1. Wellness Policy l What is a Local School Wellness Policy (LSWP)? l Is our school required to have a Wellness Policy? l Why do we need a Wellness Policy?

2. What is a LSWP? In 2004, a law was passed that requires school districts to establish a local school wellness policy by the school year beginning after July 2006. This law recognizes the critical role that schools must play in helping raise healthy kids. The policy requires school districts to: Create nutrition guidelines for all food sold on campus during the day, in efforts to promote health and reduce childhood obesity. Create goals for nutrition education and physical activity that promote student wellness. Create a plan for ensuring the policy is implemented. Include parents, students, school food service staff, school administrators, school board members, and public in creating the school wellness policy. Legislation details are available at: http://teamnutrition.usda.gov/Healthy/108-265.pdf

3. Is our school required to have a Wellness Policy? Yes! If your school participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP), the School Breakfast Program (SBP) or Special Milk program, your charter school must follow the federal legislation for Local School Wellness Policy.

4. Why do we need a Wellness Policy? Nearly 40% of California children are not physically fit. Over the past 30 years, the childhood obesity rate has more than doubled for youth age 12- 19. It has more than tripled for children age 6-11. Physical Activity is proven to grow new brain cells (neurogenesis) in the learning and memory center of the brain. Physical Activity reduces stress naturally and acts as an anti-depressant.

5. How does the Wellness Policy effect you? l Instead of pizza, ice cream and nacho parties encourage physical activity or healthy snacks. l Instead of food incentives encourage physical activity or fun pencils, pens, and erasers. l Instead of cake at award’s ceremonies encourage physical activity or water, fruit, and pretzels. l Instead of fundraising with cookie dough and chocolate sell wrapping paper, bracelets and dunking teachers.