State Perspective; Public Health as it Relates to Water Policy Development in Schools March 02, 2016

Why Provide Access to Drinking Water in Public Schools?

Gives students access to safe, free drinking water and gives them healthy alternative to sugar sweetened beverages before, during and after school.

Helps to increase students’ overall water consumption. Maintains hydration. Improves cognitive function which is important for learning.

Another reason children and adolescents should be drinking water, if fluoridated, is because of the role fluoride plays in preventing dental cavities.

American Journal of Public Health found that:

Just over half of the 4,134 children (6-19 years of age) examined in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey ( ) were inadequately hydrated (based on urine samples).

Boys, younger children and African American children were more likely to be inadequately hydrated. Increasing water intake by 8 ounces a day reduced the risk of being inadequately hydrated.

The article is titled: Prevalence of Inadequate Hydration among US Children and Disparities by Gender and Race/Ethnicity

Water Policy Development in Arkansas Schools State Law---Arkansas Act 1220 of 2003

The Major Provisions of the Act were: 1. Restricted access to vending machines in public elementary schools. 2.Disclosure of schools’ contracts with food and beverage companies.

3. Creation of district Nutrition and Physical Activity Advisory Committees made up of parents, teachers and local community leaders.

4. Creation of a Child Health Advisory Committee to review the evidence and recommend additional physical activity and nutrition standards for public schools.

5. Every two years, body mass index screenings for all public school students from Kindergarten through grade 10 with the results reported to parents.

Federal Law Healthy Hunger Free Kids Act of 2010-requires schools to make free potable water available where meals are served.

Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act

Agency rules and standards developed in response to Federal and State laws:

Arkansas Department of Education Rules Governing Nutritional and Physical Activity Standards and Body Mass index for Age Assessment Protocols in Arkansas Public Schools.

As these rules and standards relate to hydration and sweetened beverages and sodas.

Each School District Shall:

The Department of Education Shall:

General Requirements for Food and Beverages in Public Schools

Nutrition Standards for Foods and Beverages

Healthy School Environment

An evaluation of Act 1220 of 2003

1. Successful passage of legislation does not stop controversy and challenge. 2. Policy change is not necessarily permanent change. 3. Administrative and financial support is critical to changing school environments, policies and practices beyond legislative mandates.

Challenging Questions What can we do to get more support from our administrators who hold the key to greater success in hydration in public schools?

If you have had success in this area, please list the things that you have done to bring about this success.

How can the Legislators work with you to increase hydration in your area? As a coach, nurse, teacher or anyone who works with children in the schools.