School Wellness Policies give schools the tools needed to address the three-fold increase in childhood obesity since 1980, help reduce children's risk for chronic diseases and ensure that children get the nutrients they need for good health. And, by helping children get plenty of physical activity and make healthful food choices, School Wellness Policies help to improve children's academic performance, attendance and classroom behavior. In short, they help children reach their maximum potential!

Find answers to the "Why?" behind School Wellness as you work with parents, teachers, staff and the community at large to implement your School Wellness Policy.

Making the Case for School Wellness

The Obesity Crisis

Childhood overweight is a serious health problem. Download articles that provide an overview of how several schools are meeting the challenge head on:

• "Beyond Baby Fat" — Find an overview of the childhood obesity epidemic and how schools are weighing in on the problem
• "The Obesity Epidemic" — Learn how schools nutrition policies can help address the childhood obesity problem.
• "Eat Drink and Be Healthy" — Read a profile of how one school district helps fight childhood obesity.
• "Prevention of Pediatric Overweight and Obesity" AAP Policy — Learn more about strategies proposed by the American Academic of Pediatrics.

The Law — Child Nutrition and WIC Reauthorization Act 2004

Download the law that backs what many educators and school foodservice professionals have been advocating — nutrition education, nutritious foods school-wide and a refocus on physical activity.

Nutrition Guidelines Based on Sound Science

School wellness policies must include nutrition guidelines, but local school districts decide what the guidelines are! Make sure that your school uses a common-sense approach based on the 2005 Dietary Guidelines and MyPyramid.

What Parents Say About School Wellness

Find out what parents think about school nutrition and physical activity, and use the information when answering questions about creating healthy schools. Download An Action for Healthy Kids Report: Parents' Views on School Wellness Practices. Full Report

Executive Summary