willyouimposeonyourschool’snutritionstandards? b)


Forschoolsthathavemealscateredbyanoutsidevendor,howwillyouensurethatyourschool’sc)nutritionstandardsaremet(e.g.standardsoutlinedinrequestforproposalstocaters,catersmustprovidenutritioninformationforallmenuitems,qualificationsofstaff)?

Forschoolsthatpreparetheirownmeals,howwillyouensurethatyourschool’snutritiond)standardsaremet(e.g.usingfoodpreparationmethodsthatemphasizeloweruseoffats,sugars,andsodium;doingnutrientanalysis;menuplannersused;qualificationsofstaff)?

Free Menu Planning Guides LunchMenuPlanning: http://www.fns.usda.gov/cnd/menu/menu.planning.NSLP.htm

BreakfastMenuPlanning: http://www.fns.usda.gov/cnd/breakfast/Menu/sbp-menu-planning.htm

http://www.fns.usda.gov/cnd/menu/menu.planning.NSLP.htm

http://www.fns.usda.gov/cnd/breakfast/Menu/sbp-menu-planning.htm


Describethesurroundingsforeatingthatyouwillprovideforyourstudents(e.g.reducingstigmae)associatedwithparticipationinfreeorreducedlunchprograms,timeandschedulingformeals,diningenvironment,accesstohandwashingfacilities,etc.).

Willyourschoolhaveanopenorclosedcampuslunchpolicy?Ifopencampus,whatrestrictions,f)ifany,willbeplacedonstudentparticipation(e.g.gradelevels,attendance,maintainingacertainGPA,limitedtoFridaysonly,etc.)?

Willyouallowstudents(ortheirparents)tobringfastfoodintothecafeteriafromrestaurants?g)


Example Policy Language and PoliciesNowthatyouhavediscussedyourgoalsforyourschoolmealsprogram,reviewtheexamplepolicylanguageandpoliciesprovidedbelow.Drawfromtheinformationprovidedonthepreviouspages,yourdiscussions,andtheseexamplestodraftyourownpolicyregardingyourschoolmealsprogram.

Example Policy Language – School Meals Program

DiningEnvironmentTheschooldistrictprovidesaclean,safe,enjoyablemealenvironmentforstudents.•

Theschooldistrictprovidesenoughspaceandservingareastoensureallstudentshaveaccess•toschoolmealswithminimumwaittime.

Theschooldistrictmakesdrinkingfountainsavailableinallschools,sothatstudentscanget•wateratmealsandthroughouttheday.

Theschooldistrictencouragesallstudentstoparticipateintheschoolmealsprograms(i.e.•theNationalSchoolLunch,includingsnacksforAfterSchoolProgram,andSchoolBreakfastprograms)andprotectstheidentityofstudentswhoeatfreeandreducedpricemeals.

TimetoeatTheschooldistrictwillensureadequatetimeforstudentstoenjoyeatinghealthyfoodswith•friendsinschools.

Theschooldistrictwillschedulelunchtimeasnearthemiddleoftheschooldayaspossible.•

Theschooldistrictwillschedulerecessforelementaryschoolsbeforelunchsothatchildrenwill•cometolunchlessdistractedandreadytoeat.

OtherTheschooldistrictwillprovideinformationandoutreachmaterialsaboutotherFNSprograms•suchasSupplementalNutritionAssistanceProgram(SNAP),andWomen,Infants,andChildren(WIC)tostudentsandparents.

Theschooldistrictwillprovideopportunitiesforon-goingprofessionaltrainingand•developmentforfoodservicestaffandteachersinnutritionandphysicaleducation.




Policy Examples: School Meals Program

Example 1

School MealsTheschooldistrictwillprovidehealthyandsafeschoolmealprogramsthatcomplywithalla.federal,state,andlocalstatutesandregulations.TheFoodServicesDepartmentwillaimtobeself-supporting;however,budgetneutralityorb. profitgenerationwillnottakeprecedenceoverthenutritionalneedsofstudents.TheFoodServiceDirectorwillestablishamenucommitteethatincludesparents,students,andc.stafftoassistinchoosingnewmenuitemstobeservedinschools.TheDistrictwillaccommodatethechangingspecialnutritionneedsofstudentsandwilld.accommodatethecultural,ethnic,andreligiousdiversityofourcommunity.MealsservedthroughtheNationalSchoolLunchandBreakfastProgramswill:e. • Offeravarietyoffruitsandvegetables,withanemphasisonincludingavarietyoffruitsand

vegetablesfromtheblue/purple,green,white,yellow/orange,andredfruitandvegetablegroupsonthemonthlymenu.

• Serveonlylowfat(1%)andfatfreemilk,exceptwhenwholeor2%milkisrecommendedforstudentswithspecialnutritionalneeds;offerlactosereducedmilkwhenrequestedbystudentsand/orparent/guardian;

• Worktowardsensuringthatatleasthalfofservedgrainsarewholegrain;• Continuetoexcludedeepfriedfoodsandstrivetoreplacehigherfatmainentréeitemswith

lowerfatitemsasappropriate;• Continuetoreplacemenuitemsthatcontaintransfatswithfoodsthatdonotcontaintrans

fats.• BeservedinportionsizesthatmeetNationalSchoolLunchProgramandBreakfastProgram

requirements.• MeetcurrentUSDAnutritionrequirements.

Food SafetyAllfoodssoldorservedtostudentswillbepreparedinhealthinspectedfacilitiesunderthea.guidanceoffoodsafetycertifiedstaff.TheDistrictwillprovidestudentaccesstohandwashingorhandsanitizingbeforestudentseatb. anymealsorsnacks.

Scheduling of MealsSchoolsiteswillprovidesufficienttimeforallstudentstoeatintheschoolcafeteriaandwilla.schedulemealperiodsatappropriatetimesduringtheschoolday.Schoolswillmovetowards:• Providingstudentswithatleast10minutestoeataftersittingdownforbreakfastand15

minutestoeataftersittingdownforlunch;and



• Arrangingforaccommodationsforstudentswhoneedmoretimetofinishtheirlunch;and• Schedulingmealperiodsatappropriatetimes(i.e.lunchshouldbeservedbetween

10:50AMand1PM);and• Schedulinglunchperiodstofollowrecessperiodsinelementaryschoolstoincreasestudent

nutrientintakeandreducefoodwaste;and• Offeringattractivediningareaswhichhaveenoughspaceforseatingallstudentsscheduled

forthatmealperiod;and• Schoolswillevaluatetheiropencampuspolicy,takingintoconsiderationthefoodchoices

thatstudentsmakewhentheyareabletoleavecampus.b. Thedistrictandindividualschoolsiteswill,totheextentpossible,arrangebusschedulesand

utilizemethodstoserveschoolbreakfastthatencourageparticipation,including“grabandgo”breakfast,breakfastintheclassroom,orbreakfastduringmorningbreak.




Example 2

I. The Food Service Operation

A. Financial Management 1.Itisacknowledgedthatthefeedingofchildrenisprimarilyafamilyresponsibility.Tosupplement

theirefforts,everyschoolshalloperateafoodserviceprogramtoensurethatallstudentshaveaffordableaccesstothevariedandnutritiousfoodstheyneedtostayhealthyandlearnwell.

2.Thefoodserviceprogramshallaimtobefinanciallyself-supporting.However,theprogramisessentialeducationalandsupportactivityandbudgetneutralityorprofitgenerationmustnottakeprecedenceoverthenutritionalneedsofthestudents.Ifsubsidyofthefoodservicefundisneeded,itshouldnotbefromthesaleoffoodsthathaveminimalnutritionalvalueand/orcompetenutritionallywithprogrammeals.

B. Program Requirements 1.Duringeachschooldaythefoodserviceprogramshallofferbreakfastandlunchunderthe

nutritionalguidelinesoftheUSDA’sNationalSchoolLunchandBreakfastProgram.Additionally,thefoodserviceprogramshalloffersnacksbasedonthenutrientguidelinesintheUSDA’sAfterSchoolAt-RiskSnackProgramtothosestudentsinafter-schooleducationorenrichmentprograms.Schoolsarestronglyencouragedtoimplementbreakfastintheclassroomatappropriatesites.Eachschoolshallencourageallstudentstoparticipateinthesemealopportunities.Inparticular,theschoolshallmakeeffortstoensurethatfamiliesareawareofneed-basedprogramsforfreeorreduced-pricemealsandthateligiblefamiliesareencouragedtoapply.Theprogramshallmaintaintheconfidentialityofstudentsandfamiliesapplyingfororreceivingfreeorreduced-pricemeals.

2.TheschoolfoodserviceprogramshalloperateinaccordancewiththeNationalSchoolLunchActandtheChildNutritionActof1996asamendedandapplicablelawsandregulationsofthestateofArizona.Schoolsshalloffervariedandnutritiousfoodchoicesthatareconsistentwiththefederalgovernment’sDietaryGuidelinesforAmericans.Forthepurposeofthispolicy,“DietaryGuidelinesforAmericans”referstothecurrentsetofrecommendationsofthefederalgovernmentthataredesignedtohelppeoplechoosedietsthatwillmeetnutrientrequirements,promotehealth,supportactivelives,andreducechronicdiseaserisks.Menusshouldbeplannedwithinputfromstudents,familymembers,andotherschoolpersonnelandshouldtakeintoaccountstudents’culturalnormsandpreferences.Foodpricingstrategiesshallbedesignedtoencouragestudentstopurchasenutritiousitems.Proceduresshallbeinplaceforprovidingtofamilies,onrequest,informationabouttheingredientsandnutritionalvalueofthefoodsserved.



3.Theschoolfoodserviceprogramshallmonitorthenutrientbreakdownoftheirmenus.Regardlessofmenuplanningformatofnutrientorfoodbased,schoolsshallanalyzethemenusofferedtostudentsusingnutrientanalysissoftwaretoensurethatUSDAguidelinesarebeingmet.

4.Theschoolfoodserviceprogramshallhaveinplaceaprocedureforhandlingleftoverfoodproduction.Staffshallcooperatewitheffortsinthecommunitytorecoverwholesomeexcessfoodfordistributiontopeopleinneed.

C. Staffing 1.Eachdistrict/schoolshallemployafoodservicedirector,whoisproperlyqualified,certified

and/orcredentialedaccordingtocurrentprofessionalstandards,toadministertheschoolfoodserviceprogramandsatisfyreportingrequirements.TheSchoolNutritionAssociationhasestablishedcertificationandcredentialingstandardsavailableathttp://www.schoolnutrition.org/Index.aspx?id=30.TheAmericanDieteticAssociation(ADA)hasestablishedcertificationandcredentialingstandardsavailableatwww.eatright.org.SchoolsshouldutilizeSNAandADArecommendationsforfoodservicestaffingandqualificationstoappropriatelystafftheirfoodservicedepartments.

2.FoodservicedirectorsarestronglyencouragedtoimplementtheArizonaDepartmentofEducationtrainingprogram,orequivalent,forallfoodservicepersonnel.TheArizonaDepartmentofEducationChildNutritionProgramsisdefinedasatraininginitiativeforFoodServicesDirectorssothattheypossessthenecessaryskillsandresourcestoeffectivelytrainfoodservicepersonnel.

3.Diningroomsupervisorystaff(teachers,aids,janitorialstaff,etc.)shallreceiveappropriatetraininginhowtomaintainsafe,orderly,andpleasanteatingenvironments.

4.Foodservicedirectorsandstaffareencouragedtoinformandcollaboratewithclassroomteachersabouttheschoolnutrition-foodserviceenvironmentandnutritioneducation.

D. Adequate Eating Space and Time and Appropriate Use of Food 1.Studentsandstaffshallhaveadequatespacetoeatmealsinpleasantsurroundingsandshall

haveadequatetimetoeat,relax,andsocialize.Safedrinkingwaterandconvenientaccesstofacilitiesforhandwashingandoralhygienemustbeavailableduringallmealperiods.

2.Rewardsandincentivesforacademicperformanceshallbegivencarefulconsiderationastothemessagestheysendtostudentsreceivingthem. Iffoodisincludedinrecognitionofacademicperformance,itshallbeusedinthegeneralcelebrationoftheachievement,notasthereward.

3.Foodshallnotbewithheldfromstudentsaspunishment.


http://www.schoolnutrition.org/Index.aspx?id=30


http://www.eatright.org


E. Food Safety 1.Schoolsshallencourageclassestoorderfoodsforclassroompartiesfromtheschool’sfood

serviceprogramorsourcesprovidingfoodincompliancewiththeArizonaFoodCode2000toensurecompliancewithfoodsafetyandsanitationregulations.HazardAnalysisandCriticalControlPoints(HACCP)plansandguidelinesmustbeimplementedtopreventfoodillnessinschools.

2.Allfoodserviceequipmentandfacilitiesmustmeetapplicablelocalandstatestandardsconcerninghealth;safefoodpreparation;handling,andstorage;drinkingwater;sanitation;andworkplacesafety.

3.Allfoodservicepersonnelshallhaveadequatepre-servicetrainingandmustholdaStateissuedorequivalenttrainingcertificate.Allfoodserviceworkersinestablishmentshandlingopenfoodmustobtainafoodhandler’scardorapplicablerequirementsforeachcountyfollowingtheguidelinesoftheArizonaDepartmentofHealthServices.




Example 3

School Meals

MealsservedthroughtheNationalSchoolLunchandBreakfastProgramswill:Beappealingandattractivetochildren;•Beservedincleanandpleasantsettings;•Meet,ataminimum,nutritionrequirementsestablishedbylocal,state,andfederalstatutesand•regulations;Offeravarietyoffruitsandvegetables;•Serveonlylow-fat(1%)andfat-freemilkandnutritionally-equivalentnon-dairyalternatives(to•bedefinedbyUSDA);andEnsurethathalfoftheservedgrainsarewholegrain.•

Schoolsshallengagestudentsandparents,throughtaste-testsofnewentreesandsurveys,inselectingfoodssoldthroughtheschoolmealprogramsinordertoidentifynew,healthful,andappealingfoodchoices.Inaddition,schoolsshallshareinformationaboutthenutritionalcontentofmealswithparentsandstudents.Suchinformationcouldbemadeavailableonmenus,awebsite,oncafeteriamenuboards,placards,orotherpoint-of-purchasematerials.

Breakfast.Toensurethatallchildrenhavebreakfast,eitherathomeoratschool,inordertomeettheirnutritionalneedsandenhancetheirabilitytolearn:

Schoolswill,totheextentpossible,operatetheSchoolBreakfastProgram.•Schoolswill,totheextentpossible,arrangebusschedulesandutilizemethodstoserveschool•breakfaststhatencourageparticipation,includingservingbreakfastintheclassroom,“grab-and-go”breakfast,orbreakfastduringmorningbreakorrecess.Schoolsthatservebreakfasttostudentswillnotifyparentsandstudentsoftheavailabilityof•theSchoolBreakfastProgram.Schoolswillencourageparentstoprovideahealthybreakfastfortheirchildrenthrough•newsletterarticles,take-homematerials,orothermeans.

Free and Reduced-priced Meals.Schoolswillmakeeveryefforttoeliminateanysocialstigmaattachedto,andpreventtheovertidentificationof,studentswhoareeligibleforfreeandreduced-priceschoolmeals.Towardthisend,schoolsmayutilizeelectronicidentificationandpaymentsystems;providemealsatnochargetoallchildren,regardlessofincome;promotetheavailabilityofschoolmealstoallstudents;and/orusenontraditionalmethodsforservingschoolmeals,suchas“grab-and-go”orclassroombreakfast.

Summer Food Service Program.Schoolsinwhichmorethan50%ofstudentsareeligibleforfreeorreduced-priceschoolmealswillsponsortheSummerFoodServiceProgramforatleastsixweeksbetweenthelastdayoftheacademicschoolyearandthefirstdayofthefollowingschoolyear,andpreferablythroughouttheentiresummervacation.



Meal Times and Scheduling.Schools:Willprovidestudentswithatleast10minutestoeataftersittingdownforbreakfastand20•minutesaftersittingdownforlunch;Shallschedulemealperiodsatappropriatetimes,(• e.g.,lunchshouldbescheduledbetween 11a.m.and1p.m.);Shallnotscheduletutoring,club,ororganizationalmeetingsoractivitiesduringmealtimes,•unlessstudentsmayeatduringsuchactivities;Willschedulelunchperiodstofollowrecessperiods(inelementaryschools);•Willprovidestudentsaccesstohandwashingorhandsanitizingbeforetheyeatmealsor•snacks;andShalltakereasonablestepstoaccommodatethetooth-brushingregimensofstudentswith•specialoralhealthneeds(e.g.,orthodontiaorhightoothdecayrisk).

Qualifications of School Food Service Staff.Qualifiednutritionprofessionalswilladministertheschoolmealprograms.Aspartoftheschooldistrict’sresponsibilitytooperateafoodserviceprogram,wewillprovidecontinuingprofessionaldevelopmentforallnutritionprofessionalsinschools.Staffdevelopmentprogramsshallincludeappropriatecertificationand/ortrainingprogramsforchildnutritiondirectors,schoolnutritionmanagers,andcafeteriaworkers,accordingtotheirlevelsofresponsibility.

Sharing of Foods and Beverages.Schoolsshalldiscouragestudentsfromsharingtheirfoodsorbeverageswithoneanotherduringmealorsnacktimes,givenconcernsaboutallergiesandotherrestrictionsonsomechildren’sdiets.




Draft Policy – School Meals Program

Policy language:(Include an overview of goals and specific rules for school meal programs—whether provided by school food service or a caterer—using the discussion items and examples from the previous pages.)


(Additional space for drafting School Meals Program Policy)

Other Foodsand Beverages


D. Other Foods and BeveragesAtschool,foodsandbeveragesareoftenavailabletostudentsthroughvendingmachines,schoolstores,fundraisers,snacks,celebrations,andrewards/incentives.Thetypesoffoodsandbeveragesavailablethroughthesevenuescangreatlyinfluencestudents’lifelongeatinghabits.

SchoolsthatparticipateintheNationalSchoolLunchProgramalreadyareprohibitedfromservingfoodsofminimalnutritionalvalueinthefoodserviceareaduringmealperiods.Thisincludesallcompetitivefoodsandbeveragessoldthroughvendingmachines,schoolstores,fundraisers,andothervenues.Thepurposeofthispolicysectionistoestablishnutritionstandardsforallfoodsandbeveragessoldorservedtostudentsduringtheschooldaythatfalloutsideoftheschoolmealsprogram.Havingnutritionstandardsforallfoodsandbeveragesavailableatschoolisimportantforsendingaconsistentmessagetostudentsabouthealthfulnutritionpractices.

Atminimum,allfoodsandbeveragesavailableduringtheschooldayshouldmeetnutritionstandardssetbytheUSDA.However,schoolsarestronglyencouragedtoimplementthenutritionstandardsforfoodsandbeveragesinschoolsthataresetforthbytheInstituteofMedicine(IOM).UnlikeUSDAstandards,theIOMstandardsarespecificallytailoredtothestudentpopulationandprovidethehighestlevelofsupportforpromotingnutritionpracticesthatpromotestudenthealthandahealthfullearningenvironment.

Institute of Medicine Nutrition Standards for Foods and Beverages in Schools

FoodsFruits,vegetables,wholegrains,andrelatedcombinationproducts(containing1+servingsoffruits,vegetables,orwholegrainsperportion),aswellasnon-fatandlow-fatdairyproducts:

Limitedto200caloriesorlessperportion,aspackaged•Nomorethan35%totalcaloriesfromfat•Lessthan10%totalcaloriesfromsaturatedfat•Zerotransfats(lessthanorequalto0.5g/serving)•35%orlessofcaloriesfromtotalsugars(exception:yogurt,withnomorethan •

30gtotalsugarsper8oz.portion)200mgorlessofsodiumperservingaspackaged•

Alacarteentréeitemsmustmeetthefatandsugarcriterialistedaboveandhaveasodiumcontentof480mgorless.



BeveragesWaterwithoutflavoring,additives,orcarbonation•Low-fatandnon-fatmilkin8oz.portions(lactose-freeandsoybeveragesareincluded,aswell•

asflavoredmilkwithlessthan22gtotalsugarper8oz.portion)100%fruitjuice(limitof4oz.portionforelementaryandmiddleschool;limitof8oz.portion•

forhighschool)Caffeine-free(w/exceptionoftraceamountsofnaturallyoccurringcaffeinesubstances)•

Source: Institute of Medicinehttp://www.iom.edu/~/media/Files/Report%20Files/2007/Nutrition-Standards-for-Foods-in-Schools-Leading-the-Way-toward-Healthier-Youth/FoodinSchools.pdf

Inadditiontothenutritionstandardsoutlinedabove,theCentersforDiseaseControlandPrevention21 andIOM22offertheserecommendationstohealthfulfoodandbeveragepractices:

Discouragetheuseoflessnutritiousfoodsaspartofschoolfundraisingactivitiesandclass•snacksandcelebrations.Instead,promotetheuseofhealthyornon-fooditems.

Discouragetheuseoffoodtodisciplineorrewardstudents.Ifschoolsdeemthatincentivesare•necessary,promotetheuseofnon-foodincentives.

Placerestrictionsonwherevendingmachines,schoolstores,etc.maybelocatedonschool•campusandthetimeswhentheywillbeaccessible.

Placerestrictionsonthelocationsandtypesofmarketingallowedforfoodsandbeveragessold•outsideoftheschoolmealprogram.

Whenenteringintocontractswithvendingmachineprovidersandothercontractors,ensure•languagesupportsyourschool’seffortstolimitfoodsofminimalnutritionalvalueandpromotemorehealthfuloptions.

