Great news for healthy schools! The USDA released the final Local Wellness Policy Rule at the end of July.
Wellness policies are “a written document that guides a local educational agency’s (LEA) or school district’s efforts to establish a school environment that promotes students’ health, well-being, and ability to learn,.” (USDA website)
The requirement to have wellness policies dates back to 2004, but the new rule ushers in some important updates. In short, they have big potential to make the school day healthier. And, this is a great opportunity for parents to get involved, too!
Here are some helpful additional details, from the USDA website:
Wellness Policies must include:
- Specific goals for nutrition promotion and education, physical activity and other school-based activities that promote student wellness.
- Standards and nutrition guidelines for all food and drink sold or provided to students during the school day. (including school celebrations and incentives!)
- Policies for food and beverage marketing, requiring that all items meet the Smart Snacks in School nutrition standards.
- Description of public involvement, policy leadership and evaluation.
How can parents get involved?
Ask about the Wellness Policy in your district and your school (schools aren'ts required to have one, but many do). Find out what's being discussed, when the meetings happen, and if / when they're looking for new community members. Let other parents know too! Even if you can't join the Wellness Committee, it's an important mechanism the whole community should know about.
We'll keep sharing tips in the coming weeks, too, via the blog and the Good Food Force Facebook page. We'd love to hear what your experience has been with a Wellness Committee, too! Please share.
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