New Tool Simplifies Local Wellness Policy Writing

Action for Healthy Kids is pleased to announce that after months of development and testing, the Wellness Policy Tool is now available on our website, www.actionforhealthykids.org/resources.php. Created in collaboration with many partner organizations and Action for Healthy Kids State Team members, the searchable database of policies (state and district) can help guide the drafting of local wellness policies. The tool has an easy-to-use template, a listing of fundamental elements to consider including in your policy, and access to hundreds of individual policy components that can be cut and pasted into the template to create a local wellness policy unique to each district. The extensive database is easily searchable by the five wellness policy topic areas specified in the Child Nutrition Act: nutrition education goals; physical activity goals; nutrition standards for all foods and beverages; other school-based wellness activities; and governance and evaluation. Individual components of sample wellness policies are also searchable by state. The Child Nutrition Act requires that all schools participating in the National School Lunch Program create a local wellness policy by June 2006. The Action for Healthy Kids Wellness Policy Tool offers a running start to thousands of administrators and other school personnel charged with drafting their district’s policy. Visit this site area often, as we will be updating the database as new policies emerge and additional tools and helpful information will be posted.

Also, please see our sample wellness policy for a school using the CATCH Program.