Nevada's School Wellness Policy Best Practices Manual

Nevada’s School Wellness Policy Best Practices Manual

December 3, 2014

Catrina Peters MS, RD

Today’s Agenda

• Where NDA School Wellness Policy resources can be found

• Orientation of the NDA Nevada School Wellness Policy Best Practices Manual• What is required

• What resources are available to meet those requirements

• Other School Wellness Initiatives

• Questions

http://nutrition.nv.gov/Programs/Wellness/

Why A Best Practices Manual?

• During the development of the Nevada School Wellness Policy a need was identified

• Collaborative effort

• Thank you to everyone that contributed!

• A central resources to aid in the implementation of the Nevada School Wellness Policy

Section 1: Advisory Group Formation

• Requirement:• School districts must to allow the opportunity for a

representative from each of the following groups participate in Wellness Policy development, implementation, and periodic review:

• Parents, students, representatives of the school food authority, PE teachers, school health professionals, the school board, school administrators, and the general public

• Does not mean that every committee must have one member each from the list above

• Required to meet at least 2x/year

Section 1: Advisory Group Formation

• Resources:

• Information and links on:

• Building a group

• Reaching out the community

• Soliciting advisory group member

• Maintaining a cohesive and successful group

• Sample Letter of Invitation

Section 2: Local School Wellness Policy Goals

• Requirement:

• School districts must select and measure at least one goal from each of the following categories:

• Nutrition Promotion & Education

• Physical Activity

• Other School-Based Activities

Section 2: Local School Wellness Policy Goals

• Resources:• Sample Goals

• Further information on that goal

• Resources to help achieve that goal

• One Section for each type of goal

• Nutrition Promotion & Education

• Physical Activity

• Other School-Based Activities

• Sample School Action Plan to help achieve goals

Section 3: Meal Consumption

• Requirement:

• Minimum Time Required

• Breakfast- 15 minutes

• Lunch- 20 minutes

• This is intended to provide dedicated time for students to consume their meals, but should not be required for all students to remain seated the whole time

Section 3: Meal Consumption

• Resources• Information on why adequate time to consume meals

is important

•Recess Before Lunch-District level decision

• Additional information on Recess before Lunch

• Resources to help with Recess before Lunch implementation

Section 4: Physical Activity

• Requirement:

• Schools must provide the opportunity for moderate to vigorous physical activity ≥30 minutes each regular school day.

Section 4: Physical Activity

• Resources:

• Examples of ways to integrate Physical Activity into the school day

• Activity Breaks in the classroom

• PA into curriculum

• Resources to help with incorporating PA into the school day

• Guidelines for PA

Section 5: All Foods Sold or Provided on the School Campus

• Required:• There are nutritional requirements for all foods sold

or given away on the school campus, during the school day

• Includes foods sold as fundraisers

• Each school district must establish a policy that addresses special occasions or holidays and may allow foods that exceed the established nutrition parameters

• School districts must address the frequency of special occasions which allow foods that exceed the established nutrition parameters

Section 5: All Foods Sold or Provided on the School Campus

• Resources

• NDA has posted a list of foods that meet the guidelines

• Links to product calculators for foods that are not on the list

• Caution: Beverages may be allowable nationally but Nevada does not allow carbonated beverages of any kind at any grade level

• Resources are provided for special occasions and celebrations

• Sample letters to request healthy items

• Lots of ideas for healthy food treats or non-food celebrations!

Section 6: Fundraising

• Required:• All items sold or given away to students on campus

during the school day must meet the Smart Snacks nutrition standards, there are no exemptions

• This does not apply to foods that are sold with the intention of being consumed outside of the regular school day

Section 6: Fundraising

• Resources

• Ideas for non-food fundraisers

• Links to further resources for healthy fundraisers

• Get creative!

• Farm stands with school garden produce

• Walk-a-thon

• Game nights, carnivals, etc

Section 7: Incentives/RewardsSection 8: Marketing

• Requirement:• School districts must decide whether or not they are

going to use food as a reward, if they do, it is required that it be in alignment with the Smart Snacks guidelines.

• School districts must allow for marketing of only those foods and beverages that may be sold on the school campus during the school day

• Resources• Examples of non-food rewards

• Examples of marketing ideas

• Opportunity to publicize healthy food options

• Links to further resources

Section 7: Incentives/RewardsSection 8: Marketing

Section 9: Incentives or Penalties for Violations of Local School Wellness Policy

• Examples of Incentives:

• Special recognition for schools that excel

• Monetary awards

• A school-wide celebration, field day or assembly

Section 10: Other Wellness Initiatives

• Healthier US Schools Challenge

• Fuel Up to Play 60

• Presidential Youth Fitness

**The above programs have funding opportunities

• Action for Healthy Kids

• Alliance for a Healthier Generation

Webinar Archive

https://www.youtube.com/user/nevadaagriculture

Questions?