GoalsKeepingtheserecommendationsinmind,stateyourgoalsforfoodsandbeveragessoldandservedoutsideoftheschoolmealsprogram.(Notethat,evenifyourschooldoesnotcurrentlyparticipateinsomeofthepracticesmentionedabove,itisbeneficialtostatethestandardsyouwouldimposeshouldthatchange;orsimplyincludelanguagestatingthatyourschoolwillprohibitthepractice.)Willyou:

Implement□ minimumUSDAfoodandbeveragestandards.

Implement□ higher standard IOMfoodandbeveragestandards.

Implementavariationoftheabovestandards.□

21 National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, Division of Adolescent and School Health. (2010, June). “Nutrition: School Health Guidelines.” Retrieved July 8, 2010, from http://www.cdc.gov/HealthyYouth/nutrition/guidelines/summary.htm.22 Institute of Medicine. (2007, April). “Report Brief: Nutrition Standards for Foods in Schools: Leading the Way Toward Healthier Youth.” Retrieved September 20, 2010, from http://www.iom.edu/~/media/Files/Report%20Files/2007/Nutrition-Standards-for-Foods-in-Schools-Leading-the-Way-toward-Healthier-Youth/FoodinSchools.pdf.

http://www.iom.edu/~/media/Files/Report Files/2007/Nutrition-Standards-for-Foods-in-Schools-Leading-the-Way-toward-Healthier-Youth/FoodinSchools.pdf


http://www.cdc.gov/HealthyYouth/nutrition/guidelines/summary.htm




Ifyouchoosetoimplementavariationoftheabovestandards,howwillyoumodifythem?a)

Inordertoachieveyourgoalsforotherfoodsandbeverages,discussnutritionpracticesfor:

Schoolfundraisers.b)

Schoolsnacks.c)

Classroompartiesandschoolcelebrations.d)


Useoffoodtodisciplinestudents.e)

Studentrewardsandincentives.f)

Restrictingthelocationandtimesduringwhichvendingmachines,schoolstores,etc.willbeaccessible.g)

Foodandbeveragemarketinginyourschool.h)


Foodandbeveragecontractswithoutsidevendors.i)

Foodsandbeveragesofferedaspartofafter-schoolprograms,fieldtrips,orotherschoolevents.j)

What,ifanything,yourschoolwilldotoencourageparentsandfamiliestosupportchildren’sk)healthfuleatinghabitsandberolemodelsforstudents.


Example Policy Language and PoliciesNowthatyouhavediscussedyourgoalsforfoodsandbeveragessoldandservedoutsideoftheschoolmealprogram,reviewtheexamplepolicylanguageandpoliciesprovidedbelow.Drawfromtheinformationprovidedonthepreviouspages,yourdiscussions,andtheseexamplestodraftyourownpolicyregardingfoodsandbeveragesinschools.

Example Policy Language – Other Foods and Beverages

FoodandbeverageguidelinesTheschooldistrictsetsguidelinesforfoodsandbeveragesinalacartesalesinthefoodservice•programonschoolcampuses.*

Theschooldistrictsetsguidelinesforfoodsandbeveragessoldinvendingmachines,snackbars,•schoolstores,andconcessionstandsonschoolcampuses.*

Theschooldistrictsetsguidelinesforrefreshmentsservedatparties,celebrations,andmeetings•duringtheschoolday.*

Theschooldistrictmakesdecisionsontheseguidelinesbasedonnutritiongoals,notonprofit•making.*

Theschooldistrictwillprohibittheuseoffoodasarewardorpunishmentinschools.•

FundraisingTheschooldistrictsetsguidelinesforfoodsandbeveragessoldaspartofschool-sponsored•fundraisingactivities.*

Theschooldistrictwillensurethatallschools’fundraisingeffortssupporthealthyeating.•

*Schools must expand on sample language to specify the nutrition standards they will follow.




Example Policy Language – Vending Machine Guidelines

GuidelinesforNutritiousChoicesinVendingMachinesFoodsandbeveragessoldthroughschoolvendingmachinesthatmeetacceptablenutritionalstandardsshallconsistofthefollowing:

Plain,unflavored,noncarbonatedwater;1.

Milk,asthattermisdefinedinC.R.S.25-5.5-101,andshallincludebutnotnecessarilybelimited2. tochocolatemilk,soybeverage,ricebeverageandothersimilardairyornondairybeverages;

Onehundredpercentfruitjuicesorfruit-baseddrinkscomposedofnolessthanfiftypercent3. juice,withoutadditionalsweeteners;

Anelectrolytereplacementbeveragethatcontainsforty-twogramsorfewerofadditional4. sweetenerpertwenty-ounceserving;

Nuts,seeds,dairyproducts,freshfruitsorvegetables,driedfruitsorvegetables,andpackaged5. fruitsintheirownjuice;and

Anyotherfooditemcontaining:6. Notmorethanthirty-fivepercentoftotalcaloriesfromfatandnotmorethantenpercentof•thosecaloriesfromsaturatedfat;and

Notmorethanthirty-fivepercentofitstotalweightinsugar. •

NOTE: For purposes of this exhibit, “additional sweetener” means an additive that enhances the sweetness of a food or beverage, including but not limited to sugar. “Additional sweetener” does not include the natural sugar or sugars that are contained in any fruit juice that is a component of the food or beverage.

(Issuedate)

COLORADOSAMPLEEXHIBIT2004


Policy Examples: Other Foods and Beverages

Example 1

Food and Beverages in Schools

FoodandBehaviorA.Schoolswillnotusefoodsorbeveragesasrewardsforacademicperformanceorgoodbehaviora.(unlessthispracticeisallowedbyastudent’sindividualeducationplan,behaviorinterventionplan,ora504IndividualAccommodationPlan).Schoolswillnotwithholdfoodsorbeveragesaspunishment.b.

FundraisingB. Fundraisingeffortswillbesupportiveofhealthyeatingbyemphasizingthesalehealthyfooda.itemsorofnon-fooditems.Fundraisingactivitieswhichinvolvethesaleoffoodwilltakeplaceoutsidetheschooldayb. (schooldayisdefinedas½hourbeforeschoolstartsuntilaftertheschoolbellringsattheendoftheschoolday)andmustmeettheguidelinesforfoodssoldoutsideofreimbursablemealsmenus.Studentsandstaffwillbeprohibitedfrompersonalfundraisingeffortsthatincludethesaleofc.foodsorbeveragesoncampus.Thedistrictwellnesscommitteewilldisseminatealistofhealthyfundraisingoptionstoschoolsd.andstudentorganizationsandwillserveasaresource.Thedistrictwillmakeexternalorganizations(e.g.parentteacherorganizations,boosterclubs,e. etc.)usingschoolpropertyawareofthepolicyregardingfundraisingwithfoodandbeverageitemsandwillencouragethemtoadoptthesamepolicy.Thedistrictwellnesscommitteewillsupplyalistofhealthierfoodchoicesandotherchoicesforfundraisingandwilloffertohelpsourcecertainitemsasisfeasible.

CelebrationsC. Classroomcelebrationswillencouragehealthychoicesandportioncontrolandnotincludea.morethanoneitemthatdoesnotmeettherequirementsforfoodssoldoutsideofthereimbursablemealsmenus.Thedistrictwellnesscommitteewilldisseminatealistofhealthypartyideastoparentsandb. teachersandwillserveasaresource.

SharingFoodsandBeveragesD. Schoolswillnotallowstudentstosharetheirfoodorbeverageswithoneanotherduringmealorsnacktimesgivenconcernsaboutallergiesandotherrestrictionsonsomechildren’sdiets.



E.SnacksSnacksservedduringtheschooldayorinafter-schoolcareorenrichmentprogramswillmakeapositivecontributiontochildren’sdietsandhealth.Thedistrictwillworktowardsservingwholegrains,fruits,vegetablesandlow-fatdairyastheprimarysnackitems.

F.FoodsSoldOutsideoftheReimbursableMealsMenusTheDistrictwillrecognizethatthepurposeofallfoodssoldoutsideofthereimbursablemealsmenuareforinbetweenorasanadditiontobalancedmeals.Foodsandbeveragessoldorservedoncampus(including,butnotlimitedto,concessions,schoolstores,vending,beveragecontracts,andalacartecafeteriaitems)willbelimitedtothefollowing:

AtElementarySchoolsReimbursablemealmenuitems;•Fruits;•Vegetables;•Low-fatdairyitems;•Yogurt;•

AtMiddle/JuniorHighandHighSchools(includesgrades6-8inK-8buildings)Reimbursablemealmenuitems;•Foodsthatcontain7gramsoffatorlessperserving;•Foodsthatdonothavesugarorothercaloricsweetenersasthefirstingredient;•

G.BeveragesThefollowingbeveragesmaybeallowedforsaleinallMinneapolisPublicSchools:a.

Unflavoredorflavoredlow-fatorfat-freefluidmilkandnutritionallyequivalentnondairy•beverages(tobedefinedbyUSDA);Waterwithoutaddedcaloricsweetenersorartificialsweeteners;•100%juice.•

ThefollowingbeverageswillnotbeallowedforsaleinanyMinneapolisPublicSchools:b. Softdrinkscontainingcaloricsweetenersorartificialsweeteners;•Sportsdrinks;•Icedteas;•Fruitbaseddrinksthatcontainlessthan100%realfruitjuice;•Beveragescontainingcaffeine,excludinglow-fatorfatfreechocolatemilk(whichcontain•trivialamountsofcaffeine).



H.PortionSizesExceptincaseswheretheNationalSchoolLunchProgramorSchoolBreakfastProgramrequirealargerservingsizetomeetmealpatternrequirements,portionsizesofthefollowingitemswillbelimitedto:

Oneandonequarterouncesforbakedchips,crackers,popcorn,cereal,trailmix,nuts,seeds,•anddriedfruit;Oneounceforcookies;•Twoouncesforcerealbars,granolabars,andotherbakeryitems;•Fourfluidouncesforfrozendesserts,including,butnotlimitedto,low-fatorfat-freeicecream;•Eightouncesfornonfrozenyogurt;•Twelvefluidouncesforbeverages,except•

16fluidouncesformilk;Unlimitedforwater

Fruitsandnon-friedvegetablesareexemptfromportionsizelimits.•

I.FoodMarketingSchool-basedmarketingwillbeconsistentwithnutritioneducationandhealthpromotion.Asa.such,schoolswilllimitfoodandbeveragemarketingtothepromotionoffoodsandbeveragesthatmeetthenutritionstandardsformealssoldoutsideofthereimbursablemealsmenu.School-basedmarketingofbrandspromotingpredominantlylownutritionfoodsandbeveragesb. isprohibited.Thepromotionofhealthyfoods,includingfruit,vegetables,wholegrains,andlow-fatdairyproductsisencouraged.




Example 2

Nutritious Food Choices

1. Foodsofgoodnutritionalcontentincludingfruits,vegetables,low-fatdairyfoods,andlow-fatgrainproducts,shallbeavailablewhereverandwheneverfoodissoldorotherwiseofferedatschoolduringthenormalschoolday.Schoolsshalltakeeffortstoencouragestudentstomakenutritiousfoodchoices.(Seestandardsbelow).

2. Foodandbeveragessoldorservedonschoolgroundsoratschool-sponsoredeventsduringthenormalschooldayshallmeettheDietaryGuidelinesforAmericansandothernutritionstandardguidelinesassetforthbytheArizonaDepartmentofEducationChildNutritionPrograms.Thisincludes:

a. Alacarteofferingsinthefoodserviceprogram;b. Foodandbeveragechoicesinvendingmachines,snackbars,meal-periodkiosks,andschool

stores;c. Foodandbeveragessoldaspartofschool-sponsoredfundraisingactivities;andd. Refreshmentsservedatstudentparties,celebrations,andmeetings.

3. FoodsofMinimalNutritionalValueasdefinedby7CFR210.11(2)isprohibitedfrombeingservedorsoldanywhereareimbursablemealisserved,sold,and/oreaten.FoodsofminimalnutritionalvalueasdefinedbyUSDAincludecarbonatedbeverages,waterices,chewinggum,hardcandies,jelliesandgums,marshmallowcandies,fondant,licorice,spuncandy,andcandycoatedpopcorn.

a. Non-CreditableFoodItems:maybeservedduringthelunchperiod,aswellascontributetothenutritionalcontentofthemenu.However,thesefoodsdonotcounttowardsUSDAmealpatterns.Schoolsareencouragedtolimitavailabilityofthesefooditemstostudents.

b. CreditableFoodItems:aredeterminedbyUSDAtohavenutritionalvalueandacceptableasacomponentofacompletemeal.Schoolsareencouragedtoserveavarietyofcrediblefooditems.

Food Sales

1. Atthediscretionofthefoodservicedirector,themanagementoffoodssalesonschoolgroundsshallbeunderthemanagementoftheschoolfoodserviceprogram,(exceptfoodssoldaspartofafundraisingactivity).Iffoodandbeveragesaresoldfromvendingmachinesorschoolstoresduringschoolhoursandarenotunderthemanagementoftheschool’sfoodserviceprograms,thenutritionrequirementsofUSDA’sSchoolLunchProgramandthenutritionenvironmentrequirementssetforthinthispolicymuststillbemet.



2. Onlystudentorganizationsandlegallyconstituted,nonsectarian,nonpartisanorganizationsapprovedbyadesignatedschoolofficialarepermittedtoengageinfundraisingonschoolgroundsduringtheschoolday.Theseorganizationsareencouragedtoraisefundsthroughthesaleofitemsotherthanfood.Foodssoldforfundraisingpurposesareprohibitedduringmealservicesanduntil30minutesafterthelastmealisservedduringtheschoolday.FoodssoldforfundraisingpurposesduringtheschooldayshallbemonitoredbythefoodservicedirectortoensurecompliancewiththenutritionalstandardsestablishedbytheUSDAforschoolfoodserviceprograms,aswellasnutritionstandardssetforthbytheArizonaDepartmentofEducationChildNutritionPrograms.Organizationsraisingfundsbysellingfoodsmustscheduleandauthorizethefundraiserwiththefoodservicedirectorpriortotheevent.

3. Foodsandbeveragesthathavesugar,cornsyrup,shortening,lard,orsomethingsimilarasthefirstingredientmaynotbesoldtostudentsonschoolgroundsduringthenormalschoolday.

Standards for Foods and Beverages Offered During the School Day

TheDietaryGuidelinesforAmericansandtheChildNutritionProgramregulationswillbeusedindecidingwhatfoodsandbeverageswillbeavailable.

Foodsandbeveragesofferedotherthanthelunchorbreakfastwillofferreplacementnutrientvaluetotheconsumer.Theitemwillofferagoodsourceofnutrients,bemoderateinsodium,bemoderateorlowinfat,andbemoderateinsugarthatisnotnaturallyoccurringinthefoodandmoderateincalories.

Offeravarietyofbeveragesatalocationsoconsumersmaymakeachoiceappropriatetotheirneed.

Offerskimor1%milkfatbeverageselectionswhere2%milkfatorwholemilkfatbeveragesareavailableandencouragetheconsumptionoflowerfatoptions.

Offeravarietyoffoodsthatcanbeusedasreplacementforpartofatraditionalmealoradditivetoamealwhenadditionalcaloriesandnutrientsareneededbecauseofenergyexpenditure. Iftheofferingiswiththeintentofbeingadditivetothenutrientcontentoflunchorbreakfast,thereasonfortheneedforadditivenutrientsneedstobeidentifiedanddecisionsmadebasedontheneed(s).

Involvestudentsintheprocess.




Example 3

Foods and Beverages Sold Individually(i.e.,foodssoldoutsideofreimbursableschoolmeals,suchasthroughvendingmachines,cafeteriaalacarte[snack]lines,fundraisers,schoolstores,etc.)

Elementary Schools.Theschoolfoodserviceprogramwillapproveandprovideallfoodandbeveragesalestostudentsinelementaryschools.Givenyoungchildren’slimitednutritionskills,foodinelementaryschoolsshouldbesoldasbalancedmeals.Ifavailable,foodsandbeveragessoldindividuallywillbelimitedtolow-fatandnon-fatmilk,fruits,andnon-friedvegetables.

Middle/Junior High and High Schools.Inmiddle/juniorhighandhighschools,allfoodsandbeveragessoldindividuallyoutsidethereimbursableschoolmealprograms(includingthosesoldthroughalacarte[snack]lines,vendingmachines,studentstores,orfundraisingactivities)duringtheschoolday,orthroughprogramsforstudentsaftertheschoolday,willmeetthefollowingnutritionandportionsizestandards:

Beverages Allowed• :waterorseltzerwaterwithoutaddedcaloricsweeteners;fruitandvegetablejuicesandfruit-baseddrinksthatcontainatleast50%fruitjuiceandthatdonotcontainadditionalcaloricsweeteners;unflavoredorflavoredlow-fatorfat-freefluidmilkandnutritionally-equivalentnondairybeverages(tobedefinedbyUSDA);Notallowed• :softdrinkscontainingcaloricsweeteners;sportsdrinks;icedteas;fruit-baseddrinksthatcontainlessthan50%realfruitjuiceorthatcontainadditionalcaloricsweeteners;beveragescontainingcaffeine,excludinglow-fatorfat-freechocolatemilk(whichcontaintrivialamountsofcaffeine).

Foods Afooditemsoldindividually:•

Willhavenomorethan35%ofitscaloriesfromfat(excludingnuts,seeds,peanutbutter,andothernutbutters)and10%ofitscaloriesfromsaturatedandtransfatcombined;Willhavenomorethan35%ofitsweightfromaddedsugars;Willcontainnomorethan230mgofsodiumperservingforchips,cereals,crackers,Frenchfries,bakedgoods,andothersnackitems;willcontainnomorethan480mgofsodiumperservingforpastas,meats,andsoups;andwillcontainnomorethan600mgofsodiumforpizza,sandwiches,andmaindishes.

Achoiceofatleasttwofruitsand/ornon-friedvegetableswillbeofferedforsaleatanylocation•ontheschoolsitewherefoodsaresold.Suchitemscouldinclude,butarenotlimitedto,freshfruitsandvegetables;100%fruitorvegetablejuice;fruit-baseddrinksthatareatleast50%fruitjuiceandthatdonotcontainadditionalcaloricsweeteners;cooked,dried,orcannedfruits(cannedinfruitjuiceorlightsyrup);andcooked,dried,orcannedvegetables(thatmeettheabovefatandsodiumguidelines).



Portion SizesLimitportionsizesoffoodsandbeveragessoldindividuallytothoselistedbelow:

Oneandone-quarterouncesforchips,crackers,popcorn,cereal,trailmix,nuts,seeds,dried•fruit,orjerky;Oneounceforcookies;•Twoouncesforcerealbars,granolabars,pastries,muffins,doughnuts,bagels,andother•bakeryitems;Fourfluidouncesforfrozendesserts,including,butnotlimitedto,low-fatorfat-freeice•cream;Eightouncesfornon-frozenyogurt;•Twelvefluidouncesforbeverages,excludingwater;and•Theportionsizeofalacarteentreesandsidedishes,includingpotatoes,willnotbegreater•thanthesizeofcomparableportionsofferedaspartofschoolmeals.Fruitsandnon-friedvegetablesareexemptfromportion-sizelimits.

Fundraising Activities.Tosupportchildren’shealthandschoolnutrition-educationefforts,schoolfundraisingactivitieswillnotinvolvefoodorwilluseonlyfoodsthatmeettheabovenutritionandportionsizestandardsforfoodsandbeveragessoldindividually.Schoolswillencouragefundraisingactivitiesthatpromotephysicalactivity.Theschooldistrictwillmakeavailablealistofideasforacceptablefundraisingactivities.

Snacks.Snacksservedduringtheschooldayorinafter-schoolcareorenrichmentprogramswillmakeapositivecontributiontochildren’sdietsandhealth,withanemphasisonservingfruitsandvegetablesastheprimarysnacksandwaterastheprimarybeverage.Schoolswillassessifandwhentooffersnacksbasedontimingofschoolmeals,children’snutritionalneeds,children’sages,andotherconsiderations.Thedistrictwilldisseminatealistofhealthfulsnackitemstoteachers,after-schoolprogrampersonnel,andparents.

Ifeligible,schoolsthatprovidesnacksthroughafter-schoolprogramswillpursuereceivingreimbursementsthroughtheNationalSchoolLunchProgram.

Rewards.Schoolswillnotusefoodsorbeverages,especiallythosethatdonotmeetthenutritionstandardsforfoodsandbeveragessoldindividually(above),asrewardsforacademicperformanceorgoodbehaviorandwillnotwithholdfoodorbeverages(includingfoodservedthroughschoolmeals)asapunishment.



Celebrations.Schoolswilllimitcelebrationsthatinvolvefoodduringtheschooldaytonomorethanonepartyperclasspermonth.Eachpartywillincludenomorethanonefoodorbeveragethatdoesnotmeetnutritionstandardsforfoodsandbeveragessoldindividually(above).Thedistrictwilldisseminatealistofhealthypartyideastoparentsandteachers.

School-sponsored Events.(Suchas,butnotlimitedto,athleticevents,dances,orperformances.)Foodsandbeveragesofferedorsoldatschool-sponsoredeventsoutsidetheschooldaywillmeetthenutritionstandardsformealsorforfoodsandbeveragessoldindividually(above).

Food Marketing in Schools.School-basedmarketingwillbeconsistentwithnutritioneducationandhealthpromotion.Assuch,schoolswilllimitfoodandbeveragemarketingtothepromotionoffoodsandbeveragesthatmeetthenutritionstandardsformealsorforfoodsandbeveragessoldindividually(above).School-basedmarketingofbrandspromotingpredominantlylow-nutritionfoodsandbeveragesisprohibited.Thepromotionofhealthyfoods,includingfruits,vegetables,wholegrains,andlow-fatdairyproductsisencouraged.


