1. Healthy Kids, Healthy Schools Putting New School Wellness Legislation into Practice

2. Objectives oReview Section 204 of the Child Nutrition Act which requires LEAs to have “school wellness policies” by 2006-07 school year oDescribe the components & requirements of the local wellness policies oUnderstand the process of policy development oBecome familiar with Oregon’s Model Policy Language

3. The Child Nutrition and WIC Reauthorization Act of 2004 Public Law 108-265 enacted June 30, 2004 Section 204—Local Wellness Policies “Not later than the first day of the school year beginning after June 30, 2006, each local education agency…shall establish a local school wellness policy”

4. School Wellness Policy Why? oReaches beyond the USDA – funded school meal program to influence child health oPuts responsibility at the local level oRecognizes the critical role of schools in curbing the epidemic of childhood obesity oProvides an opportunity for school districts to create an environment that fosters healthy lifestyle behaviors – making the healthy choice the easy choice

5. School Wellness Policy Provisions School Districts will establish school wellness policies that include: oGoals for nutrition education, physical activity and other school based activities designed to promote student wellness oNutrition guidelines for all foods available during the school day, with the objective of promoting student health and reducing childhood overweight. oAssurances that guidelines for reimbursable school meals shall not be less restrictive than USDA guidelines

6. Incorporating Nutrition Education “Primary goal is to influence students’ eating behaviors. Building nutrition knowledge & skills helps children make healthy eating choices.” oStudents receive nutrition education that is interactive and teaches skills they need to adopt healthy eating behaviors oNutrition education is offered in the school cafeteria as well as in the classroom, with coordination between food service staff & teachers oStudents receive consistent nutrition messages throughout the school environment. oDistrict health education curriculum standards include both nutrition and physical activity oStaff who provide nutrition education have appropriate training

7. Setting Physical Activity Goals “The primary goal is to provide opportunities for every student to develop the knowledge & skills for physical activity, maintain physical fitness, ensure regular participation in physical activity, and teach students the benefits of a physically active lifestyle” oStudents are given opportunities for physical activity during the school day through PE, recess, and integration of physical activity into the academic curriculum oOpportunities are provided through a range of before and after school programs oSchools partner with the community to create ways for students to walk and bike to school safely oSchools provide training to teachers and other staff to promote enjoyable, lifelong physical activity among students

8. Nutrition Guidelines for ALL Foods & Beverages Available on School Campus during the School Day “Policies should focus on guidelines for maximizing nutritional value by decreasing fat and added sugars, increasing nutrition density and moderating portion size” oA la carte cafeteria sales oVending machines oStudent Store oConcession stands oClassroom parties, special events and meetings oFundraising events

9. School Wellness Policy Provisions continued oA plan for measuring the implementation of the school wellness policy, including designation of at least one person charged with operational responsibility for ensuring that each school fulfills the District’s wellness policy o Community involvement, including parents, students, food service staff, school board, school administrators, and community members

10. USDA Responsibilities for Development of Local Wellness Policies oProvide Technical Assistance, model examples, and best practices for LEAs, school food authorities, and State Agencies oUSDA is working in collaboration with USDOE (SDFS), and CDC-DASH oWeb-based technical assistance Team Nutrition – www.fns.usda.gov/tn

11. What’s happening in Oregon? oFood Choices in Oregon Schools report developed by the Nutrition Task Force and presented to the State Board of Education in April 2005. oModel Wellness Policy Language developed in partnership with the Oregon School Board Association www.osba.orgwww.osba.org oNutrition Guidelines for Food in Schools outside of the School Meal Program developed and presented to State Board of Education in April 2005. oRegional School Wellness Policy Workshops provided by Community Health Partnerships

12. How are policies developed?

13. What is a Policy? oA course or principle of action adopted or proposed by a party, government, business, or individual oPolicy serves as a guide to action based on expectations and regulations. What should be done Why it should be done Who should do it

14. A Roadmap for Policy Change 1.Initial Homework 2.Lay the Groundwork 3.Assess School District’s Needs 4.Revise or draft a new Policy 5.Build awareness & support 6.Develop & implement plan for policy change 7.Monitor and evaluate

15. A Recipe for Policy Success oHeaps of compassion, commitment & patience oA strong dose of political savvy oLiberal amounts of nutrition & physical activity expertise oThorough knowledge of the school district oCopious amounts of communication, leadership skills, and flexibility

16. Fit, Healthy, and Ready to Learn: A School Health Policy Guide Sample policy language, online at www.nasbe.org/HealthySchools Full explanations Research findings; notable quotes; excerpts of actual policies Resource lists

17. But Always Remember… The process of developing a policy is as important as the policy itself !

18. YOUTH Agencies Government

19. Persuading Education Leaders oLink to existing policies, programs, and goals oUse current terminology (‘education reform’, ‘ready to learn’, ‘academic achievement’) oNote serious problems/needs, but emphasize solutions oIdentify policy options oBe honest about costs and potential implementation problems oHighlight school health as an emerging trend

20. Persistence Pays oRespect the hierarchy oStay focused on the ultimate goal oDon’t expect quick or easy success oSustain the effort oBe willing to compromise…but know your bottom line oDon’t burn your bridges “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed it is the only thing that ever has.” - Margaret Meade

21. Oregon’s Model Wellness Policy

22. Jigsaw Directions Purple - Preamble Pink - Nutrition Guidelines Blue - Nutrition Education Khaki Green - Physical Fitness Golden Yellow - Other School-Based Activities