What is a Local School Wellness Policy?

A local school wellness policy (“wellness policy”) is a written document that guides school district’s efforts to establish a school environment that promotes students’ health, well-being, and ability to learn.

The wellness policy requirement was established by the Child Nutrition and Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) Reauthorization Act of 2004 and further strengthened by the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010 (HHFKA). It requires each LEA participating in the National School Lunch Program and/or School Breakfast Program to develop a wellness policy. The final rule expands the requirements to strengthen policies and increase transparency. The responsibility for developing, implementing, and evaluating a wellness policy is placed at the local level, so the unique needs of each school under the LEA’s jurisdiction can be addressed.

[fns.USDA.gov]

NLAE will convene a Wellness Committee that meets every year, and more often if needed, to establish goals for and oversee school health and safety policies and programs, including development, implementation, and periodic review and update of this Wellness Policy.

The Wellness Committee will represent all grades at NLAE and include, but not be limited to: parents and caregivers, students, representatives of the school nutrition program, physical education teachers, health education teachers, school administrators, school board members, and the general public.

If you are interested in joining the Wellness Committee, please contact Anna Hines at [email protected]