Student Wellness Policy- School Nutrition
Most of the children participating in free/reduced lunch programs are consuming at least 50% of their daily calories at school. For some of these children, school meals are the only source of nutrition they receive. I’ve mentioned briefly what I do and how it relates to Jamie Oliver’s reality TV Show, Food Revolution in my post on Praline Brownies. I also mentioned a few of many programs running to prevent childhood obesity, improve nutrition and school meals of youth. I am passionate about school nutrition, both international and here in the U.S.
The Healthier US Schools Challenge was established in 2004 by the USDA as a (monetary) reward program for schools that meet several criteria to establish a healthier school environment, including providing nutrition education, physical activity opportunities, and well-rounded school meals. Because of this program, major food suppliers have agreed to provide foods with lower sugar, fat and salt while increasing whole grains and doubling the amount of produce they serve (within 10 years). For more information on the check out the Healthier US Schools Challenge Vision.
Many schools will not be receiving this award though the goal is for 1250 schools by 2012. Other schools have a multitude of programs, but none seem like they have a strong enough impact. Others have recently established Student Wellness Policies and I thought I’d share one with you to get your thoughts. Here is a snippet from Dare County’s policy, this county is part of the OBX!
STUDENT WELLNESS Policy Code: 6140
…(their commitment to physical activity comes before this …)
C. Commitment to Nutrition
All foods available in the district’s schools during the school day will be offered to students with consideration for promoting student health, reducing childhood obesity, providing a variety of nutritional meals and promoting life-long healthy eating habits. The Board of Education is committed to the following nutrition guidelines and other school-based activities that:
• offer a school lunch and breakfast program that meet the meal patterns and nutrition standards established by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The director of child nutrition will ensure that school district guidelines for reimbursable meals are not less restrictive than regulations and guidelines issued for schools in accordance with federal law
• establish food safety as a key component of all school food operations
• follow State Board of Education policies on competitive foods and extra food sales;
• follow State Board of Education policies on allowable nutrition standards for a la carte sales in the cafeteria, after school snacks provided by cafeteria, and vending;
• provide a sequential program of nutrition instruction that is integrated within the health education curriculum and coordinated with the Child Nutrition Program;
• promote sound nutrition principles concerning foods served at school events and the use of vending machines for snacks and beverages; and
• assist students to make healthy food choices. Commitment to Health Education
The Board believes that promoting student health and nutrition enhances readiness for learning and increases student achievement. The Board directs the superintendent to develop and implement a plan that:
• provides health education to all students in grades K-8 according to the North Carolina Standard Course of Study; and
• meets state physical education/health education requirements for high school graduation.
Having a student wellness policy is fantastic but putting it into action is another issue. In case you were wondering, there is also a section on…
D. Commitment to Implementation
What do you think about this commitment to nutrition?
Did you know Student Wellness Policies like this one exist?!
If you could create the school lunch menu, what would you include ?
If you have a chance, Frigidaire has teamed up to help improve the health of low-income youth ( hey, they should partner with me!) You can help by going to the Make Time for Change website and take a swing, the more swings you make, the more money Frigidaire will donate. AND you can enter to win a snazzy washer and dryer!
