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Just the facts…. Of children age 5 to 10 years old, twenty-five percent show early warning signs of heart disease. Just the facts…. Of children and adolescents age 2 to 19, sixteen percent are obese. Just the facts…. Thirty-six percent of adults age 20 years and over are obese.
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Just the facts… Of children age 5 to 10 years old, twenty-five percent show early warning signs of heart disease.
Just the facts… Of children and adolescents age 2 to 19, sixteen percent are obese.
Just the facts… Thirty-six percent of adults age 20 years and over are obese.
SWAC Student Wellness Advisory Councils
What is SWAC? SWAC is a student organization or club that provides advice for nutritional programs in school as well as advice for students to bring home to their peers and communities.
How can SWAC help? • Show students how they can improve their eating patterns and physical activity by making small and gradual changes. • Make changes in school policy and environment to support healthy lifestyle choices. • Provide opportunities for students to practice a healthy lifestyle.
Why have a SWAC in your school? • …involves students in our organization. • …helps market and increase participation in your food service program. • …serves as a communication bridge between students, administrators, school foodservice personnel, faculty, and the community. • …promotes nutrition and health and provides opportunities for students to learn about them.
How do I get started? • Recruit an advisor, preferably an FSNA member. • Obtain support from administration. • Recruit an adult faculty member to assist in leading the group. • Recruit students to serve. • Submit a registration form to FSNA. • Develop activities. • Market the program!
Characteristics of a Successful SWAC program… • Members are effective communicatorswho are nutrition-minded. • Leaders and members are enthusiasticand results-oriented. • Provides good examples to members and other students. • Excellent public relations agents (teachers, administrators, students)
Making a difference… Your SWAC can be involved in: • Local wellness policy. • Local nutrition standards. • Team Nutrition. (www.fns.usda.gov/tn) • The HealthierUS School Challenge. • Nutrition education, using the information from CHOOSEMYPLATE.gov.
SWAC Members: What are your responsibilities? • Educate faculty and fellow students about the important role that Food and Nutrition Services play in… • Academic achievement. • Athletic performance. • Personal wellbeing. • Productivity.
SWAC Members: What are your responsibilities? • Consult with fellow students to find out the strengths and weaknesses of your school nutrition program. • Establish relationships with community and business leaders. • Plan special events and projects in the cafeteria.
SWAC Advisors: What are your responsibilities? • Obtain support from school administration. • Create a vision of what SWAC can accomplish in your school and community. • Inspire others to achieve that vision. • Keep administration informed of SWAC’s purpose and results. • Develop a strategic plan for your SWAC.
How do I developa strategic plan? • Establish your goals and objectives at the beginning of each year. • Develop an action plan. • Assign responsibilities. • Establish timelines for your SWAC members to follow.
How do I fund my SWAC? • Bake sales • Carwashes • “-a-thons” (bowl-a-thon, walk-a-thon, etc.) • Merchandise sale • Sponsor an event – school dance, nutrition week, game
One more thing… “We have a responsibility to promote knowledge, attitudes and behaviors among our school children that will develop eating habits that improve health, intellectual development, and overall quality of life – today and into the future.” SWAC
Questions? Kathy Clark – SWAC Coordinator Florida School Nutrition Association 124 Salem Court Tallahassee, Florida 32301 Phone: (888) 878-1832 Email: kclark@floridaschoolnutrition.org Go to www.floridaschoolnutrition.org for more information and a downloadable brochure.