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 Education

vfekete@state.pa.us

717-783-6557

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.

An effective nutrition policy…

• Will bring people together to develop the policy 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 that

includes physical activity and staff wellness.

Why Should Schools Have Nutrition Policies?

• Assures the public that critical topics are being addressed 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 legal information

• Can increase public knowledge and involvement• Provides accountability• May help provide legal protection

What should be included in a Nutrition Policy?

1. Authority: Who is establishing the policy

2. Rationale: Why this policy is necessary

3. Priority Population: To whom the policy applies

4. Definitions: Major terms in the policy

5. Activities: What is the program, strategy and requirement of the policy

What should be included in a Nutrition Policy?

6. Administration: Who enforces the policy7. Consequences: What are the rewards for

compliance and sanctions for noncompliance

8. Evaluation: How will policy’s effect be measured and how that information will be used

9. Duration: When the policy is adopted, when it takes effect, and when it expires.

How to write a Nutrition Policy

There is no standard process for developing policies.

How to write a Nutrition PolicyTask 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

How to write a Nutrition Policy

Task 1: Lay the groundwork (continued)• Write a proposal. Brainstorm with a wide

representation of people.• Become familiar with the political

dynamics that surround the issue• Select individuals to approach with this

proposal and the presenter• Respect hierarchy

How to write a Nutrition Policy

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 Heart Association), and business leaders

• Become aware of critics and opponents and involve them

• Communicate the intent of the proposal with the public. Create a groundswell.

How to write a Nutrition Policy

Task 3: Draft the Policy• Draft policy language • Propose the policy to decision-makers• Prepare the policy for school board’s approval• Provide opportunities for experts to speak to the

public• Stay focused on the big picture and the overall goal• Conduct public hearings or a means of gathering

public input

How to write a Nutrition Policy

Task 4: Adopt the Policy

• Present the final draft

• Answer questions as the decision making process occurs

How to write a Nutrition Policy

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

Policy has important limitations. Sustainable policy is supported by

effective leadership, adequate training and technical assistance, and positive

morale.

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.

Policy examples

• School District of PhiladelphiaBeverage 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 PolicySeries 86, Policy 4321.1http://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.

Presentation adapted from…

• National Association of State Boards of Education. Fit, Healthy, and Ready to Learn. 2000.

• Action for Healthy Kids. Healthy Eating Guidelines for Schools. Accessed February, 2004. www.ActionForHealthyKids.org.