2 weeks left to comment about school wellness policies!

Two weeks left! Now is your chance to comment on the proposed rule for local school wellness policies, and help us spread the word.

 

On February 26, 2014, USDA Food and Nutrition Service proposed regulations to create a framework and guidelines for written local school wellness policies. This proposed rule detailed guidelines for what needs to be included in local school wellness policies in areas such as setting goals for nutrition education and physical activity, informing parents about policy content and implementation, and periodically assessing progress and sharing updates as appropriate. Parents, students, representatives of the school food authority, teachers of physical education, school health professionals, the school board, school administrators, and the general public must be permitted to participate in the wellness policy process as a part of the wellness policy team. The proposed rule would also  require Local Educational Agencies (LEAs), as part of the wellness policy, to implement policies for the marketing of foods and beverages on the school campus during the school day that are consistent with the Smart Snacks in Schools nutrition standards.

 

This is your chance to weigh in! USDA is seeking comments on the proposed rule. The formal 60-day comment period is open through April 28, 2014. Feedback from students, parents, school food staff, school administrators, State agencies, and other interested parties is an important part of the rulemaking process.

 

Please help spread the word about this proposed rule and encourage comments through the formal comment process.

 

Read a summary of the proposed rule: http://www.fns.usda.gov/sites/default/files/LWPproprulesummary.pdf

 

Find the proposed rule online and the link to comment:

http://www.fns.usda.gov/school-meals/local-school-wellness-policy

 

Need resources to help with your wellness policy process? Check out the new School Nutrition Environment and Wellness Resources website!

 

Follow Team Nutrition on Twitter @TeamNutrition for the latest news releases, free resources, and information related to school wellness.