Communication with Parents.Thedistrictwillsupportparents’effortstoprovideahealthydietfortheirchildren.Thedistrictwillofferhealthyeatingseminarsforparents,sendhomenutritioninformation,postnutritiontipsonschoolwebsites,andprovidenutrientanalysesofschoolmenus.Schoolsshouldencourageparentstopackhealthylunchesandsnacksandtorefrainfromincludingbeveragesandfoodsthatdonotmeettheabovenutritionstandardsforindividualfoodsandbeverages.Thedistrict/schoolwillprovideparentsalistoffoodsthatmeetthedistrict’ssnackstandardsandideasforhealthycelebrations/parties,rewards,andfundraisingactivities.Inaddition,thedistrict/schoolwillprovideopportunitiesforparentstosharetheirhealthyfoodpracticeswithothersintheschoolcommunity. Source: Model School Wellness Policies http://www.schoolwellnesspolicies.org/WellnessPolicies.html



Draft Policy – Other Foods and Beverages

Policy language:(State your policy for foods and beverages sold or offered outside of the school meal program using the discussion items and examples from the previous pages.)


(Additional space for drafting Other Foods and Beverages Policy)

Physical Education and Physical Activity


E. Physical Education and Physical ActivityTheschoolphysicalactivityenvironmentisshapedbytheavailabilityofphysicaleducation(PE),recess,in-classphysicalactivities,activecommutingprograms,andbefore-andafter-schoolprograms.23,24 ResearchshowsthatregularPEandphysicalactivitycanimproveclassroombehaviorandacademicachievementanddoesnottakeawayfromtimespentonotherclassactivities.25

Physical EducationSchool-basedphysicaleducationprovidesstudentswithopportunitiestoincreasedailyphysicalactivitywhileteachingskillsandknowledgeneededtopromoteandmaintainanactivelifestyle.26MinnesotaK–12AcademicStandardsandGraduationRequirementsstatethat“ingradesK–8,physicaleducationinstructionmustbegiventoallstudentseachyear.Grade9–12instructionmustbeprovidedtoallstudentsatleastonceinbothareas(healthandphysicaleducation).”MinnesotadoesnotrequirePEcreditforgraduationbutdoesallowlocaldistrictstoimplementhigherstandards.

TheNationalAssociationforSportandPhysicalEducation(NASPE)hasdevelopednationalstandardsforPEtoprovideaframeworkforaqualityPEprogram.27Perstatelegislationandbeginningwiththe2012–2013schoolyear,allMinnesotaschooldistrictsmustimplementtheseNASPEstandardsforaqualityPEprogram:

Demonstratescompetencyinmotorskillsandmovementpatternsneededtoperformavariety•ofphysicalactivities.

Demonstratesunderstandingofmovementconcepts,principles,strategies,andtacticsasthey•applytothelearningandperformanceofphysicalactivities.

Participatesregularlyinphysicalactivity.•

Achievesandmaintainsahealth-enhancinglevelofphysicalfitness.•

Exhibitsresponsiblepersonalandsocialbehaviorthatrespectsselfandothersinphysical•activitysettings.

Valuesphysicalactivityforhealth,enjoyment,challenge,self-expression,and/orsocial•interaction.

23 Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, Trust for America’s Health. (June 2010). “F as in Fat: How Obesity Policies are Failing in America, 2010.” http://healthyamericans.org/reports/obesity2010/Obesity2010Report.pdf. Accessed August 20, 2010.24 Institute of Medicine of the National Academies. Committee on Preventing Obesity in children and Youth, Food and Nutrition Board, Board on Health Promotion and Disease Prevention. “Preventing Childhood Obesity: Health in the Balance.” Washington, D.C.: National Academies Press; 2004.25 Story, M.; Kaphingst, K.M.; French, S. (2006). “The role of schools in obesity prevention.” Future Child. 16(1):109-142.26 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (1997, March). “Guidelines for School and Community Programs to Promote Lifelong Physical Activity Among Young People.” MMWR.46(RR-6).27 National Association for Sport and Physical Education. (n.d.) “Moving into the Future: National Standards for Physical Education, 2nd Edition.” Retrieved October 11, 2010, from http://www.aahperd.org/naspe/standards/nationalStandards/PEstandards.cfm.

http://healthyamericans.org/reports/obesity2010/Obesity2010Report.pdf

http://www.aahperd.org/naspe/standards/nationalStandards/PEstandards.cfm


Additionally,theCDCrecommendselementarystudentsreceiveatleast150minutesofPEperweek(excludingrecess)andsecondarystudentsreceiveatleast225minutesofPEperweek.Curriculashouldemphasizeenjoyableparticipationinlifetimephysicalactivities,suchaswalkinganddancing,andnotjustcompetitivesports;andshouldkeepstudentsengagedformostofclasstime(morethan50%ofclasstimespentinmoderate-tovigorous-intensityactivity).28

Physical Education GoalsWiththesestandardsandadditionalrecommendationsinmind,stateyourgoalsforphysicaleducation.Consideryourschool’swellnessculture,existingpolicies,andthestudentissuesandneedsidentifiedinsectionone.RemembertoincorporatetheNASPEPEstandardsoutlinedabove,perMinnesotalaw.

28 National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, Division of Adolescent and School Health. (2010, June). “Physical Activity: School and Community Guidelines.” Retrieved September 20, 2010, from http://www.cdc.gov/HealthyYouth/physicalactivity/guidelines/index.htm.

http://www.cdc.gov/HealthyYouth/physicalactivity/guidelines/index.htm


Inordertoachieveyourphysicaleducationgoals,discuss:

ThenumberofminutesperdayorweekthatPEwillberequired,thenumberofdaysperweekthatd)PEwillberequired,andtheintensitylevelmaintainedbyenrolledstudents.

WhetherPEwillberequiredforgraduationand,ifyes,thatamountofPEthatwillberequiredtoe)graduate.


Whattrainingand/orcertification(bothcurrentandongoing)youwillrequireforstaffteachingf)physicaleducation.

Physical ActivityIntegratingphysicalactivityintotheschoolday(outsideoftraditionalPEprograms)providesstudents’amuch-neededbreakfromsedentarycoursework.29Examplesincluderecess,classroomphysicalactivitybreaks,before-andafter-schoolprograms,andwalkingandbikingtoschool.Inadditiontothehealthbenefitsofbeingactive,regular,dailyphysicalactivitycanhelpreduceclassroombehaviorsandhelpstudentsrefocuswhentransitioningbetweenclassroomlessons.27,30NASPEdiscouragesextendedperiodsofinactivity(2hoursormore)forchildren,especiallyduringthedaytimehours;31andtheIOMrecommendsthatallstudentsparticipateinatleast30minutesofmoderatetovigorousphysicalactivityduringtheschoolday.32

Moreover,theCDC26andNASPE27recommendthatschools:

Provideelementarystudentsatleast20minutesofrecessperday(inadditiontoPE).•

ProhibittheuseorwithholdingofphysicalactivityandPEaspunishment.•

Provideextracurricularphysicalactivityprogramsthatofferavarietyofage-appropriate•activities—bothcompetitiveandnoncompetitive—forallstudents.

29 National Association for Sport and Physical Education. (n.d.) “Integrating Physical Activity into the Complete School Day.” Retrieved September 20, 2010, from http://www.aahperd.org/naspe/publications/teachingTools/upload/PA-During-School-Day-8-9-10.pdf. 30 National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, Division of Adolescent and School Health. (2010, March). “Healthy Youth! Student Health and Academic Achievement.” Retrieved September 20, 2010, from http://www.cdc.gov/HealthyYouth/health_and_academics/index.htm. 31 National Association for Sport and Physical Education. (n.d.) “Physical Activity for Children: A Statement of Guidelines for Children Ages 5 - 12, 2nd Edition.” Retrieved September 20, 2010, from http://www.aahperd.org/naspe/standards/nationalGuidelines/PA-Children-5-12.cfm. 32 Institute of Medicine of the National Academies. Committee on Preventing Obesity in children and Youth, Food and Nutrition Board, Board on Health Promotion and Disease Prevention. “Preventing Childhood Obesity: Health in the Balance.” Washington, D.C.: National Academies Press; 2004.

http://www.aahperd.org/naspe/publications/teachingTools/upload/PA-During-School-Day-8-9-10.pdf

http://www.cdc.gov/HealthyYouth/health_and_academics/index.htm

http://www.aahperd.org/naspe/standards/nationalGuidelines/PA-Children-5-12.cfm


Providestudentstheopportunitytoparticipateinintramuralorinterscholasticsportsbefore•andafter-school,regardlessofabilitylevel.

Encourageparentsandfamiliestosupportchildren’sparticipationinphysicalactivityandtobe•physicallyactiverolemodels.

Trainteachers,coaches,andotherschoolstafftopromotesafeandenjoyablephysicalactivity•amongyouth.

Physical Activity GoalsWiththeserecommendationsinmind,stateyourgoalsforphysicalactivity.Consideryourschool’swellnessculture,existingpolicies,andthestudentissuesandneedsidentifiedinsectionone.


Inordertoachievethosegoals,discussrulesfor:

Thenumberofdaysperweek,minutes,orhoursperdayphysicalactivitywillbeprovided(outsidea)ofphysicaleducation)throughclassroom-basedorotherphysicalactivities.

Thenumberofdaysperweekandnumberofminutesperdaythatrecesswillbeofferedb)(elementaryschoolsonly).Willstaffkeepstudentsengagedinrecessthroughstructuredplayactivities?Willrecessbeprovidedbeforeorafterlunch?

WhetheryourschoolwillprohibittheuseorwithholdingofPEandphysicalactivityaspunishment.c)


What,ifanything,yourschoolwilldotopromotewalkingandbikingtoschool(e.g.SafeRoutestod)School,walkingandbikesafetycourses,walk-to-schooldays,etc.).

Whatbefore-andafter-schoolprograms,ifany,yourschoolwillprovidetopromotephysicale)activity,aswellasthenumberofdaysorminutesperweektheywillbeoffered.

Ifyourschoolhasindoorand/oroutdoorphysicalactivityfacilities,whetheraccesswillbegiventof)students,families,orothercommunitymembersoutsideofnormalschoolhours.


Whatcommunitypartnerships,ifany,yourschoolwillpursuetoincreasestudents’accesstoindoorg)andoutdoorphysicalactivityfacilities.

Example Policy Language and PoliciesNowthatyouhavediscussedyourgoalsforphysicaleducationandphysicalactivity,reviewtheexamplepolicylanguageandpoliciesprovidedbelow.Drawfromtheinformationprovidedonthepreviouspages,yourdiscussions,andtheseexamplestodraftyourownpolicyregardingphysicaleducationandphysicalactivityinschools.

Example Policy Language – Physical Education and Physical Activity

PhysicalEducationStudentsaregivenopportunitiesforphysicalactivityduringtheschooldaythroughphysical•education(PE)classes,dailyrecessperiodsforelementaryschoolstudents,andtheintegrationofphysicalactivityintotheacademiccurriculum.

Theschooldistrictwillprovideopportunitiesforon-goingprofessionaltrainingand•developmentforfoodservicestaffandteachersintheareasofnutritionandphysicaleducation.

PhysicalActivityStudentsaregivenopportunitiesforphysicalactivitythrougharangeofbefore-and/orafter-•schoolprogramsincluding,butnotlimitedto,intramurals,interscholasticathletics,andphysicalactivityclubs.

Schoolswillworkwiththecommunitytocreatewaysforstudentstowalk,bike,rollerbladeor•skateboardsafelytoandfromschool.

Schoolswillencourageparentsandguardianstosupporttheirchildren’sparticipationinphysical•activity,tobephysicallyactiverolemodels,andtoincludephysicalactivityinfamilyevents.

Schoolswillprovidetrainingtoenableteachers,andotherschoolstafftopromoteenjoyable,•lifelongphysicalactivityamongstudents.


Theschooldistrictwillnotdenystudentparticipationinrecessorotherphysicalactivitiesasa•formofdisciplineorforclassroommake-uptime.

Theschooldistrictwillmakeeffortstokeepschoolordistrict-ownedphysicalactivityfacilities•openforusebystudentsoutsideschoolhours.

Theschooldistrictencouragesparents,teachers,schooladministrators,students,foodservice•professionals,andcommunitymemberstoserveasrolemodelsinpracticinghealthyeatingandbeingphysicallyactive,bothinschoolandathome.




Policy Examples: Physical Education and Physical Activity

Example 1

Physical Activity

1. Physical Education (P.E.)a. Thedistrictwillprovidestudentsregularphysicaleducationof150minutes/weekfor

elementaryand225minutes/weekformiddleandhighschoolstudentsfortheentireschoolyear.

b. Thedistrictwillmaintaingraduationrequirementsoftwocreditsofbothhealthandphysicaleducationinhighschool.

c. Thedistrictwillfollowstatecompulsoryinstructionlawwhichrequiresallstudentsages7-16(andkindergarten)toreceiveinstructioninhealthandphysicaleducation.Therewillbenoexemptionstothislaw(i.e.,choicebetweenband,foreignlanguageandphysicaleducationisnotpermissible).

d. Allphysicaleducationwillbetaughtbyacertifiedphysicaleducationteacher.e. Physicaleducationcourseswillprovideanopportunityforstudentstolearn,practiceandbe

assessedondevelopmentallyappropriatemotorskills,socialskillsandknowledge.f. Studentinvolvementinotheractivitiesinvolvingphysicalactivity(i.e.interscholasticor

intramuralsportsorelectiveclassessuchasmarchingband)willnotbesubstitutedformeetingthephysicaleducationrequirement.

g. Studentswillspendatleast50percentofphysicaleducationclasstimeparticipatinginmoderatetovigorousphysicalactivity.

h. ThedistrictwillestablishanenrollmentcapforPEclasssizestoensureadequatesupervisionandminimizeriskofschooldistrictliabilityforinjuries.

i. Schoolswillincreasethenumberofphysicaleducationelectivesavailabletohighschoolstudents.

j. Ageappropriatephysicalactivitiestopromotepositivegrowthanddevelopmentwillbeimplementedforearlychildhoodprogramswithinthedistrict.

2. Integrating Physical Activity into the Classroom Setting Forstudentstoreceivetherecommendedamountofphysicalactivitythroughouttheday(i.e.at

least60minutesperday)andforstudentstofullyembraceregularphysicalactivityasapersonalbehavior,studentsneedopportunitiesforphysicalactivitybeyondPE(physicaleducation)educationclass.Towardthatend:

a. Classroomhealtheducationwillreinforcetheknowledgeandself-managementskillsneededto maintainahealthylifestyleandreducesedentaryactivitiessuchaswatchingtelevision;

b. Opportunitiesforphysicalactivitywillbeincorporatedintoothersubjectlessons(suchas science,mathandsocialstudies),whereappropriate;

c. Classroomteacherswillprovideshortphysicalactivitybreaksbetweenlessonsorclasses,as appropriate;and

d. Schoolswilldiscourageextendedperiods(i.e.periodsoftwoormorehours)ofinactivity.



3. Daily RecessAllelementaryschoolstudentswillhaveatleast20minutesadayofsupervisedrecess,preferablybeforelunchandoutdoors,duringwhichschoolswillencouragemoderatetovigorousphysicalactivityverballyandthroughtheprovisionofspaceandequipment.

4. Physical Activity Opportunities Before and After Schoola. Allschoolswillprovideeverystudentwithopportunitiestovoluntarilyparticipateinextra

curricularphysicalactivitiesthatmeetshisorherneeds,interestsandabilities.b. Middleandhighschoolsshallofferintramuralphysicalactivityprogramsthatfeatureabroad

rangeofcompetitiveandcooperativeactivities.c. Highschoolsshallofferinterscholasticathleticprogramsthatshalladheretotherulesand

regulationsoftheMinnesotaStateHighSchoolLeague.d. Schoolsshallworkwithrecreationagenciesandothercommunityorganizationstocoordinate

andenhanceopportunitiesavailabletostudentsandstaffforphysicalactivityduringtheirout-of-schooltime.

e. Outofschoolhourchildcareandprogramswillprovideandencourage–verballyandthroughtheprovisionofspace,equipment,andactivities–dailyperiodsofmoderatetovigorousphysicalactivityforallparticipants.

f. Schoolfacilitieswillbeavailabletostudents,staffandcommunitymembersbeforeandaftertheschoolday,onweekends,andduringschoolvacationsforphysicalactivityandnutritionprogramsthroughCommunityEducation.

g. Schoolcommunitieswillexamineifbikingandwalkingtoschoolissafeandencouragestudentstobikeandwalktoschoolwhereappropriate.

5. Physical Activity and PunishmentTeachersandotherschoolandcommunitypersonnelwillnotusephysicalactivity(i.e.runninglaps,pushups)orwithholdopportunitiesforphysicalactivity(i.e.recess,physicaleducation)aspunishment.




Example 2

Physical Activity and a Healthy School Environment

A. Recommendations for Physical Activity 1. Physicaleducationcoursesshouldbetheenvironmentinwhichstudentslearn,practiceandare

assessedondevelopmentallyappropriatemotorskills,socialskills,andknowledge.2. Physicalactivityinvolvesbodilymovementthatresultsinanexpenditureofenergyofatleast

amoderateintensitylevelandfordurationsufficienttoprovideasignificanthealthbenefitforstudents.

3. Childrenshouldaccumulateatleast60minutesofphysicalactivityonallormostdaysoftheweek.Thiscanbeaccomplishedthroughseveralboutsofphysicalactivitylasting15minutesormoreeachday.

4. Extendedperiodsofinactivity(periodsoftwoormorehours)arediscouraged.

B. Recommendations for Physical Education for Children During the Normal School Day 1. Ensurethatstate-certifiedphysicaleducationteachersteachallphysicaleducationclasses.2. Provideanadequateamountoftimeforphysicaleducationclasses.Schoolsshouldprovide

atleast150minutesperweekforelementarystudentsandatleast225minutesperweekformiddleandhighschoolstudentsfortheentireschoolyear.

3. Ensurethatphysicaleducationclasseshaveateacher/studentratiocomparablewiththoseofotherclasses

4. Implementasequentialphysicaleducationcourseofstudyconsistentwithnationalstandardsforphysicaleducationandwithafocusonstudents’developmentofmotorskills,movementforms,andhealth-relatedfitness.

5. Ensurethatstudentsaremoderatelytovigorouslyactiveatleast50%ofthetimewhileparticipatinginphysicaleducationclasses.

6. Provideaphysicalandsocialenvironmentthatencouragessafeandenjoyableactivityforallstudents,includingthosewhoarenotathleticallygifted.

7. Prohibittheuseofphysicalactivityaspunishment,thewithholdingofparticipationinphysicaleducationclassaspunishment,ortheuseofphysicaleducationclasstimetocompleteassignmentsfromotherclasses.

C. Encouraging Lifetime Physical Activity 1. Schoolsshouldprovidedailyrecessperiodsofatleast20minutesforallelementaryschool

students.2. Schoolsshouldprovidephysicalactivitybreaksduringclassroomhours.3. Schoolsshallofferafter-schoolintramuralprogramsand/orphysicalactivityclubsthatmeetthe

needsandinterestsofallstudents,includingthosewhoarenotathleticallygiftedandthosewithspecialhealthcareneeds.



4. Schoolswillbeencouragedtoprovidecommunityaccesstoandencouragestudentsandcommunitymemberstousetheschool’sphysicalactivityfacilitiesoutsideofthenormalschoolday.

5. Schoolsshouldencourageparentsandcommunitymemberstoinstituteprogramsthatsupportphysicalactivity,suchasawalktoschoolprogram.

6. Schoolsshouldencourageafter-schoolchildcareprogramstoprovidedevelopmentallyappropriatephysicalactivityforparticipatingchildrenandreduceoreliminatethetimespentinsedentaryactivitiessuchaswatchingtelevisionorvideos.




Example 3

Physical Activity Opportunities and Physical Education

Daily Physical Education (P.E.) K-12.AllstudentsingradesK-12,includingstudentswithdisabilities,specialhealth-careneeds,andinalternativeeducationalsettings,willreceivedailyphysicaleducation(oritsequivalentof150minutes/weekforelementaryschoolstudentsand225minutes/weekformiddleandhighschoolstudents)fortheentireschoolyear.Allphysicaleducationwillbetaughtbyacertifiedphysicaleducationteacher.Studentinvolvementinotheractivitiesinvolvingphysicalactivity(e.g.,interscholasticorintramuralsports)willnotbesubstitutedformeetingthephysicaleducationrequirement.Studentswillspendatleast50percentofphysicaleducationclasstimeparticipatinginmoderatetovigorousphysicalactivity. Integrating Physical Activity into the Classroom Setting.Forstudentstoreceivethenationally-recommendedamountofdailyphysicalactivity(i.e.,atleast60minutesperday)andforstudentstofullyembraceregularphysicalactivityasapersonalbehavior,studentsneedopportunitiesforphysicalactivitybeyondphysicaleducationclass.Towardthatend:

Classroomhealtheducationwillcomplementphysicaleducationbyreinforcingtheknowledge•andself-managementskillsneededtomaintainaphysically-activelifestyleandtoreducetimespentonsedentaryactivities,suchaswatchingtelevision;

Opportunitiesforphysicalactivitywillbeincorporatedintoothersubjectlessons;and•

Classroomteacherswillprovideshortphysicalactivitybreaksbetweenlessonsorclasses,as•appropriate.

