Wellness Policies

Signed in June 2004, the Child Nutrition and WIC Reauthorization Act of 2004 requires schools to have a local school wellness policy in place by the first day of the school year beginning after June 30, 2006. Each school’s policy is to be developed as a collaborative effort by a broad group of community members, including parents, students, school administrators, representatives of the school food authority, the school board and the public.

When developing a school wellness policy, it is important to remember that a healthy school environment encompasses the entire school; reaching far beyond the cafeteria. While nutrition guidelines for school meals are an important component, standards for physical activity, foods served outside the cafeteria and the time allowed for students to consume their meals are examples of other considerations. The School Nutrition Association provides Local Wellness Policy Recommendations to be used as a guide by those involved in developing a wellness policy. A school’s wellness policy should be created specifically for that school and its students, faculty and community.

Wellness policies represent an exciting opportunity to directly impact the health of all individuals affiliated with schools, from students to staff to parents. Regardless of how broad or specific they may be or how often they are revised, wellness policies help schools provide a healthy environment for the young minds they nurture.

If you are interested in contributing to your school’s wellness policy, call the school office to find out who the facilitator of the wellness committee is. For additional insight or advice on wellness policies, contact us to communicate with a certified wellness policy trainer.