 | The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA |
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| The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA |
Janice Lewis, MA, RD, California Department of Education, 560 J Street, Suite 270, Sacramento, CA 95814, 916/323-7185, jlewis@cde.ca.gov
The session will describe the progress of California school districts funded to develop locally-determined nutrition policies, secure school board approval, and move to implementing such policies. A representative from the California Department of Education, Nutrition Services Division (NSD) will present the steps taken, lessons learned, and resources necessary for policy development that is focused on improvement of the school environment.
Locally developed school policies can assist in protection of students’ health by supporting a school environment that contributes to academic success and positive behavior change. Involving stakeholders in the school community in the development and adoption of nutrition policies establishes health of students as a priority and contributes to a healthy school environment.
In March 2002, NSD awarded six California school districts grants of up to $25,000 each, with funding provided by U.S. Department of Agriculture Team Nutrition. In January 2003 twelve districts received Linking Education, Activity, and Food (LEAF) grants to develop comprehensive nutrition and physical activity policies, with nine of these districts funded for an additional year to implement the adopted policies. Grantees are required to develop nutrition standards for all food and beverages available to children on the school campus. The adopted nutrition standards apply to foods and beverages sold in school stores, in vending machines, and when provided in the classroom as part of instructional or social events.
To provide guidance for the funded projects, NSD convened statewide advisory committees that include representatives from the California School Board Association, California Center for Public Health Advocacy, and California Department of Health Services.
Learning Objectives:
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.