PCRM Provides Wellness Policy Resources to School Groups |
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 As schools around the country prepared to create their federally
mandated local wellness policies, PCRM nutritionists created and
distributed a list of requirements and resources to help local
administrators implement healthy and effective guidelines. Each
school’s wellness policy must be implemented in the upcoming
2006-07 school year, according to the 2004 reauthorization of the
Child Nutrition Act, and is required for any school that participates
in the National School Lunch and Breakfast programs. The policy
must include goals for nutrition education and physical fitness
and nutrition guidelines for food sold on campus.
These wellness policies provide a unique opportunity for schools
to have a major impact on student health and well-being. Given
that obesity rates have doubled for children and tripled for adolescents
over the last two decades, schools must make nutrition and physical
activity a priority. Each school will be able to decide on its
own wellness policy and guidelines, but they should be based on
scientific research and exemplary practices of other schools.
PCRM’s Local Wellness Policy Requirements and Resources fact
sheet has an explanation of the wellness policy requirements, as
well as specific suggestions on policies to implement. PCRM’s
suggested nutritional guidelines stress including more plant-based
foods that are naturally low in fat, high in fiber, and contain
zero cholesterol. The guidelines also include specific numbers
for the amount of fat, saturated fat, trans fat, cholesterol, and
fiber that should be included in the meals. Also included are suggestions
for nutrition education and other activities that promote student
wellness.
What You Can Do
The first wellness policies must be created by July, 2006, and
it is important to become involved in making positive additions
and changes to the policy in the future. Download
the Local Wellness Policy Requirements and Resources fact sheet to find out more
about the important role you can play in a creating a healthy school
environment.
Please use this information to help with the improvement of school
wellness policies in your community, whether it’s attending
school board meetings, writing a letter, joining a wellness committee,
or working directly with your school’s food service.
PCRM Online,
July 2006
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