New Report Shows Progress in Implementation of School Wellness Policies

September marked the one-year anniversary of the adoption of 15,000 local school wellness policies nationwide.  A new report released by the School Nutrition Association (SNA) shows that there has been some progress in the implementation of those policies.  The report’s primary goals included not only understanding districts’ progress toward implementation of local school wellness policies, but also the impact that nutrition standards have had on school nutrition programs, and the common challenges associated with the implementation of local school wellness policies.  The report is compiled from a survey of school nutrition directors conducted from May through June 2007.  The respondents represented all states and four US territories and districts across various enrollment sizes.

The report shows that of the 97% of school districts that addressed nutrition standards for National School Lunch Program meals in their wellness policies, more than 92% state that they have completed implementation.  In addition, of the 96% of districts that set standards for a la carte foods and beverages sold through school nutrition programs, 72% report that they have completed implementation of the standards. 

Survey results indicate that implementation has been more of a challenge for policies that address foods and beverages offered outside of the school nutrition program, including food available through school stores and fundraisers, food rewards given by teachers and food served at classroom parties.  According to the report, fewer than half of all districts that included these policy components have finished implementing them.  Finding affordable products that meet policy nutrition standards, acceptance by students and monitoring/oversight of the policy were cited as the biggest implementation challenges.

The report also reveals a positive outcome of the implementation process – more than 83% of survey respondents noted increased healthful food options in the cafeteria and almost half indicated changes in the healthy choices/behaviors of students.  Moreover, the report shows that school nutrition programs are now offering a la carte and school lunch items such as whole-wheat; reduced-fat cheese pizza; a variety of fruits and vegetables; hummus and pita bread; fat-free flavored milk; and low-fat yogurt. 

In addition, results indicate that school nutrition professionals continue to play a leadership role in developing healthy school environments through the implementation of local wellness policies.  The survey also found that the primary response from parents, teachers, principals, and other administrators to the wellness policies has been positive.  The primary response from students has been neutral. 

Results show one crucial problem: without parental support outside of school, the benefits of effective school wellness policies will be limited.  According to the report, children consume less than 20% of their calories in school.  Parents’ and caregivers’ role of active supporters of wellness messages and behaviors at home is critical to the success of these programs. 

Coordinated School Health Programs Can Help Schools Implement Effective Wellness Policies and Programs

Coordinated School Health Programs (CSHP) are an integrated systems approach to addressing health issues in schools through health education; physical education; health services; nutrition services; counseling, psychological and social services; healthy school environment; health promotion for staff; and family and community involvement. 

When parents or caregivers participate in and know what is being done in schools, they can replicate it at home. The result is a coordinated effect that provides greater benefits to students.  Having the community involved is also essential.  For instance, having community centers accessible for children to engage in physical activity after school and getting the local community to walk to school more often are some examples of how communities can be involved in the implementation process.

For additional information on the SNA report, please contact:

School Nutrition Association
700 S. Washington St., Suite 300
Alexandria, VA 22314
Phone: (703) 739-3900
Fax: (703) 739-3915

Source: "SNA Report Shows Progress in Implementation of School Wellness Policies," SNA Press Release, September 5, 2007, and "From Cupcakes to Carrots: Local Wellness Policies One Year Later," SNA, September 2007.