1. Overview of the Local Wellness Policy

2. Why the Focus on Local Wellness Policies? The prevalence of overweight among children aged 6–11 has more than doubled in the past 20 years Overweight children and adolescents are more likely to remain overweight or become obese adults and develop chronic disease One in three American children born in 2000 will develop diabetes in their lifetime

3. Why is School Wellness Important? While children are eating more, they are also exercising less. This can affect not only their weight but their attitude, academic performance and overall well-being.

4. Why is School Wellness Important? Preventative measures in schools, communities and at home to reverse the trend of childhood obesity. Over 20 percent of the US population can be found in the school community.

5. Our Charge Help create environments in Indiana schools where the healthy choice is the easy choice.

6. What Does the Law Require?

7. Wellness Policy Requirements On June 30, 2004, the President signed the Child Nutrition and WIC Reauthorization Act of 2004. Section 204 of this law required school districts participating in the national school meals program to establish a local school wellness policy by school year 2006. This was reinforced and expanded in the Healthy, Hunger Free Kids Act of 2010. 2004 vs. 2010 Comparison Chart http://www.doe.in.gov/sites/default/files/nutrition/comparison-chart-2004-vs-2010.pdf

8. Wellness Policy Requirements Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010 (HHFKA) now requires that the local school wellness policy, at a minimum, include the following requirements…

9. Wellness Policy Requirements Wellness Committee consisting of… Parents Students School Food Authority Representatives PE Teachers (NEW*) School Health Professionals (NEW*) School Board School Administrators General Public

10. Wellness Policy Requirements Goals/Content for… Nutrition Promotion (NEW*) Nutrition Education Physical Activity Other School-Based Activities that promote student wellness Need two or more goals listed under each section in order to meet the requirements of the Law

11. Wellness Policy Requirements Use evidence-based strategies (NEW*) Examples: Smarter Lunchrooms Movement www.smarterlunchrooms.orgwww.smarterlunchrooms.org –Using creative names for fruits and vegetables and targeted entrees –Training staff to encourage students to select fruits and vegetables –Placing unflavored milk in front of other beverage choices –Bundling “grab and go” meals that include fruit and vegetable items

12. Wellness Policy Requirements Monitor, Assess, & Evaluate (NEW*) Have a plan for measuring effectiveness, that is measured periodically - using an evaluation tool Form an annual progress report

13. Wellness Policy Requirements Leadership Designate a person responsible for monitoring policy to ensure that each school complies

14. Wellness Policy Requirements Public Updates (NEW*) Inform & update … Parents students Staff community about the content and implementation

15. Public Update Example http://www.inhealthyweight.org/203.htm Video of an Indiana school showcasing their wellness policy goals in action

16. Wellness Policy Requirements USDA Requirements: Has provided assurance that the School Meals meet the USDA requirements Nutrition Guidelines: Include nutrition guidelines to promote student health and reduce childhood obesity for all foods available in each school district

17. Wellness Policy Requirements Nutrition Guidelines for All Foods Wellness policies must be consistent with: Meal pattern regulation Smart Snacks regulation

18. Wellness Policy Requirements DOE Oversight Included as part of the administrative review Every 3 years

19. Resources Available Indiana Healthy Schools Toolkit State Resources National Resources

20. Indiana Healthy Schools Toolkit Policy Development and Implementation Up-to-date Information on Requirements Model Policy and Indiana Examples

21. State Resources IDOE- Office of School & Community Nutrition –www.doe.in.gov/nutrition/school-wellness- policywww.doe.in.gov/nutrition/school-wellness- policy

22. IDOE Wellness Evaluation Tool (Based on New Requirements)

23. National Resources Alliance for a Healthier Generation –www.healthiergeneration.orgwww.healthiergeneration.org Team Nutrition –www.fns.usda.gov/tn/team-nutritionwww.fns.usda.gov/tn/team-nutrition Action for Healthy Kids –www.actionforhealthykids.orgwww.actionforhealthykids.org Let’s Move! –www.letsmove.govwww.letsmove.gov

24. Your Call to Action You can create opportunities for your students to make healthier choices. brooklyncommunityfoundation.org

25. Wellness Policy Contact If you have any questions or would like additional information, please contact: Maggie Stephon Indiana Department of Education, SCN Wellness Specialist mstephon@doe.in.gov Phone No: 317-232-2130