What is a School Wellness Policy?

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The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) requires all school districts to create a school wellness policy. Part of this plan makes schools set goals for nutrition education and physical activity. Plus, the policy encourages parents to be involved.

To find out about your school district’s wellness policy, check your district’s web site or ask the principal or other district administrator. Learn what the district has pledged to do to advance student wellness.

Questions to ask about school wellness policies:

  • What are the goals for physical education, nutrition education, before and afterschool programs and staff wellness?
  • What are the nutritional guidelines for foods sold or offered at school?
  • When does/did the policy go into effect?
  • What are the plans for making sure the policy is implemented? Who is responsible?
  • Is there a school wellness or advisory council to ensure that the wellness policy is implemented or updated? Are parents and students involved?

Learn about the 2004 Child Nutrition Bill wellness policy requirements. 

The Healthy Schools Program Framework provides guidance to schools in developing wellness policies and administrative regulations/procedures. Join the Healthy Schools Program for access to samples of policies and procedures available through our resource database.

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