MPS WELLNESS POLICY # 6690 History of the Wellness Policy Requirement

Child Nutrition and WIC Reauthorization Act 2004 Local School Wellness Policies Public Law 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 educational agency … shall establish a local school wellness policy” Copyright © 2006 School Nutrition Association. All Rights Reserved.

Why Wellness Policies? The rates of childhood obesity or overweight have risen sharply in the last decade. Childhood overweight has life-long health consequences such as: High Blood Pressure Types I and II Diabetes Increased risk of heart attack and stroke Overweight children have a greater risk of social and psychological problems such as discrimination and poor self-esteem. These are the folks who will be taking care of us as we age!

The Triple By-Pass Burger!

Source: Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, CDC Obesity Trends* Among U.S. Adults BRFSS, 1991, 1996, 2003 No Data <10 % 10%-14%15%-19%20%-24%  25% (*BMI 30, or about 30 lbs overweight for 5’4” person)

School Wellness Policies Involve parents, students, school food personnel, school board, administrators, public Address nutrition education, physical activity, and other wellness activities Set nutrition guidelines for all foods available on each school campus during the school day Plan for implementation, designate person charged with oversight By June 30, 2006

School Wellness Policies Nutrition Nutritional Quality of Foods and Beverages Sold and Served on Campus –School Meals –Foods and Beverages Sold Individually Fundraising Activities Snacks Rewards Celebrations & School-sponsored Events Nutrition Education and Promotion Food Marketing in Schools

School Wellness Policies School Health Councils: create, strengthen, and work within existing councils Staff Wellness Monitoring & Policy Review

The Perfect New Product!

Why at school? All children in the United States are mandated to attend school. The role of the school is to provide educational opportunities. School is the perfect place to learn and model life-long healthy eating habits! There is a strong relationship between student health and LEARNING!

Local Wellness Policy Recommendations To provide a school environment that enhances learning and development of lifelong wellness practices. To accomplish these goals: Child Nutrition Programs comply with federal, state and local requirements. Child Nutrition Programs are accessible to all children. Sequential and interdisciplinary nutrition education is provided and promoted. Patterns of meaningful physical activity connect to students’ lives outside of physical education. All school-based activities are consistent with local wellness policy goals.

All foods and beverages made available on campus (including vending, concessions, a la carte, student stores, parties, and fundraising) during the school day are consistent with the current Dietary Guidelines for Americans. All foods made available on campus adhere to food safety and security guidelines. The school environment is safe, comfortable, pleasing, and allows ample time and space for eating meals. Food and/or physical activity is not used as a reward or punishment.

Components of a Wellness Policy Nutrition Education Physical Activity Other School Based Activities Nutrition Guidelines for All Foods on Campus

Components of a Wellness Policy Eating Environment Child Nutrition Operations Food Safety/Food Security