Mont-Ferguson H. Evolution of a Wellness Policy Education → Policy → Environment Helen Mont-Ferguson, M.B.A., R.D. 1 The Next Wave of Wellness

Mont-Ferguson H. EDUCATION 1995: Nutrition Educator Coordinator: Nutrition Education Program developed with the assistance and cooperation of Unified Support Services, outside partnerships and agencies: UMass Extension: 3 FT educators providing nutrition education classes (4 lessons per class) NEDC: Distribution of nutrition education curriculum to ALL 2 nd & 4 th grades of Boston Public Schools GRATUS SOS Operation Frontline: Nutrition Ed. & Culinary Classes Project Bread : Promotion of Breakfast Program with emphasis on relationship between nutrition, learning and behavior. Healthy School Meals Initiative:Team Nutrition established 2 The Next Wave of Wellness

Mont-Ferguson H. expanding the nutrition education program: 1998: Partnership with HSPH developed: concept of a multi-thematic, interdisciplinary nutrition education & PA curriculum introduced. Piloting and implementation of Planet Health to 6 th, 7 th & 8 th grades. Technical Support to teachers Eat Well Keep Moving: multi-thematic curriculum for 4 th & 5 th graders. 3 The Next Wave of Wellness

Mont-Ferguson H. Boston Steps Five year 7.25 million dollar CDC community mobilization effort to reduce the burden of: –Overweight/obesity –Diabetes –Asthma …By addressing key risk factors: –Lack of physical activity –Poor nutrition (caloric intake and types of foods) –Tobacco use –Environmental triggers for asthma …And providing disease management support 4 The Next Wave of Wellness

Mont-Ferguson H. Boston Steps: General Approach Address determinants of behavior (eating and physical activity) at multiple levels: –Individual: knowledge, attitude, skills. –Interpersonal: family, friends, social networks. –Organizational: work, school, other institutions. –Community: environment, norms, marketing. –Public policy: local, state and federal levels. 5 The Next Wave of Wellness

Mont-Ferguson H. Individual: Knowledge, Beliefs, Skills Interpersonal: Family, Friends, Colleagues Organizational: Schools, Employers, Churches, etc. Community Relationships among organizations, Physical environment, etc Society and Culture Media & Marketing Government & Public Policy Laws, Policies & Regulations Social Ecological Model 6 The Next Wave of Wellness

Mont-Ferguson H. Boston Public Schools Steps School Health Council Guiding Principals Schools will have ongoing assessments of nutrition, fitness and physical environment Schools will have an integrated system of clinical management for chronic disease Schools will adopt and enforce policies that support wellness opportunities at both the individual school and district level Focuses on a Coordinated School Health Approach. 7 The Next Wave of Wellness

Mont-Ferguson H. Policy Development : Boston Public Schools Department of Food & Nutrition Services developed the Healthy Beverage & Snack Policy for all vending, snack lines and a la carte foods These Guidelines adhere to and are supported by MA Action For Healthy Kids and pertain to ALL foods offered in the Boston Public Schools 8 The Next Wave of Wellness

Mont-Ferguson H. Policy Development 2006 Wellness Policy mandated by USDA Developed and approved by school committee in April 2006 for the district 4 components: Nutrition Education Physical Education/Physical Activity Healthy Foods Other school-based activities designed to promote student wellness 9 The Next Wave of Wellness

Mont-Ferguson H. Wellness Policy : Wellness Coordinator Hired All schools required to develop Wellness Action Plans which need to be a component of the school’s Whole School Improvement Plan(WSIP) Mini-grants offered on a competitive basis to assist in plan implementation Technical Support provided 10 The Next Wave of Wellness

Mont-Ferguson H. Boston Collaboration for Food & Fitness 10 million dollar grant offered by the Kelloggs Foundation Boston has been awarded $500,000 for planning and developing a process oriented approach to wellness. 11 The Next Wave of Wellness

Mont-Ferguson H. Chef’s Initiative Supported by BPHC Steps and Project Bread Professional chef in 2 pilot middle schools 12 The Next Wave of Wellness

Mont-Ferguson H. Alliance For a Healthier Generation 1 million dollar donation to Boston Public Schools by the Kessler Family through the Alliance For a Healthier Generation; a partnership between the Clinton Foundation, the AHA and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Assists schools in the development, implementation and evaluation of their Wellness Programs. A 4 year program beginning with the ‘rolling out’ of 30 schools yearly to eventually include all Boston Public Schools Includes the hiring of a “Relationship Manager” to provide technical support to schools by local and national agencies. 13 The Next Wave of Wellness

Mont-Ferguson H. At the State Level Stalker Institute: Provides programs on nutrition and health promotion, in conjunction with the comprehensive school health model, using an interdisciplinary, collaborative team approach. The Institute offers conferences, programs, and courses, and a lending library for teachers, school food service personnel, health educators, child nutrition professionals, and other members of the Massachusetts school community Offers a comprehensive Wellness Website which provides national information on other state district’s wellness policies: johnstalkerinstitute.org Provides the ‘A’ List: an updated and ever-expanding list of vending and snack products that meet the Massachusetts A La Carte Food & Beverage Standards to Promote a Healthier School Environment (Massachusetts Standards) developed by MA Action For Healthy Kids 14 The Next Wave of Wellness

Mont-Ferguson H. Environment Education, Policy and now 1 st Annual Boston Public Schools Wellness Summit taking place in March. This will allow schools to ‘showcase’ their healthy school environments and allow for sharing of information. All community partners are invited to attend and to showcase the technical support they have provided to schools. “Changing the Scene”- USDA Training 15 The Next Wave of Wellness