Schoolsshoulddiscourageextendedperiods(i.e.,periodsoftwoormorehours)ofinactivity.Whenactivities,suchasmandatoryschool-widetesting,makeitnecessaryforstudentstoremainindoorsforlongperiodsoftime,schoolsshouldgivestudentsperiodicbreaksduringwhichtheyareencouragedtostandandbemoderatelyactive.

Daily Recess.Allelementaryschoolstudentswillhaveatleast20minutesadayofsupervisedrecess,preferablyoutdoors,duringwhichschoolsshouldencouragemoderatetovigorousphysicalactivityverballyandthroughtheprovisionofspaceandequipment.

Physical Activity Opportunities Before and After School.Allelementary,middle,andhighschoolswillofferextracurricularphysicalactivityprograms,suchasphysicalactivityclubsorintramuralprograms.Allhighschools,andmiddleschoolsasappropriate,willofferinterscholasticsportsprograms.Schoolswillofferarangeofactivitiesthatmeettheneeds,interests,andabilitiesofallstudents,includingboys,girls,studentswithdisabilities,andstudentswithspecialhealth-careneeds.



After-schoolchildcareandenrichmentprogramswillprovideandencourage–verballyandthroughtheprovisionofspace,equipment,andactivities–dailyperiodsofmoderatetovigorousphysicalactivityforallparticipants.

Physical Activity and Punishment.Teachersandotherschoolandcommunitypersonnelwillnotusephysicalactivity(e.g.,runninglaps,pushups)orwithholdopportunitiesforphysicalactivity(e.g.,recess,physicaleducation)aspunishment.

Safe Routes to School.Theschooldistrictwillassessand,ifnecessaryandtotheextentpossible,makeneededimprovementstomakeitsaferandeasierforstudentstowalkandbiketoschool.Whenappropriate,thedistrictwillworktogetherwithlocalpublicworks,publicsafety,and/orpolicedepartmentsinthoseefforts.Theschooldistrictwillexploretheavailabilityoffederal“saferoutestoschool”funds,administeredbythestatedepartmentoftransportation,tofinancesuchimprovements.Theschooldistrictwillencouragestudentstousepublictransportationwhenavailableandappropriatefortraveltoschool,andwillworkwiththelocaltransitagencytoprovidetransitpassesforstudents.

Use of School Facilities Outside of School Hours.Schoolspacesandfacilitiesshouldbeavailabletostudents,staff,andcommunitymembersbefore,during,andaftertheschoolday,onweekends,andduringschoolvacations.Thesespacesandfacilitiesalsoshouldbeavailabletocommunityagenciesandorganizationsofferingphysicalactivityandnutritionprograms.Schoolpoliciesconcerningsafetywillapplyatalltimes.

Communication with Parents. Thedistrict/schoolwillprovideinformationaboutphysicaleducationandotherschool-basedphysicalactivityopportunitiesbefore,during,andaftertheschoolday;andsupportparents’effortstoprovidetheirchildrenwithopportunitiestobephysicallyactiveoutsideofschool.Suchsupportswillincludesharinginformationaboutphysicalactivityandphysicaleducationthroughawebsite,newsletter,orothertake-homematerials,specialevents,orphysicaleducationhomework.




Draft Policy – Physical Education and Physical Activity

Policy language:(Include an overview of goals and specific rules for both physical education and physical activity using the discussion items and examples from the previous pages.)


(Additional space for drafting Physical Education and Physical Activity Guidelines)

Other School-Based Activities

Workbook for Developing a Local School Wellness Policy 95

F. Other School-Based ActivitiesTherearemanyschool-basedactivitiesoutsideoftraditionalnutritionandphysicalactivityprogramsthatcaninfluencestudents’habits.Examplesincludeschoolgardens,farm-to-schoolprograms,parentandcommunityinvolvement,andschoolwellnesscouncils.Acomprehensiveschoolwellnesspolicyshouldtakeintoaccountallschoolactivitiesinordertoensurethattheschoolenvironmentsendsconsistentandaccuratehealthmessagesandprovidesstudentsopportunitiestoputintopracticethehealthfulskillstheyarelearning.

GoalsThinkabouttheotherschool-basedactivitiescurrentlyofferedatyourschoolandyourgoalsforthem.Doexistingactivitiesincorporatephysicalactivityornutrition-relatedcomponents?

Yes□ (List activities)

No □ (What opportunities, if any, exist for restructuring current activities to incorporate physical activity and nutrition components or expanding on the types of activities offered?)

Inthespacesbelow,discussgoalsandspecificpracticesforeachoftheactivitiesidentifiedabove.

Schoolgardena) (if applicable)

Farm-to-schoolprogramb) (if applicable)


Schoolwellnesscouncilc) (Note: all schools are strongly encouraged to maintain a school wellness council comprised of a diverse group of parent/student/teacher/community representatives to assist with the ongoing implementation and evaluation of their wellness policies.)

Specialeventsd) (if applicable, please specify)

Fieldtripse) (if applicable)

Familyandcommunityinvolvementf) (e.g. what, if anything, your school will do to encourage parents and families to support and reinforce healthful nutrition and physical activity practices through activities and role modeling.)

Otherg) (please specify)


Example PoliciesNowthatyouhavediscussedyourgoalsforotherschool-basedactivities,reviewthesamplepoliciesprovidedbelow.Drawfromtheinformationprovidedonthepreviouspages,yourdiscussions,andtheseexamplestodraftyourownpolicyregardingother-schoolbasedactivities.

Policy Examples: Other School-Based Activities

Example 1

Communication with Families and the Community

1.Thedistrictrecognizesthatparentsandguardianshaveaprimaryandfundamentalroleinpromotingandprotectingtheirchildren’shealthandwell-being.

2.Thedistrictwillsupportparents’effortstoprovideahealthydietanddailyphysicalactivityfortheirchildren.

3.Thedistrictencouragesparentstopackhealthylunchesandsnacksandrefrainfromincludingbeveragesandfoodswithoutnutritionalvalue.

4.Thedistrictwillprovideinformationtofamilies,communitybasedorganizationsandthegeneralpublicaboutwaystopromotehealthylifestyles.

5.Thedistrictwillencouragecommunitybasedorganizationsandotheroutofschooltimeactivityproviderstoprovidehealthyfoodsandphysicalactivityaspartoftheirprogramming.

6.Thedistrictwillencouragecommunitybasedorganizationsandotheroutofschooltimeactivityproviderstoadoptwellnesspoliciesthatwillpromotehealthylifestyles.



98 Workbook for Developing aLocal School Wellness Policy

Example 2

School Health Councils Theschooldistrictand/orindividualschoolswithinthedistrictwillcreate,strengthen,orworkwithinexistingschoolhealthcouncilstodevelop,implement,monitor,review,and,asnecessary,reviseschoolnutritionandphysicalactivitypolicies.Thecouncilsalsowillserveasresourcestoschoolsitesforimplementingthosepolicies.(Aschoolhealthcouncilconsistsofagroupofindividualsrepresentingtheschoolandcommunity,andshouldincludeparents,students,representativesoftheschoolfoodauthority,membersoftheschoolboard,schooladministrators,teachers,healthprofessionals,andmembersofthepublic.)

Communications with ParentsThedistrict/schoolwillsupportparents’effortstoprovideahealthydietanddailyphysicalactivityfortheirchildren.Thedistrict/schoolwillofferhealthyeatingseminarsforparents,sendhomenutritioninformation,postnutritiontipsonschoolwebsites,andprovidenutrientanalysesofschoolmenus.Schoolsshouldencourageparentstopackhealthylunchesandsnacksandtorefrainfromincludingbeveragesandfoodsthatdonotmeettheabovenutritionstandardsforindividualfoodsandbeverages.Thedistrict/schoolwillprovideparentsalistoffoodsthatmeetthedistrict’ssnackstandardsandideasforhealthycelebrations/parties,rewards,andfundraisingactivities.Inaddition,thedistrict/schoolwillprovideopportunitiesforparentstosharetheirhealthyfoodpracticeswithothersintheschoolcommunity.

Thedistrict/schoolwillprovideinformationaboutphysicaleducationandotherschool-basedphysicalactivityopportunitiesbefore,during,andaftertheschoolday;andsupportparents’effortstoprovidetheirchildrenwithopportunitiestobephysicallyactiveoutsideofschool.Suchsupportswillincludesharinginformationaboutphysicalactivityandphysicaleducationthroughawebsite,newsletter,orothertake-homematerials,specialevents,orphysicaleducationhomework.



Workbook for Developing aLocal School Wellness Policy 99

Draft Policy – Other School-Based Activities

Policy language:(Include an overview of goals and specific guidelines for other school-based activities using the discussion items and examples from the previous pages.)

Workbook for Developing aLocal School Wellness Policy100

(Additional space for drafting Other School-Based Activities Policy)

Staff Wellness


G. Staff WellnessInadditiontoaddressingstudentwellness,yourschoolwellnesspolicyshouldincorporateastaffwellnesscomponent.Aqualitystaffwellnesspolicyandsupportinginitiativesareimportant,notonlyforpromotingthehealthofteachersandotherstaff,butalsobecausestaffmembersserveasrolemodelsforstudentsandhelpimplementthevariouscomponentsofthewellnesspolicy.

GoalsStateyourgoalsforstaffwellness.Includeyourexpectationsofstaffmembersasstudentrolemodels,staff’sroleinsuccessfullyimplementingyourschool’swellnesspolicy,andwhatwellnessopportunitieswillbemadeavailabletothem(andhowoften).


Example PoliciesNowthatyouhavediscussedyourgoalsforstaffwellness,reviewtheexamplepoliciesprovidedonthenextpage.Drawfromtheinformationprovidedabove,yourdiscussions,andtheseexamplestodraftyourownpolicyregardingstaffwellness.

Policy Examples: Staff Wellness

Example 1

Staff WellnessSchoolstaffmembersserveasrolemodelsforstudentsandarethekeytosuccessfulimplementationofstudentwellnessprograms.Therefore,thedistrictandschoolsshouldofferstaffwellnessprogramsaswellasgeneralwellnessresourcesandopportunities.Thismayincludeworkshopsandpresentationsonhealthpromotion,stressmanagement,educationandresourcesthatwillenhancemorale,encouragehealthylifestyles,preventinjury,reducechronicdiseases,andfosterexceptionalrolemodeling.


Example 2

Staff as Role Models.Schoolstaffsareencouragedtomodelhealthyeatingbehaviors.Schoolsshouldofferwellness1. programsthatincludepersonalizedinstructionabouthealthyeatingandphysicalactivity.


Example 3

Staff Wellness._______________SchoolDistricthighlyvaluesthehealthandwell-beingofeverystaffmemberandwillplanandimplementactivitiesandpoliciesthatsupportpersonaleffortsbystafftomaintainahealthylifestyle.Eachdistrict/schoolshouldestablishandmaintainastaffwellnesscommitteecomposedofatleastonestaffmember,schoolhealthcouncilmember,localhospitalrepresentative,dietitianorotherhealthprofessional,recreationprogramrepresentative,unionrepresentative,andemployeebenefitsspecialist.(Thestaffwellnesscommitteecouldbeasubcommitteeoftheschoolhealthcouncil.)Thecommitteeshoulddevelop,promote,andoverseeamultifacetedplantopromotestaffhealthandwellness.Theplanshouldbebasedoninputsolicitedfromschoolstaffandshouldoutlinewaystoencouragehealthyeating,physicalactivity,andotherelementsofahealthylifestyleamongschoolstaff.Thestaffwellnesscommitteeshoulddistributeitsplantotheschoolhealthcouncilannually.






Draft Policy – Staff Wellness

Policy language:(State your policy using the discussion items and examples from the previous pages.)

Accountability


H. AccountabilityNowthatyouhaveadraftofthecorecomponentsandguidelinesofyourwellnesspolicy,youmustidentifyoneormorepersonswithintheschoolwhowillberesponsibleforoverseeingtheimplementationofthepolicy.Atthehighestlevel,thiswilllikelybethesuperintendent;butyoumaydecidethatitisappropriateforotherschoolstafftohaveamoredirectroleintheongoingimplementationandevaluationofthepolicy.

Thinkthrougheachofthewellnesspolicycomponentsandtheindividualsthatwillneedtobeinvolvedintheirimplementation.Identifytheschoolstaffmembers/administratorswhowillbemostinfluentialinensuringthatthewellnesspolicyisexecuted.


Example PoliciesOnceyouhaveidentifiedwhoyoubelieveshouldbeheldaccountableforimplementationofyourwellnesspolicy,reviewtheexamplepoliciesprovidedonthenextpage.Drawfromyourdiscussionandtheseexamplestodraftyourownpolicylanguageforaccountability.

Policy Examples: Accountability

Example 1

AccountabilityTheSuperintendentshallexecuteadministrativeproceduresthatensuretheimplementationofandcompliancewiththedistrictWellnessPolicyandGuidelines.Theseproceduresshallincludeadoptionofguidelines,designationofdistrictlevelandsite-basedstaffresponsibleforpolicyimplementationandthedevelopmentofaworkplanwithdistrict-wideassessment,timelineandevaluationindicators.AnannualreportwillbemadetotheSchoolBoardtoensuredistrictwidecompliancewiththepolicyandguidelines.


Example 2

Monitoring.Thesuperintendentordesigneewillensurecompliancewithestablisheddistrict-widenutritionandphysicalactivitywellnesspolicies.Ineachschool,theprincipalordesigneewillensurecompliancewiththosepoliciesinhis/herschoolandwillreportontheschool’scompliancetotheschooldistrictsuperintendentordesignee.

Schoolfoodservicestaff,attheschoolordistrictlevel,willensurecompliancewithnutritionpolicieswithinschoolfoodserviceareasandwillreportonthismattertothesuperintendent(orifdoneattheschoollevel,totheschoolprincipal).





Draft Policy – Accountability

Policy language:(State your policy using the discussion items and examples from the previous pages.)

Communication

I. CommunicationWiththecorecomponentsofyourwellnesspolicydrafted,youmustnowdeterminehowyourschoolwillcommunicateitswellnesspolicytoteachers,staff,parents,andstudentstoensuretheyunderstandthepolicy—includingitsrationale,specificguidelines,andimplementationplan—andhowitaffectsthem.Yourcommunicationplancouldincludestaffandstudenttrainingsormeetings,parent-teacherconferences,orinformationalmaterialsforfamilies.

Thinkaboutthesystemsalreadyinplaceforcommunicatingwithschoolstakeholdersanddiscusstheitemsbelow.

Canyouutilizeexistingsystemstocommunicateyourpolicy,orwillyouneedtocreate•somethingnew?

Whatmediumswillyouusetoinformindividualsofthepolicy,andhowfrequentlywill•informationbedistributed?

Rememberthat,asofAugust1,2010,allschoolsarerequiredtoposttheirwellnesspolicyon•theirwebsites(ifavailable).



Example PolicyOnceyouhaveidentifiedyourgeneralcommunicationstrategy,reviewtheexamplepolicyprovidedbelow.Drawfromyourdiscussionandthisexampletodraftyourownpolicylanguageforcommunication.

Policy Example: CommunicationExample 1

CommunicationsTheschooldistrictwilldevelopandimplementacommunicationsplanwhichincludesstaffandstudenttrainingandcommunicationtofamiliestoensureunderstandingoftherationalforthewellnesspolicyandneedsandactionsofthewellnesspolicy.



Draft Policy – Communication

Policy language:(State your policy using the discussion items and example from the previous pages.)


Implementation and Evaluation


J. Implementation and EvaluationThefinalsectionofyourschoolwellnesspolicyestablishesyourprocessandtimelineforimplementationandevaluation.Thisisacriticalstepinensuringthereisaplantoputintopracticethegoalsandrulesyouidentifiedintheprevioussections.Legislationrequiresthatschoolsallowparents,students,schoolstaff,andrepresentativesfromtheschoolfoodservice,schoolboard,schooladministration,andthecommunitytoparticipateinreviewingandupdatingtheschoolwellnesspolicy.

WellSAT: Wellness School Assessment Tool

WellSATisafreewellnessschoolassessmenttool,developedbytheYaleRuddCenterforPolicyandObesity.Thetool,whichassessesthestrengthandcomprehensivenessofschoolwellnesspolicies,allowsschoolstoevaluatetheoverallqualityoftheirwellnesspolicyandtrackprogressovertime.Itisdesignedasasurveyconsistingof50itemsthatcovertheareasofnutritioneducationandpromotion,physicalactivityandphysicaleducation,schoolmeals,andcompetitivefoodsandincludesexamplesoflanguagefromrealschoolwellnesspoliciestoassistwithscoring.Usersaregivenascorecarduponcompletionthatincludespersonalizedguidanceandlinkstoresourcesforimprovingthepolicy,basedonassessmentresults.Schoolscanaccessthetoolonlineatwww.wellsat.org.

Discusstheitemsoutlinedbelow.Thenreviewtheexamplepoliciesprovidedanddrawfromyourdiscussionsandtheinformationabovetodraftyourownplanforimplementationandevaluationofyourschoolwellnesspolicy.(Notethat,whileitisOKforyourpolicytoconsistofahigherlevelstatementofyourimplementationplan,yourteammaydecidethatitisbeneficialtosupplementyourpolicywithamoredetailedimplementationplanthatoutlinesactionstepsforimplementinggoalsandguidelinesspecifictoeachcomponentofyourwellnesspolicy.)

Whenwillthepolicygointoeffect?a)

Willpartsofthepolicyorimplementationplanneedtobephased-in?Ifyes,whichpartsandhow/b)whenwillthisbeaccomplished?Whowillberesponsible?

http://www.wellsat.org


Whenevaluatingsitesfornewschoollocations,whatconsiderations,ifany,willyoumaketoensurec)locationandbuildingfacilitiessupportyourpolicyandimplementationplan?

Whatotherschoolpoliciesorpracticesneedtoberevisedtosupportimplementationofthepolicyd)andpromoteconsistentpracticesanddecisionmaking(ifany)?

Howoften(andhow)willtheschoolwellnesspolicyanditsgoals/guidelinesbereviewed?e)


Whowillbeinvolvedinreviewingandevaluatingtheeffectivenessofthepolicyandhowwilltheyf)beengaged?

Whatwilltheprocessbeformakingchangestothepolicy,basedonevidenceofitsimplementationg)oreffectiveness?

Howwillprogresstowardsimplementationofthepolicyandcompliancewiththepolicybeh)reportedtotheschoolboard,administration,andotherstakeholders?


Isadditionalfundingrequiredtosupportpolicyimplementationanditssustainability?Ifyes,howi)willfundingbesecured?


Policy Examples: Implementation and Evaluation

Example 1

Implementation and MonitoringTheSuperintendentshallexecuteadministrativeproceduresthatensuretheimplementation1. ofandcompliancewiththewellnesspolicy.Theseproceduresshallincludeadoptionofcurrentguidelines,thedesignationofdistrictlevelandsite-basedstaffresponsibleforpolicyimplementationandanimplementationworkplan.AnannualreportwillbemadetotheSchoolBoardtoensuredistrict-widecompliancewiththe2. policy.AWellnessCommitteeshallbeformedtoplan,implement,andimprovetheschooldistrict’s3. nutritionandphysicalactivityenvironment.Adistrict-wideassessmentwillbeimplementedtoassessthenutritionandphysicalactivity4. needsofstudents.Assessmentswillberepeatedeverythreeyearstohelpreviewpolicycompliance,assessprograms,anddetermineareasinneedofimprovement.Animplementationworkplanwillbecreatedwithtimelineandevaluationindicators.5. SchoolswillincludewellnesspolicyimplementationplansintheirSchoolImprovementPlans.6. Theschooldistrictwilldevelopandimplementacommunicationsplanwhichincludestraining7. toensureunderstandingoftherationaleforthewellnesspolicyandtheimplementationplan.


Example 2

Implementation Action PlanGoverningBoardactionisrequiredtodemonstratetheadoptionisaconsistentstandardforthe•schooldistrict.Internalorganizationcommunicationswillidentifyresponsibilityandaccountabilityaspects.•Schoolcommunitycommunicationswillincludetherational,references,andoutlineofpolicy•changes.Astakeholderadvisorygroupwillbecreatedtoassistdistrictemployeeswithimplementation.•Adistrictpositionwillbeidentifiedthatwillberesponsibleforinquiriesandactionsregarding•thepolicyimplementation.





Example 3

Monitoring. Thesuperintendentordesigneewilldevelopasummaryreporteverythreeyearsondistrict-widecompliancewiththedistrict’sestablishednutritionandphysicalactivitywellnesspolicies,basedoninputfromschoolswithinthedistrict.Thatreportwillbeprovidedtotheschoolboardandalsodistributedtoallschoolhealthcouncils,parent/teacherorganizations,schoolprincipals,andschoolhealthservicespersonnelinthedistrict.

Policy Review. Tohelpwiththeinitialdevelopmentofthedistrict’swellnesspolicies,eachschoolinthedistrictwillconductabaselineassessmentoftheschool’sexistingnutritionandphysicalactivityenvironmentsandpolicies.Theresultsofthoseschool-by-schoolassessmentswillbecompiledatthedistrictleveltoidentifyandprioritizeneeds.

Assessmentswillberepeatedeverythreeyearstohelpreviewpolicycompliance,assessprogress,anddetermineareasinneedofimprovement.Aspartofthatreview,theschooldistrictwillreviewournutritionandphysicalactivitypolicies;provisionofanenvironmentthatsupportshealthyeatingandphysicalactivity;andnutritionandphysicaleducationpoliciesandprogramelements.Thedistrict,andindividualschoolswithinthedistrict,will,asnecessary,revisethewellnesspoliciesanddevelopworkplanstofacilitatetheirimplementation.




