Local Wellness Policy Vonda Fekete, M.S., R.D., L.D.N. Nutrition Education and School Nutrition Programs Supervisor

Local Wellness Policy Each LEA participating in National School Lunch Program or School Breakfast Program Establish policy for schools under the LEA Intent of Congress = Local level Implementation Date = 1 st day of school after July 1, 2006

Local Wellness Policy Goals for: –Nutrition education –Physical activity –And other school based activities Designed to promote student wellness

Local Wellness Policy Nutrition guidelines for all foods available on each school campus during the school day -Ala carte-Classroom parties -Fundraisers-Food used as rewards -Vending machines Objectives of promoting student health and reducing childhood obesity

Local Wellness Policy Establish a plan for measuring implementation Designate one or more persons (LEA or at each school) charged with operational responsibility for ensuring school meets wellness policy

Local Wellness Policy Development requires involvement of: –Parents –Students –School Food Authority –School Board –School Administrators –Public

Nutrition Standards for Competitive Foods Objectives: Provide assistance for meeting requirements Consistent standard for “healthy” Uniform request (nutrient content and package size) for food manufacturers to better respond

Nutrition Standards for Competitive Foods Only a resource Phased in over 3 years to allow time for schools and the food industry to respond –A Place to Start-July 1, 2006 –Better- July 1, 2007 –Best-July 1, 2008 Supports the National School Lunch Program

Examples of Policy Language Examples of language that can be inserted into a wellness policy –Nutrition Education –Physical Activity –Other School Based Activities Not a template or a complete policy Identifies current curriculum requirements Not inclusive or definitive of all possibilities Not absolute-only a resource

Other Resources PSBA Model Wellness Policy –Incorporates the resources developed by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, Division of Food and Nutrition (Nutrition Standards and Examples of Policy Language) – USDA Team Nutrition –Wellness Policy Section –Making It Happen –Changing the Scene –