The first step in developing a local wellness policy is to do some research. Your goal is to understand what you need to do, why, and how.
Your Objectives
Begin the process of developing a wellness policy by gathering information to answer the following questions.
Your role and responsibility -- What are you responsible for doing?
Existing laws, programs and policies -- What is your district currently doing with regards to child nutrition, education, and physical activity? Specifically:
What is the current policy regarding the nutrition value of breakfast, lunch, and (if applicable) before- or after-school snacks?
What is the current policy regarding vending machines and other food outside the school meals program?
What are the goals for nutrition education, physical activity, and other school-based activities?
What federal and state laws and regulations impact the district's wellness policies?
What is the current policy regarding recess?
What are the recommendations from national governing agencies regarding physical activity, physical education, nutrition education, and nutrition guidelines for competitive foods, as they apply to your district?
Health of Students -- How does the health of children in your district compare to the state and country as a whole? You may find information relevant to this question via your Department of Education, physical education tests, and/or nurse records.
School Governance -- How do policies get shaped and executed in your district? Who is involved? What legal and legislative restrictions are there?
Local Support -- What local organizations (including non-profit, health, and corporations) might be enlisted to help improve nutrition, physical education, nutrition education, and/or physical activity offered to students in the district?
