Health & Wellness Policy

The Department shall establish and maintain Local School Wellness Policy (LWP) guidelines to ensure compliance with federal regulations (specifically the USDA's Final Rule on Local School Wellness Policy Implementation).

These guidelines must include, but are not limited to, the establishment of the following four core elements:

1. Goals for Wellness Promotion: Specific goals for nutrition promotion, nutrition education, physical activity, and physical education, along with goals for other school-based activities designed to promote overall student wellness.

2. Nutrition Standards: Clear standards and requirements for all foods and beverages sold or otherwise made available on the school campus during the school day. These standards must, at a minimum, comply with the federal Smart Snacks in School regulations, with the objective of promoting student health and reducing childhood obesity.

3. Policy Assessment and Reporting: A comprehensive plan for measuring the implementation of the LWP. This plan requires the completion of a Triennial Assessment (at least once every three years) to determine:

   • The extent of compliance with the policy.

   • How the policy compares to model wellness policies.

   • Progress made in attaining the policy's goals. This assessment must be made available to the public.

4. Stakeholder Involvement: Procedures to ensure that the public, including parents, students, representatives of the School Food Authority, school administrators, and the public, are permitted to participate actively in the development, implementation, review, and update of the LWP. (This requirement is typically met through a designated wellness committee or leader.)

Rationale

The Board recognizes that schools play an integral part in educating students and promoting healthy, life-enhancing behaviors, good nutrition, and physical activities. These practices are essential foundations that directly support and contribute to increased student achievement and learning.

Please also see the HIDOE Nutrition Guidelines, especially the HIDOE Smart Snack Standards. Students should not be consuming snacks that do not meet the HIDOE Smart Snack Standards while on school property during school hours.