Draft Policy – Implementation and Evaluation Plan

Policy language:(State the steps you will take to implement and evaluate your school wellness policy, using the discussion items and examples from the previous pages.)

(Additional space for drafting Implementation and Evaluation Plan)


Definitions


K. DefinitionsUsethisspacetolisttermsthatrequireadditionalexplanationandthespecificdefinitionyouwilluseforthepurposeofyourschoolwellnesspolicy.

Examples

Childhood overweight:astateinwhichweightexceedsastandardbasedonageandsex;havingaBMIatorabovethe85thpercentilebutlowerthanthe95thpercentileforchildrenofthesameageandsex

Childhood obesity: astateinwhichweightexceedsastandardbasedonageandsex;havingaBMIatorabovethe95thpercentileforchildrenofthesameageandsex

Physical activity: bodilymovementofanytype,outsideoftraditionalphysicaleducationclasses

Competitive foods: foodsandbeveragessoldoutsideoftheschoolmealprogram,includingbutnotlimitedtoitemssoldinvendingmachines,schoolstores,alacartelines,concessions,andsnackbars

Normal school day: timeperiodspanningfromthefirstbellofthedaythatbeginsthefirstclassperiodtothelastbellofthedayendingthefinalclassperiod


(Additional space for drafting definitions)


VIII. Next Steps for Implementing your School Wellness Policy

Atthispoint,yourwellnessteamhasdraftedpolicylanguageforeachofthekeycomponentsofacomprehensivewellnesspolicy.Thenextstepistomergeeachofthesectionstocreateacompletepolicyandreviewallpolicylanguageforrevisionsandcorrections.Thecomponentsofthepolicyshouldbeorganizedinwhateverwayyoufeelismostlogical.Onepossibleoutlineissuggestedbelow.ExamplesofschoolwellnesspoliciesintheirentiretyareincludedinsectionXIofthisworkbook.

LocalSchoolWellnessPolicyOutlinePurpose,FindingsandStatementofPolicy1. Definitions2. Accountability3. Communication4. NutritionEducationGuidelines5. SchoolMealProgramGuidelines6. FoodsandBeverageGuidelines7. PhysicalEducationandPhysicalActivityGuidelines8. OtherSchool-BasedActivitiesGuidelines9. StaffWellness10. ImplementationandEvaluation11.

Onceyouhaveafinaldraftofyourschoolwellnesspolicy,youwillneedtopresentittotheschoolboardforapproval.Followyourschool’sproceduresforformaladoptionofthewellnesspolicy.Adoptionofthepoliciesmaytakemorethanoneschoolboardmeeting,asmemberswilllikelywanttoreviewanddiscussthecomponentsofthepolicybeforevotingonit.

Ifyouhavekeptschoolboardmembersupdatedandinvolvedthroughoutthepolicywritingprocess,thereshouldn’tbeanysurprisesatthemeeting(s).Nonetheless,bepreparedtojustifyeachofthecomponentsofyourpolicyandthespecificlanguageandguidelinesthatyouhaveproposed.Don’tbecaughtoffguardifsomeonetriestoremovelanguageorweakenitwithlooserlanguage.Keepinmindthecharacteristicsofastrongwellnesspolicy(seepage9)andknowwhatyouareandarenotwillingtocompromiseon.Alsobecognizantofotherdistrictpoliciesorpracticesthatwillneedtobechangedtobeinlinewithyourproposedschoolwellnesspolicy.Ifthereare,knowwhichonesandhaveaplanforhowtheycouldbechanged.

Onceyourschoolwellnesspolicyhasbeenadopted,keepthemomentumgoingandensureitisputintopractice.Gatheryourteamandwellnesscoordinatorsandbegintakingthenecessarystepstoputtingyourimplementationandevaluationplanintoaction.


IX. Additional Resources for Policy Development

Action for Healthy Kidshttp://www.a4hk.org/index.phpOffersmultipleresourcesgearedtowardscombatingchildhoodobesity,withspecificsuggestionsandmaterialsforschools.IncludesaWellnessPolicyToolthatguidesschoolsthroughtheprocessofwritingaschoolwellnesspolicy.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention–Healthy Schools, Healthy Youth!http://www.cdc.gov/healthyyouth/Resourcesanddataonavarietyofhealthtopicsspecifictoyouthandschools.

Minneapolis Public Schools–Healthy Kids, Focused Studentshttp://sss.mpls.k12.mn.us/hkfs.htmlInformationandresourcesspecifictoschoolwellnessinitiativesinMinneapolisPublicSchools.

Minnesota Department of Educationhttp://education.state.mn.us/MDE/Learning_Support/FNS/Health_Wellness/index.htmlResourcesdevelopedbyFoodandNutritionServicestosupportandjustifyschoolhealthandwellnessprograms,includingalocalwellnesspolicydevelopmenttool.

National Association of State Boards of Education“Fit, Healthy, and Ready to Learn: a School Health Policy Guide”http://www.nasbe.org/index.php/shs/53-shs-resources/396-fit-healthy-and-ready-to-learn-a-school-health-policy-guideDownloadabletextthatoffersexplanationsconceptsinmodelpolicies,policyexamples,andresourcestojustifyschoolwellnesspolicies.

Public Health Law Centerhttp://publichealthlawcenter.org/Policyguidesandresourcesspecifictoschoolwellnessinitiatives.

Statewide Health Improvement Program (SHIP) of the Minnesota Department of Healthhttp://www.health.state.mn.us/healthreform/ship/InformationspecifictotheStatewideHealthImprovementProgram.

USDA–Team Nutritionhttp://www.fns.usda.gov/tn/Healthy/wellnesspolicy.htmlOutlinesfederalrequirementsforwellnesspolicies,generalprocessforimplementingapolicy,andsamplepolicylanguage.

http://www.a4hk.org/index.php

http://www.cdc.gov/healthyyouth/

http://sss.mpls.k12.mn.us/hkfs.html

http://education.state.mn.us/MDE/Learning_Support/FNS/Health_Wellness/index.html

http://www.nasbe.org/index.php/shs/53-shs-resources/396-fit-healthy-and-ready-to-learn-a-school-health-policy-guide

http://www.nasbe.org/index.php/shs/53-shs-resources/396-fit-healthy-and-ready-to-learn-a-school-health-policy-guide

http://publichealthlawcenter.org/

http://www.health.state.mn.us/healthreform/ship/

http://www.fns.usda.gov/tn/Healthy/wellnesspolicy.html


The Wellness Solutionhttp://www.johnstalkerinstitute.org/wellness/sample_policies.htmAresourcecenterofsamplewellnesspoliciesfromMassachusettsschools.Alsoincludeslinkstoadditionalpolicydevelopmentguides.

WellSathttp://www.wellsat.orgOnlinetoolforassessingschoolwellnesspolicies.

Wisconsin Association of School Boards:http://www.wasb.org/wellness.htmlInformationondeveloping,implementing,andevaluatingschoolwellnesspolicies.

http://www.johnstalkerinstitute.org/wellness/sample_policies.htm

http://www.wellsat.org

http://www.wasb.org/wellness.html


X. School Wellness Policy Meeting Attendance Record

School Wellness Policy MeetingAttendance Record

Date of Meeting:______________________________________________________________________

Name Phone/Email

Name Phone/Email

Name Phone/Email

Name Phone/Email

School Staff Members

Parents

Students

School Board


Name Phone/Email

Name Phone/Email

Name Phone/Email

Food Service Staff

Community Members

Other


XI. Full Examples of School Wellness Policies

A. National Alliance for Nutrition and Activity (NANA)

______________ School District’s Wellness Policies onPhysical Activity and Nutrition

Preamble

Whereas, childrenneedaccesstohealthfulfoodsandopportunitiestobephysicallyactiveinordertogrow,learn,andthrive;

Whereas,goodhealthfostersstudentattendanceandeducation;

Whereas,obesityrateshavedoubledinchildrenandtripledinadolescentsoverthelasttwodecades,andphysicalinactivityandexcessivecalorieintakearethepredominantcausesofobesity;

Whereas,heartdisease,cancer,stroke,anddiabetesareresponsiblefortwo-thirdsofdeathsintheUnitedStates,andmajorriskfactorsforthosediseases,includingunhealthyeatinghabits,physicalinactivity,andobesity,oftenareestablishedinchildhood;

Whereas,33%ofhighschoolstudentsdonotparticipateinsufficientvigorousphysicalactivityand72%ofhighschoolstudentsdonotattenddailyphysicaleducationclasses;

Whereas,only2%ofchildren(2to19years)eatahealthydietconsistentwiththefivemainrecommendationsfromtheFoodGuidePyramid;

Whereas,nationally,theitemsmostcommonlysoldfromschoolvendingmachines,schoolstores,andsnackbarsincludelow-nutritionfoodsandbeverages,suchassoda,sportsdrinks,imitationfruitjuices,chips,candy,cookies,andsnackcakes;

Whereas,schooldistrictsaroundthecountryarefacingsignificantfiscalandschedulingconstraints;and

Whereas,communityparticipationisessentialtothedevelopmentandimplementationofsuccessfulschoolwellnesspolicies;

Thus,the_____________________SchoolDistrictiscommittedtoprovidingschoolenvironmentsthatpromoteandprotectchildren’shealth,well-being,andabilitytolearnbysupportinghealthyeatingandphysicalactivity.Therefore,itisthepolicyofthe________________SchoolDistrictthat:

Theschooldistrictwillengagestudents,parents,teachers,foodserviceprofessionals,health•professionals,andotherinterestedcommunitymembersindeveloping,implementing,monitoring,andreviewingdistrict-widenutritionandphysicalactivitypolicies.AllstudentsingradesK-12willhaveopportunities,support,andencouragementtobe•physicallyactiveonaregularbasis.


Foodsandbeveragessoldorservedatschoolwillmeetthenutritionrecommendationsof•theU.S. Dietary Guidelines for Americans.

Qualifiedchildnutritionprofessionalswillprovidestudentswithaccesstoavarietyof•affordable,nutritious,andappealingfoodsthatmeetthehealthandnutritionneedsofstudents;willaccommodatethereligious,ethnic,andculturaldiversityofthestudentbodyinmealplanning;andwillprovideclean,safe,andpleasantsettingsandadequatetimeforstudentstoeat.

Tothemaximumextentpracticable,allschoolsinourdistrictwillparticipateinavailable•federalschoolmealprograms(includingtheSchoolBreakfastProgram,NationalSchoolLunchProgram[includingafter-schoolsnacks],SummerFoodServiceProgram,FruitandVegetableSnackProgram,andChildandAdultCareFoodProgram[includingsuppers]).

Schoolswillprovidenutritioneducationandphysicaleducationtofosterlifelonghabitsof•healthyeatingandphysicalactivity,andwillestablishlinkagesbetweenhealtheducationandschoolmealprograms,andwithrelatedcommunityservices.

TO ACHIEVE THESE POLICY GOALS:

I. School Health Councils

Theschooldistrictand/orindividualschoolswithinthedistrictwillcreate,strengthen,orworkwithinexistingschoolhealthcouncilstodevelop,implement,monitor,review,and,asnecessary,reviseschoolnutritionandphysicalactivitypolicies.Thecouncilsalsowillserveasresourcestoschoolsitesforimplementingthosepolicies.(Aschoolhealthcouncilconsistsofagroupofindividualsrepresentingtheschoolandcommunity,andshouldincludeparents,students,representativesoftheschoolfoodauthority,membersoftheschoolboard,schooladministrators,teachers,healthprofessionals,andmembersofthepublic.)

II. Nutritional Quality of Foods and Beverages Sold and Served on Campus

School MealsMealsservedthroughtheNationalSchoolLunchandBreakfastProgramswill:

Beappealingandattractivetochildren; •

Beservedincleanandpleasantsettings; •

Meet,ataminimum,nutritionrequirementsestablishedbylocal,state,andfederalstatutes•andregulations;

Offeravarietyoffruitsandvegetables;• 33

33 To the extent possible, schools will offer at least two non-fried vegetable and two fruit options each day and will offer five different fruits and five different vegetables over the course of a week. Schools are encouraged to source fresh fruits and vegetables from local farmers when practicable.


Serveonlylow-fat(1%)andfat-freemilk• 34andnutritionally-equivalentnon-dairyalternatives(tobedefinedbyUSDA);and

Ensurethathalfoftheservedgrainsarewholegrain.• 35

Schoolsshallengagestudentsandparents,throughtaste-testsofnewentreesandsurveys,inselectingfoodssoldthroughtheschoolmealprogramsinordertoidentifynew,healthful,andappealingfoodchoices.Inaddition,schoolsshallshareinformationaboutthenutritionalcontentofmealswithparentsandstudents.Suchinformationcouldbemadeavailableonmenus,awebsite,oncafeteriamenuboards,placards,orotherpoint-of-purchasematerials.

Breakfast.Toensurethatallchildrenhavebreakfast,eitherathomeoratschool,inordertomeettheirnutritionalneedsandenhancetheirabilitytolearn:

Schoolswill,totheextentpossible,operatetheSchoolBreakfastProgram. •

Schoolswill,totheextentpossible,arrangebusschedulesandutilizemethodstoserve•schoolbreakfaststhatencourageparticipation,includingservingbreakfastintheclassroom,“grab-and-go”breakfast,orbreakfastduringmorningbreakorrecess.

Schoolsthatservebreakfasttostudentswillnotifyparentsandstudentsoftheavailabilityof•theSchoolBreakfastProgram.

Schoolswillencourageparentstoprovideahealthybreakfastfortheirchildrenthrough•newsletterarticles,take-homematerials,orothermeans.

Free and Reduced-priced Meals.Schoolswillmakeeveryefforttoeliminateanysocialstigmaattachedto,andpreventtheovertidentificationof,studentswhoareeligibleforfreeandreduced-priceschoolmeals36.Towardthisend,schoolsmayutilizeelectronicidentificationandpaymentsystems;providemealsatnochargetoallchildren,regardlessofincome;promotetheavailabilityofschoolmealstoallstudents;and/orusenontraditionalmethodsforservingschoolmeals,suchas“grab-and-go”orclassroombreakfast.

Summer Food Service Program.Schoolsinwhichmorethan50%ofstudentsareeligibleforfreeorreduced-priceschoolmealswillsponsortheSummerFoodServiceProgramforatleastsixweeksbetweenthelastdayoftheacademicschoolyearandthefirstdayofthefollowingschoolyear,andpreferablythroughouttheentiresummervacation.

34 As recommended by the Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2005.35 A whole grain is one labeled as a “whole” grain product or with a whole grain listed as the primary grain ingredient in the ingredient statement. Examples include “whole” wheat flour, cracked wheat, brown rice, and oatmeal.36 It is against the law to make others in the cafeteria aware of the eligibility status of children for free, reduced-price, or “paid” meals.


Meal Times and Scheduling.Schools:

Willprovidestudentswithatleast10minutestoeataftersittingdownforbreakfastand20•minutesaftersittingdownforlunch;

Shallschedulemealperiodsatappropriatetimes,(• e.g.,lunchshouldbescheduledbetween11a.m.and1p.m.);

Shallnotscheduletutoring,club,ororganizationalmeetingsoractivitiesduringmealtimes,•unlessstudentsmayeatduringsuchactivities;

Willschedulelunchperiodstofollowrecessperiods(inelementaryschools); •

Willprovidestudentsaccesstohandwashingorhandsanitizingbeforetheyeatmealsor•snacks;and

Shalltakereasonablestepstoaccommodatethetooth-brushingregimensofstudentswith•specialoralhealthneeds(e.g.,orthodontiaorhightoothdecayrisk).

Qualifications of School Food Service Staff.Qualifiednutritionprofessionalswilladministertheschoolmealprograms.Aspartoftheschooldistrict’sresponsibilitytooperateafoodserviceprogram,wewillprovidecontinuingprofessionaldevelopmentforallnutritionprofessionalsinschools.Staffdevelopmentprogramsshallincludeappropriatecertificationand/ortrainingprogramsforchildnutritiondirectors,schoolnutritionmanagers,andcafeteriaworkers,accordingtotheirlevelsofresponsibility.37

Sharing of Foods and Beverages. Schoolsshalldiscouragestudentsfromsharingtheirfoodsorbeverageswithoneanotherduringmealorsnacktimes,givenconcernsaboutallergiesandotherrestrictionsonsomechildren’sdiets.

Foods and Beverages Sold Individually(i.e.,foodssoldoutsideofreimbursableschoolmeals,suchasthroughvendingmachines,cafeteriaalacarte[snack]lines,fundraisers,schoolstores,etc.)

Elementary Schools.Theschoolfoodserviceprogramwillapproveandprovideallfoodandbeveragesalestostudentsinelementaryschools.Givenyoungchildren’slimitednutritionskills,foodinelementaryschoolsshouldbesoldasbalancedmeals.Ifavailable,foodsandbeveragessoldindividuallywillbelimitedtolow-fatandnon-fatmilk,fruits,andnon-friedvegetables. Middle/Junior High and High Schools.Inmiddle/juniorhighandhighschools,allfoodsandbeveragessoldindividuallyoutsidethereimbursableschoolmealprograms(includingthosesoldthroughalacarte[snack]lines,vendingmachines,studentstores,orfundraisingactivities)duringtheschoolday,orthroughprogramsforstudentsaftertheschoolday,willmeetthefollowingnutritionandportionsizestandards:

37 School nutrition staff development programs are available through the USDA, School Nutrition Association, and National Food Service Management Institute.


Beverages

Allowed• :waterorseltzerwater38withoutaddedcaloricsweeteners;fruitandvegetablejuicesandfruit-baseddrinksthatcontainatleast50%fruitjuiceandthatdonotcontainadditionalcaloricsweeteners;unflavoredorflavoredlow-fatorfat-freefluidmilkandnutritionally-equivalentnondairybeverages(tobedefinedbyUSDA);

Notallowed• :softdrinkscontainingcaloricsweeteners;sportsdrinks;icedteas;fruit-baseddrinksthatcontainlessthan50%realfruitjuiceorthatcontainadditionalcaloricsweeteners;beveragescontainingcaffeine,excludinglow-fatorfat-freechocolatemilk(whichcontaintrivialamountsofcaffeine).

Foods

Afooditemsoldindividually: •

willhavenomorethan35%ofitscaloriesfromfat(excludingnuts,seeds,peanutbutter,o andothernutbutters)and10%ofitscaloriesfromsaturatedandtransfatcombined;

willhavenomorethan35%ofitso weightfromaddedsugars;39

willcontainnomorethan230mgofsodiumperservingforchips,cereals,crackers,o Frenchfries,bakedgoods,andothersnackitems;willcontainnomorethan480mgofsodiumperservingforpastas,meats,andsoups;andwillcontainnomorethan600mgofsodiumforpizza,sandwiches,andmaindishes.

Achoiceofatleasttwofruitsand/ornon-friedvegetableswillbeofferedforsaleatany•locationontheschoolsitewherefoodsaresold.Suchitemscouldinclude,butarenotlimitedto,freshfruitsandvegetables;100%fruitorvegetablejuice;fruit-baseddrinksthatareatleast50%fruitjuiceandthatdonotcontainadditionalcaloricsweeteners;cooked,dried,orcannedfruits(cannedinfruitjuiceorlightsyrup);andcooked,dried,orcannedvegetables(thatmeettheabovefatandsodiumguidelines).40

Portion Sizes:

Limitportionsizesoffoodsandbeveragessoldindividuallytothoselistedbelow: •

Oneandone-quarterouncesforchips,crackers,popcorn,cereal,trailmix,nuts,seeds,o driedfruit,orjerky;

Oneounceforcookies; o

38 Surprisingly, seltzer water may not be sold during meal times in areas of the school where food is sold or eaten because it is considered a “Food of Minimal Nutritional Value” (Appendix B of 7 CFR Part 210).39 If a food manufacturer fails to provide the added sugars content of a food item, use the percentage of weight from total sugars (in place of the percentage of weight from added sugars), and exempt fruits, vegetables, and dairy foods from this total sugars limit.40 Schools that have vending machines are encouraged to include refrigerated snack vending machines, which can accommodate fruits, vegetables, yogurts, and other perishable items.


Twoouncesforcerealbars,granolabars,pastries,muffins,doughnuts,bagels,andothero bakeryitems;

Fourfluidouncesforfrozendesserts,including,butnotlimitedto,low-fatorfat-freeiceo cream;

Eightouncesfornon-frozenyogurt; o

Twelvefluidouncesforbeverages,excludingwater;and o

Theportionsizeofalacarteentreesandsidedishes,includingpotatoes,willnotbeo greaterthanthesizeofcomparableportionsofferedaspartofschoolmeals.Fruitsandnon-friedvegetablesareexemptfromportion-sizelimits.

Fundraising Activities.Tosupportchildren’shealthandschoolnutrition-educationefforts,schoolfundraisingactivitieswillnotinvolvefoodorwilluseonlyfoodsthatmeettheabovenutritionandportionsizestandardsforfoodsandbeveragessoldindividually.Schoolswillencouragefundraisingactivitiesthatpromotephysicalactivity.Theschooldistrictwillmakeavailablealistofideasforacceptablefundraisingactivities.

Snacks.Snacksservedduringtheschooldayorinafter-schoolcareorenrichmentprogramswillmakeapositivecontributiontochildren’sdietsandhealth,withanemphasisonservingfruitsandvegetablesastheprimarysnacksandwaterastheprimarybeverage.Schoolswillassessifandwhentooffersnacksbasedontimingofschoolmeals,children’snutritionalneeds,children’sages,andotherconsiderations.Thedistrictwilldisseminatealistofhealthfulsnackitemstoteachers,after-schoolprogrampersonnel,andparents.

