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Overview of the Local Wellness Policy. 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
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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
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. 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. Why is School Wellness Important?
Help create environments in Indiana schools where the healthy choiceis the easy choice. Our Charge
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 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… 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 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 Wellness Policy Requirements
Use evidence-based strategies (NEW*) Examples: Smarter Lunchrooms Movement www.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 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 Wellness Policy Requirements
Leadership Designate a person responsible for monitoring policy to ensure that each school complies Wellness Policy Requirements
Public Updates (NEW*) Inform & update … Parents students Staff community about the content and implementation Wellness Policy Requirements
Public Update Example Video of an Indiana school showcasing their wellness policy goals in action http://www.inhealthyweight.org/203.htm
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 Wellness Policy Requirements
Nutrition Guidelines for All Foods Wellness policies must be consistent with: Meal pattern regulation Smart Snacks regulation Wellness Policy Requirements
DOE Oversight Included as part of the administrative review Every 3 years Wellness Policy Requirements
Indiana Healthy Schools Toolkit State Resources National Resources Resources Available
Policy Development and Implementation Up-to-date Information on Requirements Model Policy and Indiana Examples Indiana Healthy Schools Toolkit
IDOE- Office of School & Community Nutrition www.doe.in.gov/nutrition/school-wellness-policy State Resources
Alliance for a Healthier Generation www.healthiergeneration.org Team Nutrition www.fns.usda.gov/tn/team-nutrition Action for Healthy Kids www.actionforhealthykids.org Let’s Move! www.letsmove.gov National Resources
You can create opportunities for your students to make healthier choices. Your Call to Action brooklyncommunityfoundation.org
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