New Publication Relays Successes in Establishing Local Wellness Policies
July 3, 2008 - A publication recently released by the School Nutrition Association (SNA) shows how school nutrition operators and their allies in the school and community have met challenges and seized opportunities presented by local wellness policies.
“Well Done! – School Nutrition Professionals Put Wellness to Work,” includes examples of how school nutrition professionals from districts of all sizes around the country have gained support from principals, teachers, parents and students; established cafeteria-based nutrition education programs; found products to meet new nutrition standards; developed staff wellness programs; and made operational changes.
With wellness policies now in place, school nutrition professionals and their partners are facing both new challenges and new opportunities. The book includes, for instance, an example of a school district that found resistance to the policy from administrators. The solution: getting the support of the superintendent who told the principals they must uphold the policy.
The publication includes successful school district stories for the following:
- Gaining support inside the School
- Encouraging staff wellness
- Gaining parent and student support
- Turning cafeterias into classrooms
- Finding and affording healthy products
- Exploring farm-to-school programs
- Compensating for revenue declines
- Partnering with community friends
- Finding the best operational fit
- Transforming the school environment
- Monitoring for success
- Evaluating efforts
The book reveals that, in order for a local wellness policy to be successful, it is important that parents, students and all those in the school community act as role models, follow the policy guidelines, and offer suggestions for improvement. Moreover, it shows that the success of such a policy requires a lot of hard work, perseverance and passion.
The book can be ordered for US $12.00 through the SNA website at http://www.schoolnutrition.org/Index.aspx?id=55.
Source: “Well Done! – School Nutrition Professionals Put Wellness Policies to Work” and SNA website.