Ifeligible,schoolsthatprovidesnacksthroughafter-schoolprogramswillpursuereceiving•reimbursementsthroughtheNationalSchoolLunchProgram.

Rewards.Schoolswillnotusefoodsorbeverages,especiallythosethatdonotmeetthenutritionstandardsforfoodsandbeveragessoldindividually(above),asrewardsforacademicperformanceorgoodbehavior,41andwillnotwithholdfoodorbeverages(includingfoodservedthroughschoolmeals)asapunishment.

Celebrations.Schoolswilllimitcelebrationsthatinvolvefoodduringtheschooldaytonomorethanonepartyperclasspermonth.Eachpartyshouldincludenomorethanonefoodorbeveragethatdoesnotmeetnutritionstandardsforfoodsandbeveragessoldindividually(above).Thedistrictwilldisseminatealistofhealthypartyideastoparentsandteachers.

School-sponsored Events (suchas,butnotlimitedto,athleticevents,dances,orperformances). Foodsandbeveragesofferedorsoldatschool-sponsoredeventsoutsidetheschooldaywillmeetthenutritionstandardsformealsorforfoodsandbeveragessoldindividually(above).

41 Unless this practice is allowed by a student’s individual education plan (IEP).


III. Nutrition and Physical Activity Promotion and Food Marketing

Nutrition Education and Promotion. _______________SchoolDistrictaimsto teach,encourage,andsupporthealthyeatingbystudents.Schoolsshouldprovidenutritioneducationandengageinnutritionpromotionthat:

isofferedateachgradelevelaspartofasequential,comprehensive,standards-•basedprogramdesignedtoprovidestudentswiththeknowledgeandskillsnecessarytopromoteandprotecttheirhealth;

ispartofnotonlyhealtheducationclasses,butalsoclassroominstructioninsubjects•suchasmath,science,languagearts,socialsciences,andelectivesubjects;

includesenjoyable,developmentally-appropriate,culturally-relevant,participatory•activities,suchascontests,promotions,tastetesting,farmvisits,andschoolgardens;

promotesfruits,vegetables,wholegrainproducts,low-fatandfat-freedairy•products,healthyfoodpreparationmethods,andhealth-enhancingnutritionpractices;

emphasizescaloricbalancebetweenfoodintakeandenergyexpenditure(physical•activity/exercise);

linkswithschoolmealprograms,otherschoolfoods,andnutrition-related•communityservices;

teachesmedialiteracywithanemphasisonfoodmarketing;and •

includestrainingforteachersandotherstaff.•

Integrating Physical Activity into the Classroom Setting.Forstudentstoreceivethenationally-recommendedamountofdailyphysicalactivity(i.e.,atleast60minutesperday)andforstudentstofullyembraceregularphysicalactivityasapersonalbehavior,studentsneedopportunitiesforphysicalactivitybeyondphysicaleducationclass.Towardthatend:

classroomhealtheducationwillcomplementphysicaleducationbyreinforcingthe•knowledgeandself-managementskillsneededtomaintainaphysically-activelifestyleandtoreducetimespentonsedentaryactivities,suchaswatchingtelevision;

opportunitiesforphysicalactivitywillbeincorporatedintoothersubjectlessons;and•

classroomteacherswillprovideshortphysicalactivitybreaksbetweenlessonsorclasses,as•appropriate.


Communications with Parents.Thedistrict/schoolwillsupportparents’effortstoprovideahealthydietanddailyphysicalactivityfortheirchildren.Thedistrict/schoolwillofferhealthyeatingseminarsforparents,sendhomenutritioninformation,postnutritiontipsonschoolwebsites,andprovidenutrientanalysesofschoolmenus.Schoolsshouldencourageparentstopackhealthylunchesandsnacksandtorefrainfromincludingbeveragesandfoodsthatdonotmeettheabovenutritionstandardsforindividualfoodsandbeverages.Thedistrict/schoolwillprovideparentsalistoffoodsthatmeetthedistrict’ssnackstandardsandideasforhealthycelebrations/parties,rewards,andfundraisingactivities.Inaddition,thedistrict/schoolwillprovideopportunitiesforparentstosharetheirhealthyfoodpracticeswithothersintheschoolcommunity.

Thedistrict/schoolwillprovideinformationaboutphysicaleducationandotherschool-basedphysicalactivityopportunitiesbefore,during,andaftertheschoolday;andsupportparents’effortstoprovidetheirchildrenwithopportunitiestobephysicallyactiveoutsideofschool.Suchsupportswillincludesharinginformationaboutphysicalactivityandphysicaleducationthroughawebsite,newsletter,orothertake-homematerials,specialevents,orphysicaleducationhomework.

Food Marketing in Schools.School-basedmarketingwillbeconsistentwithnutritioneducationandhealthpromotion.Assuch,schoolswilllimitfoodandbeveragemarketingtothepromotionoffoodsandbeveragesthatmeetthenutritionstandardsforSchool MealsorforFoods and Beverages Sold Individually(above).42 School-basedmarketingofbrandspromotingpredominantlylow-nutritionfoodsandbeverages43isprohibited.Thepromotionofhealthyfoods,includingfruits,vegetables,wholegrains,andlow-fatdairyproductsisencouraged.


Staff Wellness._______________SchoolDistricthighlyvaluesthehealthandwell-beingofeverystaffmemberandwillplanandimplementactivitiesandpoliciesthatsupportpersonaleffortsbystafftomaintainahealthylifestyle.Eachdistrict/schoolshouldestablishandmaintainastaffwellnesscommitteecomposedofatleastonestaffmember,schoolhealthcouncilmember,localhospitalrepresentative,dietitianorotherhealthprofessional,recreationprogramrepresentative,unionrepresentative,andemployeebenefitsspecialist.(Thestaffwellnesscommitteecouldbeasubcommitteeoftheschoolhealthcouncil.)Thecommitteeshoulddevelop,promote,andoverseeamultifacetedplantopromotestaffhealthandwellness.Theplanshouldbebasedoninputsolicitedfromschoolstaffandshouldoutlinewaystoencouragehealthyeating,physicalactivity,andotherelementsofahealthylifestyleamongschoolstaff.Thestaffwellnesscommitteeshoulddistributeitsplantotheschoolhealthcouncilannually.

42 Advertising of low-nutrition foods and beverages is permitted in supplementary classroom and library materials, such as newspapers, magazines, the Internet, and similar media, when such materials are used in a class lesson or activity, or as a research tool.43 Schools should not permit general brand marketing for food brands under which more than half of the foods or beverages do not meet the nutrition standards for foods sold individually or the meals are not consistent with school meal nutrition standards.


IV. Physical Activity Opportunities and Physical Education

Daily Physical Education (P.E.) K-12.AllstudentsingradesK-12,includingstudentswithdisabilities,specialhealth-careneeds,andinalternativeeducationalsettings,willreceivedailyphysicaleducation(oritsequivalentof150minutes/weekforelementaryschoolstudentsand225minutes/weekformiddleandhighschoolstudents)fortheentireschoolyear.Allphysicaleducationwillbetaughtbyacertifiedphysicaleducationteacher.Studentinvolvementinotheractivitiesinvolvingphysicalactivity(e.g.,interscholasticorintramuralsports)willnotbesubstitutedformeetingthephysicaleducationrequirement.Studentswillspendatleast50percentofphysicaleducationclasstimeparticipatinginmoderatetovigorousphysicalactivity.

Daily Recess.Allelementaryschoolstudentswillhaveatleast20minutesadayofsupervisedrecess,preferablyoutdoors,duringwhichschoolsshouldencouragemoderatetovigorousphysicalactivityverballyandthroughtheprovisionofspaceandequipment. Schoolsshoulddiscourageextendedperiods(i.e.,periodsoftwoormorehours)ofinactivity.Whenactivities,suchasmandatoryschool-widetesting,makeitnecessaryforstudentstoremainindoorsforlongperiodsoftime,schoolsshouldgivestudentsperiodicbreaksduringwhichtheyareencouragedtostandandbemoderatelyactive.

Physical Activity Opportunities Before and After School.Allelementary,middle,andhighschoolswillofferextracurricularphysicalactivityprograms,suchasphysicalactivityclubsorintramuralprograms.Allhighschools,andmiddleschoolsasappropriate,willofferinterscholasticsportsprograms.Schoolswillofferarangeofactivitiesthatmeettheneeds,interests,andabilitiesofallstudents,includingboys,girls,studentswithdisabilities,andstudentswithspecialhealth-careneeds.

After-schoolchildcareandenrichmentprogramswillprovideandencourage–verballyandthroughtheprovisionofspace,equipment,andactivities–dailyperiodsofmoderatetovigorousphysicalactivityforallparticipants.

Physical Activity and Punishment.Teachersandotherschoolandcommunitypersonnelwillnotusephysicalactivity(e.g.,runninglaps,pushups)orwithholdopportunitiesforphysicalactivity(e.g.,recess,physicaleducation)aspunishment.

Safe Routes to School.Theschooldistrictwillassessand,ifnecessaryandtotheextentpossible,makeneededimprovementstomakeitsaferandeasierforstudentstowalkandbiketoschool.Whenappropriate,thedistrictwillworktogetherwithlocalpublicworks,publicsafety,and/orpolicedepartmentsinthoseefforts.Theschooldistrictwillexploretheavailabilityoffederal“saferoutestoschool”funds,administeredbythestatedepartmentoftransportation,tofinancesuchimprovements.Theschooldistrictwillencouragestudentstousepublictransportationwhenavailableandappropriatefortraveltoschool,andwillworkwiththelocaltransitagencytoprovidetransitpassesforstudents.

Use of School Facilities Outside of School Hours.Schoolspacesandfacilitiesshouldbeavailabletostudents,staff,andcommunitymembersbefore,during,andaftertheschoolday,onweekends,andduringschoolvacations.Thesespacesandfacilitiesalsoshouldbeavailabletocommunityagenciesandorganizationsofferingphysicalactivityandnutritionprograms.Schoolpoliciesconcerningsafetywillapplyatalltimes.


V. Monitoring and Policy Review

Monitoring. Thesuperintendentordesigneewillensurecompliancewithestablisheddistrict-widenutritionandphysicalactivitywellnesspolicies.Ineachschool,theprincipalordesigneewillensurecompliancewiththosepoliciesinhis/herschoolandwillreportontheschool’scompliancetotheschooldistrictsuperintendentordesignee.

Schoolfoodservicestaff,attheschoolordistrictlevel,willensurecompliancewithnutritionpolicieswithinschoolfoodserviceareasandwillreportonthismattertothesuperintendent(orifdoneattheschoollevel,totheschoolprincipal).Inaddition,theschooldistrictwillreportonthemostrecentUSDASchoolMealsInitiative(SMI)reviewfindingsandanyresultingchanges.IfthedistricthasnotreceivedaSMIreviewfromthestateagencywithinthepastfiveyears,thedistrictwillrequestfromthestateagencythataSMIreviewbescheduledassoonaspossible.

Thesuperintendentordesigneewilldevelopasummaryreporteverythreeyearsondistrict-widecompliancewiththedistrict’sestablishednutritionandphysicalactivitywellnesspolicies,basedoninputfromschoolswithinthedistrict.Thatreportwillbeprovidedtotheschoolboardandalsodistributedtoallschoolhealthcouncils,parent/teacherorganizations,schoolprincipals,andschoolhealthservicespersonnelinthedistrict.

Policy Review.Tohelpwiththeinitialdevelopmentofthedistrict’swellnesspolicies,eachschoolinthedistrictwillconductabaselineassessmentoftheschool’sexistingnutritionandphysicalactivityenvironmentsandpolicies.44Theresultsofthoseschool-by-schoolassessmentswillbecompiledatthedistrictleveltoidentifyandprioritizeneeds.

Assessmentswillberepeatedeverythreeyearstohelpreviewpolicycompliance,assessprogress,anddetermineareasinneedofimprovement.Aspartofthatreview,theschooldistrictwillreviewournutritionandphysicalactivitypolicies;provisionofanenvironmentthatsupportshealthyeatingandphysicalactivity;andnutritionandphysicaleducationpoliciesandprogramelements.Thedistrict,andindividualschoolswithinthedistrict,will,asnecessary,revisethewellnesspoliciesanddevelopworkplanstofacilitatetheirimplementation.

44 Useful self-assessment and planning tools include the School Health Index from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Changing the Scene from the Team Nutrition Program of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), and Opportunity to Learn Standards for Elementary, Middle, and High School Physical Education from the National Association for Sport and Physical Education.


B. Minneapolis Public Schools

April 27, 2006

Minneapolis Public SchoolsWellness Policy & Guidelines

I. PurposeThepurposeofthispolicyistodevelophealthylearnersthroughaschoolenvironmentthatpromotesandprotectstudents’health,wellbeingandabilitytolearnbysupportinghealthyeatingandphysicalactivity.

II. General Statement of PolicyA. TheMinneapolisPublicSchoolsrecognizethatnutritioneducationandphysicaleducationare

essentialcomponentsoftheeducationalprocessandthatgoodhealthfostersstudentattendanceandeducation.

B. Theschooldistrictwillinvolvestudents,parents,teachers,foodservicestaffandcommunitypartnersandindustryexpertsinimplementing,monitoringandreviewingourdistrictWellnessPolicyandGuidelines.

C.Theschoolenvironmentwillpromoteandprotectstudents’health,wellbeingandabilitytolearnbyprovidingopportunitiesforhealthyeatingandphysicalactivity.

D.AllstudentsingradesK-12willhaveopportunities,supportandencouragementtobephysicallyactiveonaregularbasis.

E. Allstudentswillhaveaccesstoavarietyofaffordable,nutritiousandappealingfoodsthatmeettheirhealthandnutritionneeds.

F.Allfoodsandbeveragesmadeavailableoncampus(including,butnotlimitedto,concessions,schoolstores,vending,beveragecontracts,andalacartecafeteriaitems)willmeetandstrivetoexceedUSDADietaryGuidelineswhereappropriate.

G. Thereligious,ethnicandculturaldiversityandfoodallergiesofthestudentbodywillberespectedinmealplanning,nutritioneducationandphysicalactivity;andschoolsiteswillprovideclean,safeandpleasantsettingswithadequatetimeforstudentstoeat.

H. Allschoolsinthedistrictwillfully participateinthefederalschoolmealprogramstothemaximumextentpracticable.


III. AccountabilityTheSuperintendentshallexecuteadministrativeproceduresthatensuretheimplementationofandcompliancewiththedistrictWellnessPolicyandGuidelines.Theseproceduresshallincludeadoptionofguidelines,designationofdistrictlevelandsite-basedstaffresponsibleforpolicyimplementationandthedevelopmentofaworkplanwithdistrict-wideassessment,timelineandevaluationindicators.AnannualreportwillbemadetotheSchoolBoardtoensuredistrictwidecompliancewiththepolicyandguidelines.

IV. CommunicationsTheschooldistrictwilldevelopandimplementacommunicationsplanwhichincludesstaffandstudenttrainingandcommunicationtofamiliestoensureunderstandingoftherationalforthewellnesspolicyandneedsandactionsofthewellnesspolicy.

Wellness Policy ImplementationGuidelines

A. Foods and Beverages in Schools1. School Meals

Theschooldistrictwillprovidehealthyandsafeschoolmealprogramsthatcomplywithalla.federal,state,andlocalstatutesandregulations.

TheFoodServicesDepartmentwillaimtobeself-supporting;however,budgetneutralityorb. profitgenerationwillnottakeprecedenceoverthenutritionalneedsofstudents.

TheFoodServiceDirectorwillestablishamenucommitteethatincludesparents,students,andc.stafftoassistinchoosingnewmenuitemstobeservedinschools.

TheDistrictwillaccommodatethechangingspecialnutritionneedsofstudentsandwilld.accommodatethecultural,ethnic,andreligiousdiversityofourcommunity.

MealsservedthroughtheNationalSchoolLunchandBreakfastProgramswill:e.

Offeravarietyoffruitsandvegetables,withanemphasisonincludingavarietyoffruits•andvegetablesfromtheblue/purple,green,white,yellow/orange,andredfruitandvegetablegroupsonthemonthlymenu.Serveonlylowfat(1%)andfatfreemilk,exceptwhenwholeor2%milkisrecommended•forstudentswithspecialnutritionalneeds;offerlactosereducedmilkwhenrequestedbystudentsand/orparent/guardian;Worktowardsensuringthatatleasthalfofservedgrainsarewholegrain;•Continuetoexcludedeepfriedfoodsandstrivetoreplacehigherfatmainentréeitems•withlowerfatitemsasappropriate;Continuetoreplacemenuitemsthatcontaintransfatswithfoodsthatdonotcontain•transfats.BeservedinportionsizesthatmeetNationalSchoolLunchProgramandBreakfast•Programrequirements.MeetcurrentUSDAnutritionrequirements.•


2. Food SafetyAllfoodssoldorservedtostudentswillbepreparedinhealthinspectedfacilitiesunderthea.guidanceoffoodsafetycertifiedstaff.

TheDistrictwillprovidestudentaccesstohandwashingorhandsanitizingbeforestudentseata.anymealsorsnacks.

3. Scheduling of MealsSchoolsiteswillprovidesufficienttimeforallstudentstoeatintheschoolcafeteriaandwilla.schedulemealperiodsatappropriatetimesduringtheschoolday.Schoolswillmovetowards:

Providingstudentswithatleast10minutestoeataftersittingdownforbreakfastand15•minutestoeataftersittingdownforlunch;and

Arrangingforaccommodationsforstudentswhoneedmoretimetofinishtheirlunch;•and

Schedulingmealperiodsatappropriatetimes(i.e.lunchshouldbeservedbetween10:50•AMand1PM);and

Schedulinglunchperiodstofollowrecessperiodsinelementaryschoolstoincrease•studentnutrientintakeandreducefoodwaste;and

Offeringattractivediningareaswhichhaveenoughspaceforseatingallstudents•scheduledforthatmealperiod;and

Schoolswillevaluatetheiropencampuspolicy,takingintoconsiderationthefoodchoices•thatstudentsmakewhentheyareabletoleavecampus.

b. Thedistrictandindividualschoolsiteswill,totheextentpossible,arrangebusschedulesandutilizemethodstoserveschoolbreakfastthatencourageparticipation,including“grabandgo”breakfast,breakfastintheclassroom,orbreakfastduringmorningbreak.

4. Food and BehaviorSchoolswillnotusefoodsorbeveragesasrewardsforacademicperformanceorgoodbehaviora.(unlessthispracticeisallowedbyastudent’sIndividualEducationPlan,BehaviorInterventionPlan,ora504IndividualAccommodationPlan).

Schoolswillnotwithholdfoodsorbeveragesaspunishment.b.

5. FundraisingFundraisingeffortswillbesupportiveofhealthyeatingbyemphasizingthesalehealthyfooda.itemsorofnon-fooditems.

Fundraisingactivitieswhichinvolvethesaleoffoodwilltakeplaceoutsidetheschooldayb. (schooldayisdefinedas½hourbeforeschoolstartsuntilaftertheschoolbellringsattheendoftheschoolday)andmustmeettheguidelinesforfoodssoldoutsideofreimbursablemealsmenus.

Studentsandstaffwillbeprohibitedfrompersonalfundraisingeffortsthatincludethesaleofc.foodsorbeveragesoncampus.


Thedistrictwellnesscommitteewilldisseminatealistofhealthyfundraisingoptionstoschoolsd.andstudentorganizationsandwillserveasaresource.

Thedistrictwillmakeexternalorganizations(e.g.parentteacherorganizations,boosterclubs,e. etc.)usingschoolpropertyawareofthepolicyregardingfundraisingwithfoodandbeverageitemsandwillencouragethemtoadoptthesamepolicy.Thedistrictwellnesscommitteewillsupplyalistofhealthierfoodchoicesandotherchoicesforfundraisingandwilloffertohelpsourcecertainitemsasisfeasible.

6. CelebrationsClassroomcelebrationswillencouragehealthychoicesandportioncontrolandnotincludea.morethanoneitemthatdoesnotmeettherequirementsforfoodssoldoutsideofthereimbursablemealsmenus.

Thedistrictwellnesscommitteewilldisseminatealistofhealthypartyideastoparentsandb. teachersandwillserveasaresource.

7. Sharing Foods and BeveragesSchoolswillnotallowstudentstosharetheirfoodorbeverageswithoneanotherduringmealorsnacktimesgivenconcernsaboutallergiesandotherrestrictionsonsomechildren’sdiets.

8. SnacksSnacksservedduringtheschooldayorinafter-schoolcareorenrichmentprogramswillmakeapositivecontributiontochildren’sdietsandhealth.Thedistrictwillworktowardsservingwholegrains,fruits,vegetablesandlow-fatdairyastheprimarysnackitems.

9. Foods Sold Outside of the Reimbursable Meals MenusTheDistrictwillrecognizethatthepurposeofallfoodssoldoutsideofthereimbursablemealsmenuareforinbetweenorasanadditiontobalancedmeals.Foodsandbeveragessoldorservedoncampus(including,butnotlimitedto,concessions,schoolstores,vending,beveragecontracts,andalacartecafeteriaitems)willbelimitedtothefollowing:

AtElementarySchoolsReimbursablemealmenuitems;•Fruits;•Vegetables;•Low-fatdairyitems;•Yogurt;•

AtMiddle/JuniorHighandHighSchools(includesgrades6-8inK-8buildings)Reimbursablemealmenuitems;•Foodsthatcontain7gramsoffatorlessperserving;•Foodsthatdonothavesugarorothercaloricsweetenersasthefirstingredient;•


10. BeveragesThefollowingbeveragesmaybeallowedforsaleinallMinneapolisPublicSchools:a.

Unflavoredorflavoredlow-fatorfat-freefluidmilkandnutritionallyequivalentnondairy•beverages(tobedefinedbyUSDA);Waterwithoutaddedcaloricsweetenersorartificialsweeteners;•100%juice.•

ThefollowingbeverageswillnotbeallowedforsaleinanyMinneapolisPublicSchools:b. Softdrinkscontainingcaloricsweetenersorartificialsweeteners;•Sportsdrinks;•Icedteas;•Fruitbaseddrinksthatcontainlessthan100%realfruitjuice;•Beveragescontainingcaffeine,excludinglow-fatorfatfreechocolatemilk(whichcontain•trivialamountsofcaffeine).

