IMPROVING THE SCHOOL NUTRITION ENVIRONMENT

Tanisha D. Belton, MPH studentWalden University

PUBH 6165-2Instructor: Dr. Rebecca Heick

Winter 2010

Learning Objectives

Understand the problems associated with lack of adequate school nutrition

Policies in place to address the issue

Current programs

Challenges faced

What role can you play?

Introduction

Childhood obesity is a growing problem

15% of children and teens ages 6 to 19 are overweight

15% are at risk of becoming overweight

Reference:Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) (2004). Overweight Among U.S. Children

and Adolescents. National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Retrieved on January 20, 2010 from http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/nhanes/databriefs/overwght.pdf

Primary and Secondary School Nutrition

Time for developing dietary habits

Harder to change once in middle school

Children obtain about one-third of their total daily energy requirements at school

Should expend 50% of daily energy expenditure

References:

Eliassen, E.,Wilson, M. (2007) Selecting Appropriate Elementary Nutrition Education Resources. American Journal of Health Studies, Vol. 22, Issue 4

Metos, J., Nanney, M. (September 2007). The Strength of School Wellness Policies: One State’s Experience. Journal of School Health, Vol. 77, No. 7 

Policy Implementation

The Child Nutrition Reauthorization Act (CNRA) of 2004 Mandated local education agencies to adopt

and implement local wellness policies Limited funding Not made a priority

References :Metos, J., Nanney, M. (September 2007). The Strength of School Wellness Policies: One State’s Experience.

Journal of School Health, Vol. 77, No. 7Stahlberg, A., Howley, N., Luscri, L. (October 2008). A National Snapshot of Local School Wellness Policies.

Journal of School Health, Vol. 78, No. 10

 

Current Programs

Texas Public School Nutrition Policy Changes in foods served to students

Utah School Districts 78% followed federal guidelines

22% did not follow guidelines for competitive foods

References:Metos, J., Nanney, M. (September 2007). The Strength of School Wellness Policies: One State’s

Experience. Journal of School Health, Vol. 77, No. 7Cullen, K., Watson, K. (April 2009) The Impact of the Texas Public School Nutrition Policy on

Student Food Selection and Sales in Texas. American Journal of Public Health, Vol. 99 No. 4

Challenges

Lack of support Board members

Administrators

Parents and Students

Limited funding

References:Brown, K., McCormack, A., Tabia H., Pitt, S., McDermott, R., Berends, V., Agron, P., Purcell, A. (February

2004) California School Board Members' Perceptions of Factors Influencing School Nutrition Policy: Journal of School Health, Vol. 74, Issue 2

Greves, H.M., Rivara, F. (January 3, 2006). Report card on school snack food policies among the United States' largest school  districts in 2004–2005: Room for improvement. International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity, 3:1

Recommendations for action

Increase the amount of healthy alternatives

Make food accessible and attractive

Encourage increased consumption of fruits & vegetables

References:O'Toole, T. P., Anderson, S., Miller, C., Guthrie, J. (October 2007).Nutrition Services and

Foods and Beverages Available at School: Results From the School Health Policies and Programs Study 2006. Journal of School Health, Vol. 77, Issue 8

Summary

Policies are in place

Support is needed!

Make your voice count!

Further Readings

School Nutrition Association www.schoolnutrition.org

Action for Healthy Kids www.actionforhealthykids.org

US Department of Agriculture (USDA) www.usda.gov

Pennsylvania School Food Service Association www.snapa.org

The Food Trust www.thefoodtrust.org

Thank you!

ReferencesBrown, K., McCormack, A., Tabia H., Pitt, S., McDermott, R., Berends, V., Agron, P., Purcell, A. (February 2004)

California School Board Members' Perceptions of Factors Influencing School Nutrition Policy: Journal of School Health, Vol. 74, Issue 2

 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) (2004). Overweight Among U.S. Children and Adolescents.

National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Retrieved on January 20, 2010 from http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/nhanes/databriefs/overwght.pdf

Cullen, K., Watson, K. (April 2009) The Impact of the Texas Public School Nutrition Policy on Student Food Selection and Sales in Texas. American Journal of Public Health, Vol. 99 No. 4

Eliassen, E.,Wilson, M. (2007) Selecting Appropriate Elementary Nutrition Education Resources. American Journal of Health Studies, Vol. 22, Issue 4

Greves, H.M., Rivara, F. (January 3, 2006). Report card on school snack food policies among the United States' largest school  districts in 2004–2005: Room for improvement. International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity, 3:1

 Metos, J., Nanney, M. (September 2007). The Strength of School Wellness Policies: One State’s Experience. Journal

of School Health, Vol. 77, No. 7 O'Toole, T. P., Anderson, S., Miller, C., Guthrie, J. (October 2007).Nutrition Services and Foods and Beverages

Available at School: Results From the School Health Policies and Programs Study 2006. Journal of School Health, Vol. 77, Issue 8

 Stahlberg, A., Howley, N., Luscri, L. (October 2008). A National Snapshot of Local School Wellness Policies. Journal of

School Health, Vol. 78, No. 10