Children spend a large percentage of their waking hours in school and are highly influenced by their school environment. In 2006, the federal government mandated the establishment of school wellness policies in response to the growing problem of overweight and obesity among U.S. children. School administrators across the country spearheaded the creation and adoption of wellness policies, with broad implications in the school, including the cafeteria, classroom and playground.
The Healthy Steps Forward publication featured here appeared in the October 2008 issue of District Administration magazine and offers a foundation for assessing a school district’s progress in promoting wellness in the areas of nutrition and fitness.
Also in October 2008, the Dannon Institute sponsored a webinar for school administrators in conjunction with District Administration magazine entitled “School Wellness Policies: Do you have one — and is it working?” Both feature experts in child nutrition and fitness and provide answers to questions such as why a school should assess its wellness policy and how a district can measure the success of its wellness policy.
The Dannon Institute recognizes the importance of nutrition and physical activity in promoting children’s health. These tools have been developed as a way to support superintendents, district administrators and wellness committees in their efforts to take school wellness to the next level.