2061 nutrition policy

5/20/2018 2061 Nutrition Policy

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Just What is a Nutrition Policy?Sample Policies, What to Include and Why

You Should Have a Nutrition Policy.

Vonda Fekete, M.S., R.D., L.D.NNutrition Education and Training Coordinator

Division of Food and Nutrition

Pennsylvania Department of [email protected]

717-783-6557


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What is a Nutrition Policy?

A nutrition policy is a written set of

nutrition objectives that clearly

communicates the course action in

promoting healthy nutrition habits.


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An effective nutrition policy

Will bring people together to develop thepolicy including students, staff, and parents.

Is tailored to the individual needs of the school or

district. Can be comprehensive or brief.

Is not static, and will evolve with time.

Will promote consistency of nutrition messages

throughout the school environment. Can be part of a comprehensive school plan thatincludes physical activity and staff wellness.


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Why Should Schools Have

Nutrition Policies?

Assures the public that critical topics are beingaddressed by school leadership

Can provide a consistent direction or vision for

the school Clarifies issues or lays out options because the

policy is based on scientific, medical or legalinformation

Can increase public knowledge and involvement

Provides accountability

May help provide legal protection


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What should be included in a

Nutrition Policy?1. Authority: Whois establishingthe

policy

2. Rationale: Whythis policy is necessary

3. Priority Population: To whomthe policy

applies

4. Definitions: Major termsin the policy

5.

Activities: Whatis the program,

strategyand requirement of the policy


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What should be included in a

Nutrition Policy?6. Administration: Whoenforcesthe policy7. Consequences: Whatare the rewardsfor

compliance and sanctionsfor

noncompliance8. Evaluation: Howwill policys effect be

measuredand howthat information willbe used

9.

Duration: Whenthe policy is adopted,when it takes effect, and when it expires.


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How to write a Nutrition Policy

There is no standard process for

developing policies.


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Task 1: Lay the groundwork

Gather health statistics, survey parents, conduct

needs assessment

Survey existing policies to determine if a new

policy is needed or an existing policy can be

revised

Review process and procedures for developing

and passing policies in your local system

Collect relevant regulations and sample policies


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Task 1: Lay the groundwork (continued)

Write a proposal. Brainstorm with a widerepresentation of people.

Become familiar with the politicaldynamics that surround the issue

Select individuals to approach with thisproposal and the presenter

Respect hierarchy


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Task 2: Build Awareness and Support

Involve those affected (students, parents, staff)

Also involve youth serving groups (YMCA,

4-H), health providers, community groups(American Cancer Society, American HeartAssociation), and business leaders

Become aware of critics and opponents andinvolve them

Communicate the intent of the proposal with thepublic. Create a groundswell.


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Task 3: Draft the Policy

Draft policy language

Propose the policy to decision-makers

Prepare the policy for school boards approval

Provide opportunities for experts to speak to thepublic

Stay focused on the big picture and the overall

goal

Conduct public hearings or a means of gatheringpublic input


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Task 4: Adopt the Policy

Present the final draft

Answer questions as the decision makingprocess occurs


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Task 5: Administer the Policy

Implement the policy

Allow sufficient time for implementation Communicate the policy and the plan to

implement the policy proactively

Maintain the effort even after the policy

has been adopted


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Policy has important limitations.

Sustainable policy is supported byeffective leadership, adequate training

and technical assistance, and positive

morale.


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Policy examples

FAIR School, Crystal, MN. (extensive school level)

Food and Physical Activity Policy: A Model for the

Future.

www.mnschoolhealth.com/publications/hhSpring01.pdf.

Mercedes Independent School District, Mercedes, TX.

(comprehensive school level)Student Nutrition/Wellness Plan. Administrative

Policy, March 5, 2002.www.mercedes.k12.tx.us/menus/misdnutritionpolicy.pdf.


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Policy examples

School District of Philadelphia

Beverage Policy

www.phila.k12.pa.us/offices/communications/press_releases/2004/020404/sodaban.html

West Virginia Department of Education (state-level)

Standards for School Nutrition Policy

Series 86, Policy 4321.1

http://wvde.state.wv.us/policies/p4321.1.html

National Association of State Boards of Education.

Fit, Healthy, and Ready to Learn: A School Health Policy Guide.2000.

www.nasbe.org/HealthySchools/healthy_eating.html.


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Presentation adapted from

National Association of State Boards of

Education. Fit, Healthy, and Ready to Learn.

2000.

Action for Healthy Kids. Healthy EatingGuidelines for Schools. Accessed February,

2004. www.ActionForHealthyKids.org.

2061 nutrition policy

Documents

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existing policy

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whythis policy

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