Project PA “Nutrition-Friendly Schools” Presentation by Project PA For Pennsylvania School Policy Makers 2001

Project PA http://nutrition.psu.edu/projectpa

“Nutrition-Friendly Schools”

Presentation byProject PA

ForPennsylvania School Policy Makers

2001



This project is funded

by a 2000 USDA

Team NutritionGrant.


Is Your School Nutrition-Friendly?

Why Should You Care?


America’s children are NOT making the grade when it comes to good nutrition.


Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2000


02468

1012

1963-70

1971-74

1976-80

1988-94

FemalesMales

11.4%

9.9%

Percentage of US Children, Ages 12-17,Who Were Overweight by Sex


Percentage of adolescents & young adults regularly engaged in vigorous physical activity

%

Age


Only 2% meet the recommendations of the Food Guide Pyramid.


16% do not meet any of the recommendations of the Food Guide Pyramid.



64% of youngsters eat too much fat.

68% eat too much saturated fat.


Teenagers today drink twice as

much carbonated soda as milk.


Only 19% of teen-aged girls meet

the recommended intakes for

calcium.


Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2000


Nutrition and

Health


Osteoporosis - “a pediatric diseasewith geriatric consequences”


Obesity is related to many health problemsincluding:

• high blood cholesterol• high blood pressure• heart disease• stroke• some forms of cancer• arthritis• diabetes


Being overweight as a child alsohas emotional and psychological

consequences.


Type II diabetes now affects 30,000 children.


Nutrition and

Learning


Participation in School Breakfast Programis associated with:

� improved test performance� reduced tardiness and absenteeism� increased attention� improved behavior


“Schools could do more than perhaps any other single institution in society to help young

people, and the adults they will become, to live healthier, longer, more satisfying, and more

productive lives.”

- The Carnegie Council on Adolescent Development


Why Schools?

• reach almost all children• provide healthy eating opportunities• have skilled personnel• can improve eating behaviors


“increase the proportion of children and adolescents whose intake of meals andsnacks at schools contributes proportionallyto good overall dietary quality”


“...adopt a coordinated school nutrition policy that promotes healthy eating through classroom lessons and a supportive school environment.”


School Meals Initiative for Healthy Children - 1995

• Nutrients Standards

• Dietary Guidelines


School Nutrition Dietary Assessment Study II

NSLP participants consume less added sugar and more vegetables and milk.


Some Issues for School Decision Makers

• Vending machines

• Fund-raisers focused on candy sales

• A la carte food sales

• Fast food contracts

• Pouring rights contracts




What is a Nutrition-Friendly School?


Commitment to Nutrition and Physical Activity

Six Components of a“Nutrition-Friendly School”

1.


Quality School Meals



1.

2.




Other Healthy Food Options


1.

2.

3.





Pleasant Eating Experiences


1.

2.

3.

4.






Nutrition Education


1.

2.

3.

4.

5.






Nutrition Education

Marketing


1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.



•Nutr. and phys. activity are top priorities

•Policies are in place

•SFS is on policy-making team

•School health councils are formed



• School meals programs are available and are promoted.

• Healthy, appealing choices are available.

• SFS staff is properly trained.

• Menus meet nutrient standards.



• All foods in school make a positive contribution to children’s diets

• School policies address foods in school that are NOT associated with the meal program.

• Decisions are based on nutrition goals for students, not profit.



• Meal times and lengths are appropriate.

• Serving and seating areas are adequate and attractive.

• Drinking fountains and hand-washing equipment are available.

• Whether or not students pay full price for meals is kept confidential.


Nutrition Education

• Nutrition ed. (pre-K through grade 12) focuses on skill development.

• Dining room and classroom are linked.

• Messages are reinforced throughout school.


Marketing

• Healthy eating and physical activity are actively promoted.

• Students receive positive messages throughout the school environment.






Nutrition Education

Marketing


1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.


Call to Action


Partnerships

• School food service staff

• Parents

• Students

• Local Organizations


A coordinated school nutrition policy should . . . be about creating a school environment in which students and staff are provided with a variety of nutritious food choices and messages about healthy eating habits.

NASBE Policy Update, "School Nutrition Programs"


It is a whole lot less expensive to raise healthy kids than to try to take care of unhealthy adults.

Robert Ascah, State College Area School Board Member


We have to say, "What is our real priority here?“Because we can't have it both ways. We can't say one thing and then model another.Paul Edwards, Superintendent of the Wayne Highlands School District


It is just a matter of trade-offs and I think the higher priority of our students' health needed to take precedence.

(referring to removal of vending machines)

Alex MenioPrincipal

Milton High School


Schools and communities have a

shared responsibility for providing children access to high quality foods and

positive nutrition

experiences that will have a lifelong impact on

their health and education.

The American Dietetic Association


Education that does not address health misses the heart of the matter.

C. Everett Koop

Documents

Project PA “Nutrition-Friendly Schools” Presentation by Project PA For Pennsylvania School Policy Makers 2001