Implementation Tool

Healthy eating and physical activity aren't being actively promoted to students, parents, teachers, and the community.

With the emphasis on academics and No Child Left Behind, it seems that nutrition and physical activity often take a back seat. In many school districts, there are parents, teachers and community members that are very interested in and dedicated to promoting healthy eating and activity - the key is to find them and focus their support to influence key policy/decision makers in the school or district. A number of states require that each school district have a School health Council (sometimes called School Health Advisory Councils or other related names). These organizations are often comprised of community and district officials dedicated to promoting student health. Consider participating in school health council meetings and urging members to look at nutrition and physical activity issues. Contact local district of school-based PTAs to identify interested parents to help educate others on the need to address nutrition and physical activity in schools. Use the press - whether local TV stations, newspapers, and radio stations, to raise awareness and garner wide-spread support for school health issues.