Evolution of a Wellness Policy

1. The Next Wave of Wellness Evolution of a Wellness Policy Education→ Policy →Environment Helen Mont-Ferguson, M.B.A., R.D. Mont-Ferguson H. 1

2. The Next Wave of Wellness EDUCATION 1995: • Nutrition Educator Coordinator: Nutrition Education Program developed with the assistance and cooperation of Unified Support Services, outside partnerships and agencies: • UMass Extension: 3 FT educators providing nutrition education classes (4 lessons per class) • NEDC: Distribution of nutrition education curriculum to ALL 2nd & 4th grades of Boston Public Schools GRATUS • SOS Operation Frontline: Nutrition Ed. & Culinary Classes • Project Bread: Promotion of Breakfast Program with emphasis on relationship between nutrition, learning and behavior. • Healthy School Meals Initiative:Team Nutrition established Mont-Ferguson H. 2

3. The Next Wave of Wellness expanding the nutrition education program: • 1998: Partnership with HSPH developed: concept of a multi-thematic, interdisciplinary nutrition education & PA curriculum introduced. Piloting and implementation of Planet Health to 6th, 7th & 8th grades. Technical Support to teachers • Eat Well Keep Moving: multi-thematic curriculum for 4th & 5th graders. Mont-Ferguson H. 3

4. The Next Wave of Wellness Boston Steps • Five year 7.25 million dollar CDC community mobilization effort to reduce the burden of: • Overweight/obesity • Diabetes • Asthma • …By addressing key risk factors: • Lack of physical activity • Poor nutrition (caloric intake and types of foods) • Tobacco use • Environmental triggers for asthma • …And providing disease management support Mont-Ferguson H. 4

5. The Next Wave of Wellness Boston Steps: General Approach • Address determinants of behavior (eating and physical activity) at multiple levels: • Individual: knowledge, attitude, skills. • Interpersonal: family, friends, social networks. • Organizational: work, school, other institutions. • Community: environment, norms, marketing. • Public policy: local, state and federal levels. Mont-Ferguson H. 5

6. The Next Wave of Wellness Government & Public Policy Laws, Policies & Regulations Society and Culture Media & Marketing Community Relationships among organizations, Physical environment, etc Organizational: Schools, Employers, Churches, etc. Interpersonal: Family, Friends, Colleagues Individual: Knowledge, Beliefs, Skills Social Ecological Model Mont-Ferguson H. 6

7. The Next Wave of Wellness Boston Public Schools Steps School Health Council Guiding Principals • Schools will have ongoing assessments of nutrition, fitness and physical environment • Schools will have an integrated system of clinical management for chronic disease • Schools will adopt and enforce policies that support wellness opportunities at both the individual school and district level • Focuses on a Coordinated School Health Approach. Mont-Ferguson H. 7

8. The Next Wave of Wellness Policy Development.. • 2004: Boston Public Schools Department of Food & Nutrition Services developed the Healthy Beverage & Snack Policy for all vending, snack lines and a la carte foods • These Guidelines adhere to and are supported by MA Action For Healthy Kids and pertain to ALL foods offered in the Boston Public Schools Mont-Ferguson H. 8

9. The Next Wave of Wellness Policy Development 2006 Wellness Policy mandated by USDA Developed and approved by school committee in April 2006 for the district 4 components: • Nutrition Education • Physical Education/Physical Activity • Healthy Foods • Other school-based activities designed to promote student wellness Mont-Ferguson H. 9

10. The Next Wave of Wellness Wellness Policy.. 2007: Wellness Coordinator Hired • All schools required to develop Wellness Action Plans which need to be a component of the school’s Whole School Improvement Plan(WSIP) • Mini-grants offered on a competitive basis to assist in plan implementation • Technical Support provided Mont-Ferguson H. 10

11. The Next Wave of Wellness Boston Collaboration for Food & Fitness • 10 million dollar grant offered by the Kelloggs Foundation • Boston has been awarded $500,000 for planning and developing a process oriented approach to wellness. Mont-Ferguson H. 11

12. The Next Wave of Wellness Chef’s Initiative • Supported by BPHC Steps and Project Bread • Professional chef in 2 pilot middle schools Mont-Ferguson H. 12

13. The Next Wave of Wellness Alliance For a Healthier Generation • 1 million dollar donation to Boston Public Schools by the Kessler Family through the Alliance For a Healthier Generation; a partnership between the Clinton Foundation, the AHA and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation • Assists schools in the development, implementation and evaluation of their Wellness Programs. • A 4 year program beginning with the ‘rolling out’ of 30 schools yearly to eventually include all Boston Public Schools • Includes the hiring of a “Relationship Manager” to provide technical support to schools by local and national agencies. Mont-Ferguson H. 13

14. The Next Wave of Wellness At the State Level Stalker Institute: • Provides programs on nutrition and health promotion, in conjunction with the comprehensive school health model, using an interdisciplinary, collaborative team approach. • The Institute offers conferences, programs, and courses, and a lending library for teachers, school food service personnel, health educators, child nutrition professionals, and other members of the Massachusetts school community • Offers a comprehensive Wellness Website which provides national information on other state district’s wellness policies: johnstalkerinstitute.org • Provides the ‘A’ List: an updated and ever-expanding list of vending and snack products that meet the Massachusetts A La Carte Food & Beverage Standards to Promote a Healthier School Environment (Massachusetts Standards) developed by MA Action For Healthy Kids Mont-Ferguson H. 14

15. The Next Wave of Wellness Environment Education, Policy and now • 1st Annual Boston Public Schools Wellness Summit taking place in March. This will allow schools to ‘showcase’ their healthy school environments and allow for sharing of information. • All community partners are invited to attend and to showcase the technical support they have provided to schools. • “Changing the Scene”- USDA Training Mont-Ferguson H. 15