11. Portion SizesExceptincaseswheretheNationalSchoolLunchProgramorSchoolBreakfastProgramrequirealargerservingsizetomeetmealpatternrequirements,portionsizesofthefollowingitemswillbelimitedto:

Oneandonequarterouncesforbakedchips,crackers,popcorn,cereal,trailmix,nuts,•seeds,anddriedfruit;Oneounceforcookies;•Twoouncesforcerealbars,granolabars,andotherbakeryitems;•Fourfluidouncesforfrozendesserts,including,butnotlimitedto,low-fatorfat-freeice•cream;Eightouncesfornonfrozenyogurt;•Twelvefluidouncesforbeverages,except•

16fluidouncesformilk;o Unlimitedforwatero

Fruitsandnon-friedvegetablesareexemptfromportionsizelimits.•

12. Food MarketingSchool-basedmarketingwillbeconsistentwithnutritioneducationandhealthpromotion.Asa.such,schoolswilllimitfoodandbeveragemarketingtothepromotionoffoodsandbeveragesthatmeetthenutritionstandardsformealssoldoutsideofthereimbursablemealsmenu.

School-basedmarketingofbrandspromotingpredominantlylownutritionfoodsandbeveragesb. isprohibited.Thepromotionofhealthyfoods,includingfruit,vegetables,wholegrains,andlow-fatdairyproductsisencouraged.

B. Nutrition EducationSchoolswillprovidenutritioneducationasapartofaholistic,sequential,ageappropriate,comprehensiveprogramdesignedtoprovidestudentsandtheirfamilieswiththeknowledgeandskillsnecessarytopromoteandprotecttheirhealthforalifetime.DevelopmentandadoptionofNutritionEducationcurriculawillfollowdistrictpolicies6200and6220andtheaccompanyingregulationsregardingnewcurricula.NutritionEducationatMPSwill:


a. Developanddeliverasequential,interdisciplinarycomprehensiveK-12healtheducation programthatwillbeincludedaspartofaK-12comprehensivecurriculumdeliveredbya licensedelementary(K-5)orHealthEducator(7-12)ingradelevelbands:K-2,3-5,6-8,9-12;

b. Beofferedasapartofanearlyandconsistentprogramthatisintegratedthroughoutthe schooldayandafterschoolprograms;

c. Usetheschoolcafeteriaasa“learninglaboratory”andincludeenjoyable,developmentallyage-appropriate,participatoryactivitiessuchastastetests,promotions,andvisitstofarmsandgardens;

d. Beculturallyrelevantandteachstudentsaboutcross-culturalnutrition;

e. Linkwithschoolmealprograms,otherschoolfoodsandnutrition-relatedcommunity services;

f. Provideandpromotenutritioneducationtofamiliesandthebroadercommunityin cooperationwithsuchagenciesasWIC,CommunityHealthClinics,ECFE,AdultEducationand

othercommunityorganizations;

g. Berevieweddistrict-wideannuallybyschoolhealtheducationinstructors,foodservice, healthrelatedservices,city-widestudentgovernment,andmedicalandnutrition professionals;

h. Promoteahealthylifestyleandwellnessprogramsusingdistrictcommunicationsresourcessuchascablechannel15andPSAs;

i. Trainstaffinstressmanagement,nutritioneducationandprovidegeneralwellness resourcesandopportunities.

C. Physical Activity1. Physical Education (P.E.)a. Thedistrictwillprovidestudentsregularphysicaleducationof150minutes/weekfor

elementaryand225minutes/weekformiddleandhighschoolstudentsfortheentireschoolyear.

b. Thedistrictwillmaintaingraduationrequirementsoftwocreditsofbothhealthandphysicaleducationinhighschool.

c. Thedistrictwillfollowstatecompulsoryinstructionlawwhichrequiresallstudentsages7-16(andkindergarten)toreceiveinstructioninhealthandphysicaleducation.Therewillbenoexemptionstothislaw(i.e.,choicebetweenband,foreignlanguageandphysicaleducationisnotpermissible).

d. Allphysicaleducationwillbetaughtbyacertifiedphysicaleducationteacher.


e. Physicaleducationcourseswillprovideanopportunityforstudentstolearn,practiceandbeassessedondevelopmentallyappropriatemotorskills,socialskillsandknowledge.

f. Studentinvolvementinotheractivitiesinvolvingphysicalactivity(i.e.interscholasticorintramuralsportsorelectiveclassessuchasmarchingband)willnotbesubstitutedformeetingthephysicaleducationrequirement.

g. Studentswillspendatleast50percentofphysicaleducationclasstimeparticipatinginmoderatetovigorousphysicalactivity.

h. ThedistrictwillestablishanenrollmentcapforPEclasssizestoensureadequatesupervisionandminimizeriskofschooldistrictliabilityforinjuries.

i. Schoolswillincreasethenumberofphysicaleducationelectivesavailabletohighschoolstudents.

j. Ageappropriatephysicalactivitiestopromotepositivegrowthanddevelopmentwillbeimplementedforearlychildhoodprogramswithinthedistrict.

2. Integrating Physical Activity into the Classroom SettingForstudentstoreceivetherecommendedamountofphysicalactivitythroughouttheday(i.e.atleast60minutesperday)andforstudentstofullyembraceregularphysicalactivityasapersonalbehavior,studentsneedopportunitiesforphysicalactivitybeyondPE(physicaleducation)educationclass.Towardthatend:

Classroomhealtheducationwillreinforcetheknowledgeandself-managementskillsneededtoa.maintainahealthylifestyleandreducesedentaryactivitiessuchaswatchingtelevision;

Opportunitiesforphysicalactivitywillbeincorporatedintoothersubjectlessons(suchasb. science,mathandsocialstudies),whereappropriate;

Classroomteacherswillprovideshortphysicalactivitybreaksbetweenlessonsorclasses,asc.appropriate;and

Schoolswilldiscourageextendedperiods(i.e.periodsoftwoormorehours)ofinactivity.d.

3. Daily RecessAllelementaryschoolstudentswillhaveatleast20minutesadayofsupervisedrecess,preferablybeforelunchandoutdoors,duringwhichschoolswillencouragemoderatetovigorousphysicalactivityverballyandthroughtheprovisionofspaceandequipment.

4. Physical Activity Opportunities Before and After Schoola. Allschoolswillprovideeverystudentwithopportunitiestovoluntarilyparticipateinextra

curricularphysicalactivitiesthatmeetshisorherneeds,interestsandabilities.

b. Middleandhighschoolsshallofferintramuralphysicalactivityprogramsthatfeatureabroadrangeofcompetitiveandcooperativeactivities.


c. HighschoolsshallofferinterscholasticathleticprogramsthatshalladheretotherulesandregulationsoftheMinnesotaStateHighSchoolLeague.

d. Schoolsshallworkwithrecreationagenciesandothercommunityorganizationstocoordinateandenhanceopportunitiesavailabletostudentsandstaffforphysicalactivityduringtheirout-of-schooltime.

e. Outofschoolhourchildcareandprogramswillprovideandencourage–verballyandthroughtheprovisionofspace,equipment,andactivities–dailyperiodsofmoderatetovigorousphysicalactivityforallparticipants.

f. Schoolfacilitieswillbeavailabletostudents,staffandcommunitymembersbeforeandaftertheschoolday,onweekends,andduringschoolvacationsforphysicalactivityandnutritionprogramsthroughCommunityEducation.

g. Schoolcommunitieswillexamineifbikingandwalkingtoschoolissafeandencouragestudentstobikeandwalktoschoolwhereappropriate.

5. Physical Activity and PunishmentTeachersandotherschoolandcommunitypersonnelwillnotusephysicalactivity(i.e.runninglaps,pushups)orwithholdopportunitiesforphysicalactivity(i.e.recess,physicaleducation)aspunishment.

D. Staff WellnessSchoolstaffmembersserveasrolemodelsforstudentsandarethekeytosuccessfulimplementationofstudentwellnessprograms.Therefore,thedistrictandschoolsshouldofferstaffwellnessprogramsaswellasgeneralwellnessresourcesandopportunities.Thismayincludeworkshopsandpresentationsonhealthpromotion,stressmanagement,educationandresourcesthatwillenhancemorale,encouragehealthylifestyles,preventinjury,reducechronicdiseases,andfosterexceptionalrolemodeling.

E. Communication with Families and the Communitya. Thedistrictrecognizesthatparentsandguardianshaveaprimaryandfundamentalrolein

promotingandprotectingtheirchildren’shealthandwell-being.

b. Thedistrictwillsupportparents’effortstoprovideahealthydietanddailyphysicalactivityfortheirchildren.

c. Thedistrictencouragesparentstopackhealthylunchesandsnacksandrefrainfromincludingbeveragesandfoodswithoutnutritionalvalue.

d. Thedistrictwillprovideinformationtofamilies,communitybasedorganizationsandthegeneralpublicaboutwaystopromotehealthylifestyles.

e. Thedistrictwillencouragecommunitybasedorganizationsandotheroutofschooltimeactivityproviderstoprovidehealthyfoodsandphysicalactivityaspartoftheirprogramming.

f. Thedistrictwillencouragecommunitybasedorganizationsandotheroutofschooltimeactivityproviderstoadoptwellnesspoliciesthatwillpromotehealthylifestyles.


F. Implementation and MonitoringTheSuperintendentshallexecuteadministrativeproceduresthatensuretheimplementationa.ofandcompliancewiththewellnesspolicy.Theseproceduresshallincludeadoptionofcurrentguidelines,thedesignationofdistrictlevelandsite-basedstaffresponsibleforpolicyimplementationandanimplementationworkplan.

AnannualreportwillbemadetotheSchoolBoardtoensuredistrict-widecompliancewiththeb. policy.

AWellnessCommitteeshallbeformedtoplan,implement,andimprovetheschooldistrict’sc.nutritionandphysicalactivityenvironment.

Adistrict-wideassessmentwillbeimplementedtoassessthenutritionandphysicalactivityd.needsofstudents.Assessmentswillberepeatedeverythreeyearstohelpreviewpolicycompliance,assessprograms,anddetermineareasinneedofimprovement.

Animplementationworkplanwillbecreatedwithtimelineandevaluationindicators.e.

SchoolswillincludewellnesspolicyimplementationplansintheirSchoolImprovementPlans.f.

Theschooldistrictwilldevelopandimplementacommunicationsplanwhichincludestrainingg.toensureunderstandingoftherationaleforthewellnesspolicyandtheimplementationplan.

Legal References: 42U.S.C.§1751et seq. (RichardB.RussellNationalSchoolLunchAct)42U.S.C.§1771et seq. (ChildNutritionActof1966)P.L.108-265(2004)§204(LocalWellnessPolicy)7U.S.C.§5341(EstablishmentofDietaryGuidelines)7C.F.R.§210.10(SchoolLunchProgramRegulations)7C.F.R.§220.8(SchoolBreakfastProgramRegulations)

Local Resources: ActionforHealthyKidsMinnesota,www.actionforhealthykids.organdwww.actionforhealthykids.org/filelib/toolsforteams/recom/MNHealthy%20Foods%20for%20Kids%208-2004.pdfAmericanAssociationforHealth,PhysicalEducation,RecreationandDanceAmericanHeartAssociation,www.americanheart.orgCenterforDiseaseControlHennepinCountyHealthDepartmentMinnesotaDepartmentofEducation,www.education.state.mn.usMinnesotaDepartmentofHealth,www.health.state.mn.usNationalAllianceforNutrition&ActivitySchoolNutrition,www.schoolnutrition.orgUniversityofMinnesotaExtensionService

www.actionforhealthykids.org

www.actionforhealthykids.org/filelib/toolsforteams/recom/MNHealthy% 20Foods%20for%20Kids%208-2004.pdf

www.actionforhealthykids.org/filelib/toolsforteams/recom/MNHealthy% 20Foods%20for%20Kids%208-2004.pdf

www.americanheart.org

www.education.state.mn.us

www.education.state.mn.us

http://www.schoolnutrition.org


C. Action for Healthy Kids–Arizona State Team

Arizona Healthy School Environment Model Policy

Introduction

Approximately13%ofschool-agechildrenareobese,and15%areoverweight. •(2001SurgeonGeneral’sReport)

Between56–85%ofschoolagechildrenconsumesodaeveryday.(JAmDietAssoc.2003)•

51%ofschool-agechildrenconsumelessthanoneservingoffruitsandvegetablesaday. •(JAmDietAssoc.2003)

84%ofschool-agechildrenconsumetoomuchfat.(JAmDietAssoc.2003)•

Amongchildrenofvaryingages,8to45%(dependingongeographicregion)ofnewlydiagnosed•casesofchildhooddiabetesareType2,non-insulindependentassociatedwithobesity.(AmericanAcademyofPediatrics,2000)

Mosthighschoolstudentstakeonlyoneyearofphysicaleducationbetweengrades9and12•andlessthanathirdofhighschoolstudentsattendphysicaleducationclassesdaily (NASPE2001).Oneoutoffourchildrendoesnotattendanyschoolphysicaleducationclasses.(CDC1999-2000)

Theresearchlistedabovepresentsanalarmingrealitythattoday’sschools,communities,andfamiliesarefacedwithaddressing.Recognizingthevalueofschoolmealsandgoodnutrition,theArizonaStateTeamoftheActionforHealthyKidsCoalitionurgesschooleducators,administratorsandschoolboardofficialstocreatehealthyschoolenvironmentsthroughadoptingsoundnutrition–foodserviceenvironmentpolicies.ThisArizona“model”nutritionpolicyhasbeendevelopedtoprotectthehealthofArizona’sschoolchildrensotheymayachievetheirfullacademicpotential.

Theschoolnutrition-foodserviceenvironmentisoneofthethreeinitiativesidentifiedbyActionforHealthyKidsforprovidingaschoolenvironmentthatmodelshealthpromotionandtakesactiontocombattherisinghealthrisksinchildren.Formostchildren,thenormalschooldaymakesupnearlyone-halfoftheirawakehours.Theschoolnutrition–foodserviceenvironmentisanimportantandcriticalpartnerwithphysicalactivityandnutritioneducationinimprovingchildren’shealth.

AllArizonapublic,privateandcharterschoolsshouldendeavortovoluntarilyadoptthepolicyinpartorasawhole,recognizingthatthemaximumbenefitwillbeachievedbyadoptingthepolicyinwhole.

Policy Terms and Definitions

Action for Healthy Kids Coalition-(AFHK)isanationwideinitiativededicatedtoimprovingthehealthandeducationalperformanceofchildrenthroughbetternutritionandphysicalactivityinschools.Thiseffortrepresentsaresponsetoournation’sepidemicofoverweight,sedentary,andundernourishedchildrenandadolescents.AFHKiscomposedof51StateTeamsandanationalcoordinatingand


resourcegroup.AFHKfosterssharingandcollaborationamongdiversestakeholderstoencourageandfacilitatemeaningfulchangeinschools.Guidanceanddirectionisprovidedbymorethan35nationalorganizationsandgovernmentagenciesrepresentingeducation,health,physicalactivityandnutrition.http://www.actionforhealthykids.org/index.htm

Center For Disease Control and Prevention–(CDC)isrecognizedastheleadfederalagencyforprotectingthehealthandsafetyofpeopleathomeandabroad,providingcredibleinformationtoenhancehealthdecisions,andpromotinghealththroughstrongpartnerships.http://www.cdc.gov/default.htm

Overweight-astateinwhichweightexceedsastandardbasedonheight;(foradults)havingabodymassindexof25-29.9.TheCDCusesgrowthchartsBMI-for-agetoassessoverweightinchildren (2-20yearsold).AchildoradolescentwithaBMIinthe85thpercentileto<95percentileisconsideredoverweight.

Obesity-astateinwhichweightexceedsastandardbasedonheight;(foradults)havingabodymassindexof30orgreater.AchildoradolescentwithaBMIatorabovethe95thpercentileforchildrenofthesameageandsexisconsideredobese.

Dietary Guidelines for Americans–dietaryrecommendationsforhealthyAmericansage2yearsandoveraboutfoodchoicesthatpromotehealthspecificallywithrespecttopreventionordelayofchronicdiseases.

Physical Activity-CDCdefinesphysicalactivityasanybodilymovementproducedbyskeletalmusclesthatresultsinanexpenditureofenergy.

National School Lunch Program–(NSLP)isafederallyassistedmealprogramoperatinginpublicandnonprofitprivateschoolsandresidentialchildcareinstitutions.Itprovidesnutritionallybalanced,low-costorfreelunchestochildreneachschoolday.TheprogramwasestablishedundertheNationalSchoolLunchAct,signedbyPresidentHarryTrumanin1946.

School Nutrition Association–(SNA)hasbeenadvancingtheavailability,qualityandacceptanceofschoolnutritionprogramsasanintegralpartofeducationsince1946.TheAssociationstrivestoseethatallchildrenhaveaccesstohealthfulschoolmealsandnutritioneducation.Theprimaryactivitiesoftheassociationare1)providingeducationandtraining,2)settingstandardsthroughcertificationandcredentialing,3)gatheringandtransmittingregulatory,legislative,industry,nutritionalandothertypesofinformationrelatedtoschoolnutrition,and4)representingthenutritionalinterestsofallchildren.http://www.schoolnutrition.org

Hazard Analysis & Critical Control Points–(HACCP)involvessevenprinciplesinordertoidentify,analyze,preventandorcontrolanybiological,chemical,orphysicalhazard.HACCAPwasdevelopedandismaintainedaspartoftheFoodandDrugAdministration(FDA).http://www.cfsan.fda.gov/~comm/haccpov.html

Normal School Day–Timeperiodspanningfromthefirstbellofthedaythatbeginsthefirstclassperiodtothelastbellofthedayendingthefinalclassperiod.Forschoolswhohavemultipleschedulesinplace,theschooldayforeachscheduleends7hoursafterthefirstbellindicatingthestartoftheinitialclassofthefirstsession.

http://www.actionforhealthykids.org/index.htm

http://www.cdc.gov/default.htm

http://www.schoolnutrition.org

http://www.cfsan.fda.gov/~comm/haccpov.html


Purpose and Goals

Allstudentsshallpossesstheknowledgeandskillsnecessarytomakenutritiousandenjoyablefoodchoicesforalifetime.Inaddition,allschoolstaffisencouragedtomodelhealthyeatingbehaviorasavaluablepartofdailylife.Schoolleadersshallprepare,adopt,andimplementacomprehensiveplantoencouragehealthyeatingthatincludes:

Afoodserviceprogramthatemployswell-preparedstaffwhoefficientlyserveappealingchoices•ofnutritiousfoods;

Pleasanteatingareasforstudentsandstaffwithadequatetimeforunhurriedeating;•

Anoverallschoolenvironmentthatencouragesstudentstomakehealthyfoodchoices;•

Opportunitiesandencouragementforstafftomodelhealthyeatinghabits;•

Servicestoensurethatstudentsandstaffwithnutrition-relatedhealthproblemsarereferredto•appropriateservicesforcounselingormedicaltreatment;and•

Strategiestoinvolvefamilymembersinprogramdevelopmentandimplementation.•

Theschoolnutritionprogramshallmakeeffectiveuseofschoolandcommunityresourcesandequitablyservetheneedsandinterestsofallstudentsandstaff,takingintoconsiderationdifferencesinculturalnorms.

I. The Food Service Operation

A. Financial Management Itisacknowledgedthatthefeedingofchildrenisprimarilyafamilyresponsibility.Tosupplement1. theirefforts,everyschoolshalloperateafoodserviceprogramtoensurethatallstudentshaveaffordableaccesstothevariedandnutritiousfoodstheyneedtostayhealthyandlearnwell.

Thefoodserviceprogramshallaimtobefinanciallyself-supporting.However,theprogramis2. essentialeducationalandsupportactivityandbudgetneutralityorprofitgenerationmustnottakeprecedenceoverthenutritionalneedsofthestudents.Ifsubsidyofthefoodservicefundisneeded,itshouldnotbefromthesaleoffoodsthathaveminimalnutritionalvalueand/orcompetenutritionallywithprogrammeals.

B. Program Requirements

Duringeachschooldaythefoodserviceprogramshallofferbreakfastandlunchunderthe1. nutritionalguidelinesoftheUSDA’sNationalSchoolLunchandBreakfastProgram.Additionally,thefoodserviceprogramshalloffersnacksbasedonthenutrientguidelinesintheUSDA’sAfterSchoolAt-RiskSnackProgramtothosestudentsinafter-schooleducationorenrichmentprograms.Schoolsarestronglyencouragedtoimplementbreakfastintheclassroomatappropriatesites.Eachschoolshallencourageallstudentstoparticipateinthesemeal


opportunities.Inparticular,theschoolshallensurethatfamiliesareawareofneed-basedprogramsforfreeorreduced-pricemealsandthateligiblefamiliesareencouragedtoapply.Theprogramshallmaintaintheconfidentialityofstudentsandfamiliesapplyingfororreceivingfreeorreduced-pricemeals.

