NUTRITION-FRIENDLY SCHOOLS

Project PA

Healthy School Nutrition Environments: A Team Approach Grants awarded to 7 schools to implement activities to improve the school nutrition environment and develop school nutrition policies.

Healthy School Nutrition Environments Grant School Districts Forbes Road S. D. - Waterfall, PA Hampton Township S. D. - Allison Park, PA McKeesport Area S. D. - McKeesport, PA Montoursville Area S. D. - Montoursville, PA North Pocono S. D. - Moscow, PA Philadelphia S. D. - Philadelphia, PA S. Weir Mitchell Elementary School Towanda Area S. D. - Towanda, PA

NUTRITION-FRIENDLY SCHOOLS

Why Are Nutrition Friendly Schools Important?

America’s children are NOT making the grade when it comes to good nutrition.

Only 2% meet the recommendations of the Food Guide Pyramid.

16% do not meet any of the recommendations of the Food Guide Pyramid. (Gleason and Suitor, 2001)

Teenagers today drink twice as much carbonated soda as milk. (Borrud, et al., 1997)

Nearly 7 out of 10 adolescent boys DO NOT meet the ecommended intakes for calcium. (USDHHS, 1994)

Nearly 9 out of 10 adolescent girls DO NOT meet the ecommended intakes for calcium. (USDHHS, 1994)

Health Consequences long term immediate

Osteoporosis - “a pediatric disease with geriatric consequences”

Bone Health link between bone fractures and soda consumption in teen girls ( Archives of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, 2003) forearm fractures increased 32% for boys and 52% for girls from (JAMA, 2003)

Prevalence of overweight among children and adolescents ages 6-19 years Source: CDC/NCHS, NHES, and NHANES

Obesity Trends* Among U.S. Adults BRFSS, 1991 (*BMI  30, or ~ 30 lbs overweight for 5’4” woman) Source: Mokdad A H, et al. J Am Med Assoc 2001;286:10 No Data 20%

Obesity Trends* Among U.S. Adults BRFSS, 1995 (*BMI  30, or ~ 30 lbs overweight for 5’4” woman) Source: Mokdad A H, et al. J Am Med Assoc 2001;286:10 No Data 20%

Obesity Trends* Among U.S. Adults BRFSS, 2000 (*BMI  30, or ~ 30 lbs overweight for 5’4” woman) Source: Mokdad A H, et al. J Am Med Assoc 2001;286:10 No Data 20%

Obesity Trends Among U.S. Adults BRFSS, 2001 Source: Mokdad A H, et al. J Am Med Assoc 1999;282:16, 2001;286:10.

Obesity is related to many health problems including: high blood cholesterol high blood pressure heart disease stroke some forms of cancer arthritis diabetes

Type 2 diabetes, once called “adult onset,” increased ten-fold among children between 1982 and (Pinhas-Hamiel et al., 1996)

CDC predicts: 1 out of 3 children born in 2000 will develop diabetes because of poor diet and exercise habits. (CDC, 2003)

1/4 of children, ages 5-10 show early warning signs for heart disease. (Freedman et al., 1999)

Emotional/Psychological Consequences Severely obese children rate their quality of life similar to that of cancer patients being treated with chemotherapy. (JAMA, 2003)

A Role for Schools ?

“I do not blame schools for our obesity epidemic. Instead I look to schools – and to everyone who has an influential hand in education – as a powerful force for change.” - Dr. David Satcher Former Surgeon General Chairman, Action for Healthy Kids

Why Schools? reach almost all children can improve eating behaviors have skilled personnel provide healthy eating opportunities

Participation in School Breakfast Program is associated with:  improved test performance  reduced tardiness and absenteeism  increased attention  improved behavior

School Meals Initiative for Healthy Children Nutrients Standards Dietary Guidelines

School Nutrition Dietary Assessment Study II NSLP participants consume less added sugar and more vegetables and milk.

What is a “Nutrition-Friendly School?”

Six Components of a Nutrition-Friendly School

Commitment to Nutrition and Physical Activity Nutr. and phys. activity are top priorities Policies are in place

Quality School Meals School meals programs are available and are promoted. Healthy, appealing choices are available. SFS staff is properly trained.

Other Healthy Food Options All foods in school make a positive contribution to children’s diets School policies address foods in school that are not associated with the meal program

Pleasant Eating Experiences Meal times and lengths are appropriate. Serving and seating areas are adequate and attractive. Whether or not students pay full price is confidential.

Nutrition Education Nutrition ed. (pre-K - grade 12) focuses on skill development. Messages are reinforced throughout school.

Marketing Healthy eating and physical activity are actively promoted. Students receive positive messages throughout the school environment.

A Role for Parents?

Parents Can: Support/Join the School HSNE Team Support School Meals Programs Provide Healthy Snacks for Parties Help Identify Healthy Fundraisers Serve as Role Models Reinforce Positive Messages at Home