Just the facts… Of children age 5 to 10 years old, twenty-five percent show early warning signs of heart disease.

Just the facts… Of children and adolescents age 2 to 19, sixteen percent are obese.

Just the facts… Thirty-six percent of adults age 20 years and over are obese.

What can you do?

SWAC Student Wellness Advisory Councils

What is SWAC? SWAC is a student organization or club that provides advice for nutritional programs in school as well as advice for students to bring home to their peers and communities.

How can SWAC help? O Show students how they can improve their eating patterns and physical activity by making small and gradual changes. O Make changes in school policy and environment to support healthy lifestyle choices. O Provide opportunities for students to practice a healthy lifestyle.

Why have a SWAC in your school? O …involves students in our organization. O …helps market and increase participation in your food service program. O …serves as a communication bridge between students, administrators, school foodservice personnel, faculty, and the community. O …promotes nutrition and health and provides opportunities for students to learn about them.

How do I get started? 1. Recruit an advisor, preferably an FSNA member. 2. Obtain support from administration. 3. Recruit an adult faculty member to assist in leading the group. 4. Recruit students to serve. 5. Submit a registration form to FSNA. 6. Develop activities. 7. Market the program!

Characteristics of a Successful SWAC program… O Members are effective communicators who are nutrition-minded. O Leaders and members are enthusiastic and results-oriented. O Provides good examples to members and other students. O Excellent public relations agents (teachers, administrators, students)

Making a difference… Your SWAC can be involved in: O Local wellness policy. O Local nutrition standards. O Team Nutrition. ( O The HealthierUS School Challenge. O Nutrition education, using the information from CHOOSEMYPLATE.gov.

SWAC Members: What are your responsibilities? O Educate faculty and fellow students about the important role that Food and Nutrition Services play in… O Academic achievement. O Athletic performance. O Personal wellbeing. O Productivity.

SWAC Members: What are your responsibilities? O Consult with fellow students to find out the strengths and weaknesses of your school nutrition program. O Establish relationships with community and business leaders. O Plan special events and projects in the cafeteria.

SWAC Advisors: What are your responsibilities? O Obtain support from school administration. O Create a vision of what SWAC can accomplish in your school and community. O Inspire others to achieve that vision. O Keep administration informed of SWAC’s purpose and results. O Develop a strategic plan for your SWAC.

How do I develop a strategic plan? O Establish your goals and objectives at the beginning of each year. O Develop an action plan. O Assign responsibilities. O Establish timelines for your SWAC members to follow.

How do I fund my SWAC? O Bake sales O Carwashes O “-a-thons” (bowl-a-thon, walk-a-thon, etc.) O Merchandise sale O Sponsor an event – school dance, nutrition week, game

One more thing… “We have a responsibility to promote knowledge, attitudes and behaviors among our school children that will develop eating habits that improve health, intellectual development, and overall quality of life – today and into the future.” SWAC

Questions? Kathy Clark – SWAC Coordinator Florida School Nutrition Association 124 Salem Court Tallahassee, Florida Phone: (888) Go to for more information and a downloadable brochure.