TheschoolfoodserviceprogramshalloperateinaccordancewiththeNationalSchoolLunch2. ActandtheChildNutritionActof1996asamendedandapplicablelawsandregulationsofthestateofArizona.Schoolsshalloffervariedandnutritiousfoodchoicesthatareconsistentwiththefederalgovernment’sDietaryGuidelinesforAmericans.Forthepurposeofthispolicy,“DietaryGuidelinesforAmericans”referstothecurrentsetofrecommendationsofthefederalgovernmentthataredesignedtohelppeoplechoosedietsthatwillmeetnutrientrequirements,promotehealth,supportactivelives,andreducechronicdiseaserisks.Menusshouldbeplannedwithinputfromstudents,familymembers,andotherschoolpersonnelandshouldtakeintoaccountstudents’culturalnormsandpreferences.Foodpricingstrategiesshallbedesignedtoencouragestudentstopurchasenutritiousitems.Proceduresshallbeinplaceforprovidingtofamilies,onrequest,informationabouttheingredientsandnutritionalvalueofthefoodsserved.

Theschoolfoodserviceprogramshallmonitorthenutrientbreakdownoftheirmenus.3. Regardlessofmenuplanningformatofnutrientorfoodbased,schoolsshallanalyzethemenusofferedtostudentsusingnutrientanalysissoftwaretoensurethatUSDAguidelinesarebeingmet.

Theschoolfoodserviceprogramshallhaveinplaceaprocedureforhandlingleftoverfood4. production.Staffshallcooperatewitheffortsinthecommunitytorecoverwholesomeexcessfoodfordistributiontopeopleinneed.

C. Staffing

Eachdistrict/schoolshallemployafoodservicedirector,whoisproperlyqualified,certified1. and/orcredentialedaccordingtocurrentprofessionalstandards,toadministertheschoolfoodserviceprogramandsatisfyreportingrequirements.TheSchoolNutritionAssociationhasestablishedcertificationandcredentialingstandardsavailableathttp://www.schoolnutrition.org/Index.aspx?id=30.TheAmericanDieteticAssociation(ADA)hasestablishedcertificationandcredentialingstandardsavailableatwww.eatright.org.SchoolsshouldutilizeSNAandADArecommendationsforfoodservicestaffingandqualificationstoappropriatelystafftheirfoodservicedepartments.

FoodservicedirectorsarestronglyencouragedtoimplementtheArizonaDepartment2. ofEducationtrainingprogram,orequivalent,forallfoodservicepersonnel.TheArizonaDepartmentofEducationChildNutritionProgramsisdefinedasatraininginitiativeforFoodServicesDirectorssothattheypossessthenecessaryskillsandresourcestoeffectivelytrainfoodservicepersonnel.

Diningroomsupervisorystaff(teachers,aids,janitorialstaff,etc.)shallreceiveappropriate3. traininginhowtomaintainsafe,orderly,andpleasanteatingenvironments.

Foodservicedirectorsandstaffareencouragedtoinformandcollaboratewithclassroom4. teachersabouttheschoolnutrition-foodserviceenvironmentandnutritioneducation.



http://www.eatright.org


D. Adequate Eating Space and Time and Appropriate Use of Food

Studentsandstaffshallhaveadequatespacetoeatmealsinpleasantsurroundingsandshall1. haveadequatetimetoeat,relax,andsocialize.Safedrinkingwaterandconvenientaccesstofacilitiesforhandwashingandoralhygienemustbeavailableduringallmealperiods.

Rewardsandincentivesforacademicperformanceshallbegivencarefulconsiderationastothe2. messagestheysendtostudentsreceivingthem.Iffoodisincludedinrecognitionofacademicperformance,itshallbeusedinthegeneralcelebrationoftheachievement,notasthereward.

Foodshallnotbewithheldfromstudentsaspunishment.3.

E. Food Safety

Schoolsshallencourageclassestoorderfoodsforclassroompartiesfromtheschool’sfood1. serviceprogramorsourcesprovidingfoodincompliancewiththeArizonaFoodCode2000toensurecompliancewithfoodsafetyandsanitationregulations.HazardAnalysisandCriticalControlPoints(HACCP)plansandguidelinesmustbeimplementedtopreventfoodillnessinschools.

Allfoodserviceequipmentandfacilitiesmustmeetapplicablelocalandstatestandards2. concerninghealth;safefoodpreparation;handling,andstorage;drinkingwater;sanitation;andworkplacesafety.

Allfoodservicepersonnelshallhaveadequatepre-servicetrainingandmustholdaStateissued3. orequivalenttrainingcertificate.Allfoodserviceworkersinestablishmentshandlingopenfoodmustobtainafoodhandler’scardorapplicablerequirementsforeachcountyfollowingtheguidelinesoftheArizonaDepartmentofHealthServices.

II. Nutrition Education

A. Instructional Program Design

Nutritioneducationtopicsshallbeintegratedwithinthesequential,comprehensivehealth1. educationprogramtaughtateverygradelevel,pre-kindergartenthroughtwelfth.Thenutritioneducationprogramshallfocusonstudents’eatingbehaviorsbebasedontheoriesandmethodsproveneffectivebypublishedresearch,andbeconsistentwiththestate’s/district’shealtheducationstandards/guidelines/framework.Nutritioneducationshallbedesignedtohelpstudentslearn:

Nutritionalknowledge,includingbutnotlimitedtothebenefitsofhealthyeating,essentiala.nutrients,nutritionaldeficiencies,principlesofhealthyweightmanagement,theuseandmisuseofdietarysupplementsandsafefoodpreparations,handlingandstorage;Nutrition-relatedskills,includingbutnotlimitedtoplanningahealthymeal,understandingb. andusingfoodlabels,andcriticallyevaluatingnutritioninformation,misinformation,andcommercialfoodadvertising;andHowtoassessone’spersonaleatinghabits,setgoalsforimprovement,andachievethosec.goals.


Nutritioneducationinstructionalactivitiesshallstresstheappealingaspectsofhealthyeating2. andbeparticipatory,developmentallyappropriate,andenjoyable.Theprogramshallengagefamiliesaspartnersintheirchildren’seducation.

Theschoolhealthcouncilshallassessallnutritioneducationcurriculaandmaterialsfor3. accuracy,completeness,balance,andconsistencywiththestate’s/district’seducationalgoalsandstandards.Materialsdevelopedbyfoodmarketingboardsorfoodcorporationsshallbeexaminedforinappropriatecommercialmessages.

B. Staff Qualifications

Staffresponsiblefornutritioneducationshallbeadequatelypreparedandregularlyparticipate1. inprofessionaldevelopmentactivitiestoeffectivelydeliverthenutritioneducationprogramasplanned.Preparationandprofessionaldevelopmentactivitiesshallprovidebasicknowledgeofnutrition,combinedwithskillpracticeinprogram-specificactivitiesandinstructionaltechniquesandstrategiesdesignedtopromotehealthyeatinghabits.

C. Educational Reinforcement

Schoolinstructionalstaffshallcollaboratewithagenciesandgroupsconductingnutrition1. educationinthecommunitytosendconsistentmessagestostudentsandtheirfamilies.Guestspeakersinvitedtoaddressstudentsshallreceiveappropriateorientationtotherelevantpoliciesoftheschool/district.

Schoolstaffisencouragedtocooperatewithotheragenciesandcommunitygroupstoprovide2. opportunitiesforstudentvolunteerworkrelatedtonutrition,suchasassistingwithfoodrecoveryeffortsandpreparingnutritiousmealsforhouse-boundpeople.Schoolofficialsshoulddisseminateinformationtoparents,students,andstaffaboutcommunityprogramsthatoffernutritionassistancetofamilies.

D. Staff as Role Models

Schoolstaffsareencouragedtomodelhealthyeatingbehaviors.Schoolsshouldofferwellness1. programsthatincludepersonalizedinstructionabouthealthyeatingandphysicalactivity.

E. Coordination of Programs

Thefoodserviceprogramshallbecloselycoordinatedwithnutritioninstruction.Theschool1. cafeteriashallserveasalaboratorytoallowstudentstoapplycriticalthinkingskillstaughtintheclassroom.Foodservicestaffshallalsoworkcloselywiththoseresponsibleforothercomponentsoftheschoolhealthprogramtoachievecommongoals.TheComprehensiveHealthEducationStandardsforArizonaSchoolsshouldbeimplementedthroughouttheentireschoolenvironment.Thesestandardscanbeviewedathttp://www.ade.az.gov/.

Schoolculinary,vocationaltech,artprograms,etc.shallprovideaconsistentlearning2. experiencethatreinforcestheobjectivesoftheschoolfoodserviceprogramandwillcomplywiththeDietaryGuidelinesforAmericanswhereappropriate.



Schoolsareencouragedtooffermealsduringbreaksintheschoolcalendarandtocoordinate3. withotheragenciesandcommunitygroupstooperate,orassistwithoperating,asummerfoodserviceprogramforchildrenandadolescentswhoareeligibleforfederalprogramsupport.Achild’sneedfornutrientsdoesnotendwhenschooldoes.

F. Nutrition-Related Health Problems and Modified Diets

Schoolcounselorsandschoolhealthservicesstaffshallconsistentlypromotehealthyeatingto1. studentsandotherstaff.Theseprofessionalsshallbepreparedtorecognizeconditionssuchasobesity,eatingdisorders,andothernutrition-relatedhealthproblemsamongstudentsandstaffandbeabletoreferthemtoappropriateservices.

TheschoolfoodserviceprogramwillcomplywithUSDA’sdisabilityrequirementsformodified2. diets.TheschoolfoodserviceprogramisstronglyencouragedtomeetethnicdietaryrequestsasrecommendedbyUSDA.

III. Food Choices at School and a Healthy School Environment

A. The School Environment

Recess 1. Carefulconsiderationoftheschoollunchenvironmentshallbetakenintoaccountwhena.schedulingrecess.Theimportanceofphysicalactivityforchildrenofallagesandsupervisedplaytimeforyoungerchildrenshallbedulyacknowledged.CenterforDiseaseControldefinesphysicalactivityasanybodilymovementproducedbyskeletalmusclesthatresultinanexpenditureofenergy.Itisencouragedthatschoolsproviderecessbeforelunchoratadifferenttimethanlunchatallappropriatesites.TheComprehensiveHealthEducationStandardsspecificallydetailandaddressPhysicalActivityStandardsforArizonaSchools.Thesestandardscanbeviewedathttp://www.ade.az.gov/.Forfurtherstandardsonphysicalactivity,pleaseseeGuidelinesforPhysicalActivitysection.

Commercial Advertising 2. Partnershipsbetweenschoolsandbusinessesareencouragedandbusinesssponsorshipofa.educationalactivitiesandmaterialsshallbedulyacknowledged.However,suchpartnershipsshallbedesignedtomeetidentifiededucationalneedsandhealthyschoolenvironmentgoalsandshallbeevaluatedforeducationaleffectivenessbytheschool/districtonanongoingbasis.

Advertisingmessageswillbeconsistentwithandreinforcetheobjectivesoftheeducationalb. andnutritionenvironmentgoalsoftheschool.Advertisingoffoodsorbeveragesintheareasaccessibletostudentsduringmealtimesmustbeconsistentwithestablishednutritionenvironmentstandards.



B. Nutritious Food Choices

Foodsofgoodnutritionalcontentincludingfruits,vegetables,low-fatdairyfoods,andlow-fat1. grainproducts,shallbeavailablewhereverandwheneverfoodissoldorotherwiseofferedatschoolduringthenormalschoolday.Schoolsshalltakeeffortstoencouragestudentstomakenutritiousfoodchoices.(Seeattachedguidelines).

Foodandbeveragessoldorservedonschoolgroundsoratschool-sponsoredeventsduringthe2. normalschooldayshallmeettheDietaryGuidelinesforAmericansandothernutritionstandardguidelinesassetforthbytheArizonaDepartmentofEducationChildNutritionPrograms.Thisincludes:

Alacarteofferingsinthefoodserviceprogram;a.Foodandbeveragechoicesinvendingmachines,snackbars,meal-periodkiosks,andb. schoolstores;Foodandbeveragessoldaspartofschool-sponsoredfundraisingactivities;andc.Refreshmentsservedatstudentparties,celebrations,andmeetings.d.

FoodsofMinimalNutritionalValueasdefinedby7CFR210.11(2)isprohibitedfrombeing3. servedorsoldanywhereareimbursablemealisserved,sold,and/oreaten.FoodsofminimalnutritionalvalueasdefinedbyUSDAincludecarbonatedbeverages,waterices,chewinggum,hardcandies,jelliesandgums,marshmallowcandies,fondant,licorice,spuncandy,andcandycoatedpopcorn.

Non-CreditableFoodItems:maybeservedduringthelunchperiod,aswellascontributea.tothenutritionalcontentofthemenu.However,thesefoodsdonotcounttowardsUSDAmealpatterns.Schoolsareencouragedtolimitavailabilityofthesefooditemstostudents.

CreditableFoodItems:aredeterminedbyUSDAtohavenutritionalvalueandacceptableb. asacomponentofacompletemeal.Schoolsareencouragedtoserveavarietyofcrediblefooditems.

C. Food Sales

Atthediscretionofthefoodservicedirector,themanagementoffoodssalesonschoolgrounds1. shallbeunderthemanagementoftheschoolfoodserviceprogram,(exceptfoodssoldaspartofafundraisingactivity).Iffoodandbeveragesaresoldfromvendingmachinesorschoolstoresduringschoolhoursandarenotunderthemanagementoftheschool’sfoodserviceprograms,thenutritionrequirementsofUSDA’sSchoolLunchProgramandthenutritionenvironmentrequirementssetforthinthispolicymuststillbemet.

Onlystudentorganizationsandlegallyconstituted,nonsectarian,nonpartisanorganizations2. approvedbyadesignatedschoolofficialarepermittedtoengageinfundraisingonschoolgroundsduringtheschoolday.Theseorganizationsareencouragedtoraisefundsthroughthesaleofitemsotherthanfood.Foodssoldforfundraisingpurposesareprohibitedduring


mealservicesanduntil30minutesafterthelastmealisservedduringtheschoolday.FoodssoldforfundraisingpurposesduringtheschooldayshallbemonitoredbythefoodservicedirectortoensurecompliancewiththenutritionalstandardsestablishedbytheUSDAforschoolfoodserviceprograms,aswellasnutritionstandardssetforthbytheArizonaDepartmentofEducationChildNutritionPrograms.Organizationsraisingfundsbysellingfoodsmustscheduleandauthorizethefundraiserwiththefoodservicedirectorpriortotheevent.

Foodsandbeveragesthathavesugar,cornsyrup,shortening,lard,orsomethingsimilarasthe3. firstingredientmaynotbesoldtostudentsonschoolgroundsduringthenormalschoolday.

IV. Physical Activity and a Healthy School Environment

A. Recommendations for Physical Activity

Physicaleducationcoursesshouldbetheenvironmentinwhichstudentslearn,practiceandare1. assessedondevelopmentallyappropriatemotorskills,socialskills,andknowledge.

Physicalactivityinvolvesbodilymovementthatresultsinanexpenditureofenergyofatleast2. amoderateintensitylevelandfordurationsufficienttoprovideasignificanthealthbenefitforstudents.

Childrenshouldaccumulateatleast60minutesofphysicalactivityonallormostdaysofthe3. week.Thiscanbeaccomplishedthroughseveralboutsofphysicalactivitylasting15minutesormoreeachday.

Extendedperiodsofinactivity(periodsoftwoormorehours)arediscouraged.4.

B. Recommendations for Physical Education for Children During the Normal School Day

Ensurethatstate-certifiedphysicaleducationteachersteachallphysicaleducationclasses.1.

Provideanadequateamountoftimeforphysicaleducationclasses.Schoolsshouldprovide2. atleast150minutesperweekforelementarystudentsandatleast225minutesperweekformiddleandhighschoolstudentsfortheentireschoolyear.

Ensurethatphysicaleducationclasseshaveateacher/studentratiocomparablewiththoseof3. otherclasses.

Implementasequentialphysicaleducationcourseofstudyconsistentwithnationalstandards4. forphysicaleducationandwithafocusonstudents’developmentofmotorskills,movementforms,andhealth-relatedfitness.Ensurethatstudentsaremoderatelytovigorouslyactiveatleast50%ofthetimewhile5. participatinginphysicaleducationclasses.

Provideaphysicalandsocialenvironmentthatencouragessafeandenjoyableactivityforall6. students,includingthosewhoarenotathleticallygifted.


Prohibittheuseofphysicalactivityaspunishment,thewithholdingofparticipationinphysical7. educationclassaspunishment,ortheuseofphysicaleducationclasstimetocompleteassignmentsfromotherclasses.

C. Encouraging Lifetime Physical Activity

Schoolsshouldprovidedailyrecessperiodsofatleast20minutesforallelementaryschool1. students.

Schoolsshouldprovidephysicalactivitybreaksduringclassroomhours.2.

Schoolsshallofferafter-schoolintramuralprogramsand/orphysicalactivityclubsthatmeetthe3. needsandinterestsofallstudents,includingthosewhoarenotathleticallygiftedandthosewithspecialhealthcareneeds.

Schoolswillbeencouragedtoprovidecommunityaccesstoandencouragestudentsand4. communitymemberstousetheschool’sphysicalactivityfacilitiesoutsideofthenormalschoolday.

Schoolsshouldencourageparentsandcommunitymemberstoinstituteprogramsthatsupport5. physicalactivity,suchasawalk-to-schoolprogram.

Schoolsshouldencourageafter-schoolchildcareprogramstoprovidedevelopmentally6. appropriatephysicalactivityforparticipatingchildrenandreduceoreliminatethetimespentinsedentaryactivitiessuchaswatchingtelevisionorvideos.

The policy will be modified based on legislation.

Sources:

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (1997) Guidelines for School and Community Programs to Promote Lifelong Physical Activity Among Young People. Atlanta, GA: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2003) Ten Strategies for Promoting Physical Activity, Health Eating, and Tobacco-Free Lifestyle Through School Health Programs. Atlanta, GA: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

Corbin CB, Pangrazi RP. Guidelines for Appropriate Physical Activity for Elementary School Children: 2003 Update. A Position Statement for Council for Physical Education for Children (COPEC) of the National Association for Sport and Physical Education an association of the American Alliance for Health Physical Education and Recreation.


Appendix

A. Guidelines in Identifying and Selecting Foods of Good Nutritional Value

Implementation Guidelines TheImplementationGuidelinesSectionofferssuggestionsandguidanceinimplementingtheActionforHealthyKidsSchoolNutrition-FoodServiceModelPolicy.Althoughmanyfactorsplayaroleinthethoughtfulandpurposefulimplementationofrulesgoverningfoodsandbeveragesavailableduringtheschoolday,itissuggestedthattheguidingprinciplebethenormalschooldayistheenvironmentwhereinthedemonstrationmodelisconsistentwithwhatistaughtintheclassroomandthenationalhealthinitiatives.

Section1.FoodsandBeveragesOfferedDuringtheSchoolDay

Section2.ImplementationActionPlan

Section3.EstablishingtheRelationshipAmongtheSchoolNutrition-FoodServiceEnvironment, PhysicalActivityandNutritionEducation

Section 1. Foods and Beverages Offered During the School Day TheDietaryGuidelinesforAmericansandtheChildNutritionProgramregulationsshouldbeusedindecidingwhatfoodsandbeverageswillbeavailable.

Foodsandbeveragesofferedotherthanthelunchorbreakfastshouldofferreplacementnutrientvaluetotheconsumer.Theitemshouldofferagoodsourceofnutrients,bemoderateinsodium,bemoderateorlowinfat,andbemoderateinsugarthatisnotnaturallyoccurringinthefoodandmoderateincalories.

Offeravarietyofbeveragesatalocationsoconsumersmaymakeachoiceappropriatetotheirneed.

Offerskimor1%milkfatbeverageselectionswhere2%milkfatorwholemilkfatbeveragesareavailableandencouragetheconsumptionoflowerfatoptions.

Offeravarietyoffoodsthatcanbeusedasreplacementforpartofatraditionalmealoradditivetoamealwhenadditionalcaloriesandnutrientsareneededbecauseofenergyexpenditure.

Iftheofferingiswiththeintentofbeingadditivetothenutrientcontentoflunchorbreakfast,thereasonfortheneedforadditivenutrientsneedstobeidentifiedanddecisionsmadebasedontheneed(s).

Involvestudentsintheprocess.


Section 2. Implementation Action Plan GoverningBoardactionisrecommendedtodemonstratetheadoptionisaconsistentstandardfortheschooldistrict.

Internalorganizationcommunicationsshouldidentifyresponsibilityandaccountabilityaspects.

Schoolcommunitycommunicationsshouldincludetherationale,referencesandoutlineofchanges.

Astakeholderadvisorygroupshouldbecreatedtoassistdistrictemployeeswiththeimplementation.

Adistrictpositionshouldbeidentifiedthatwillberesponsibleforinquiriesandactionsregardingthepolicyimplementation.

Section 3. Establishing the Relationship Among the School Nutrition-Food Service Environment, Physical Activity and Nutrition Education Wheneachelementoftherelationshipamongfoodconsumption,physicalactivityandnutritioneducationoccurs,thereferencetotheothertwoelementsneedstobeobviousandconsistentlyoffered.

Determineincrementalapproachestoimplementingbothphysicalactivityandphysicaleducationimprovements.

UtilizeArizonaHealthServicesDepartmentresourcesforplanningphysicalactivityawarenessinitiatives.

workbook for developing a local school wellness policy

Documents