Our Advocacy

Leadership and advocating for healthier schools through policy progress on nutrition, physical activity, PE and other school wellness issues has been a cornerstone of Action for Healthy Kids’ work since our founding in 2002.

Through much collaboration, an important step was taken when a mandate for local wellness policies was included in the 2004 Child Nutrition and WIC Reauthorization Act. This helped jump-start many schools to becoming healthier places.

Our unique approach allows us to work with partner organizations and our board of directors at the national level, and to encourage our grassroots volunteers to take action to educate and encourage improved standards and practices in their communities and states.

Some of our successes in 2009 include:

• Founding and current board member Dr. David Satcher’s testimony and follow-up recommendations to the U.S. Senate Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry Committee; and
• Executive Director Rob Bisceglie’s testimony before the Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee and the Institute of Medicine's Committee to Review National School Lunch and School Breakfast Program Meal Patterns and Nutrient Standards.

How you can take action

• Join Action for Healthy Kids and become part of the team!
• Ask your school for its local wellness policy. After you’ve read it, send it to us by completing our simple form.
• Join your school’s wellness committee.
• Be a source of information on nutrition, physical activity and education and other school wellness issues for school leaders and local public officials.
• You can also contact your state team for local opportunities.