School Wellness Policies

Wellness Policy Schools play an essential role in creating a healthy environment for students to grow and learn every day. Schools not only provide nutritious meals and time for physical activity, but they also educate Idaho's children about the importance of nutrition and physical fitness. There is a growing body of evidence demonstrating that good nutrition and physical activity contribute to improved academic performance, attendance rates, behavior and lifelong health and well-being.

Wellness Policy Requirements:

Federal legislation requires school districts to implement a local wellness policy that must include:

Goals for nutrition education, physical activity and school-based activities to promote student wellness;
Nutrition guidelines for all foods available on the school campus and for school meals;
A plan for measuring implementation of the policy; and
Involvement of parents, students, school administrators and members of the school board and the community.

For more information on the School Wellness Policy Requirements read Section 204 of Public Law

Idaho School Wellness Assessments

The Idaho SDE, CNP conducted Wellness Assessments at every school district in Idaho. This assessment looked at the content and implementation of the school wellness policy, as well as the school environment. A summary report of the statewide results is below. Individual District Wellness Policy Assessment Reports have been provided to District Superintendents and Foodservice Directors.

Idaho School Wellness Policy Assessment Statewide Report

Idaho Standards for Vending Machines and Other Foods in Schools:

To support an overall healthy school environment the SDE has developed a set of standards for vending machines and other foods in schools, which will promote healthy choices throughout the entire school day. These standards should be implemented by all Idaho School Districts.

For more information on School Wellness Contact Child Nutrition Programs at childnutrition@sde.idaho.gov or 208-332-6821.

Sample Idaho School Wellness Policies

Each district will have its own unique School Wellness Policy that will meet its districts needs. Below are samples of a variety of policies throughout the state.

Snake River Wellness Policy

Caldwell Wellness Policy

Jefferson Wellness Policy

St Joseph Wellness Policy

Blackfoot Wellness Policy

Idaho Falls Wellness Policy

Lake Pend Orielle Wellness Policy

McCall-Donnelly Wellness Policy

Preston SD Wellness Policy

Rockland School District Wellness Policy

Resources:

Idaho Wellness Magazine

The Idaho Wellness Magazine is a best practices guide for creating and implementing quality wellness policies in every school. This magazine will give you useful ideas, tips and guides on how your school can better serve students through nutrition and physical education programs.