District Wellness Committee

District Wellness Committee & Policy

Overview

For the first time in two centuries, the current generation of children in America are on trend to have shorter life expectancy than their parents. Only 4% ofAmerican children eat their recommended amounts of fruits and vegetables. Overconsumption of sugar and junk food have impacted health outcomes for ourstudents. Diet related diseases like Type 2 diabetes, obesity and heart disease are preventable when children regularly eat a healthy diet. Adopting these healthy behaviors is easier during childhood and adolescence, compared to changing unhealthy behaviors during adulthood.

The easy choice for students is one where only healthy choices are offered. When junk food is removed students become excited about strawberries, watermelon, and salads. Kids really do love fruits and vegetables.

Our school district鈥檚 Student Wellness Policy addresses many areas including Physical Education, School Meals, Fundraising Activities, Celebrations, School Gardens, Mental Health and more. Federal Law requires all K-12 districts to have a Student Wellness Policy. The Wellness Policy promotes healthy behaviors that will support wellness, prevent chronic diseases, and provide assurance that school meal options meet the minimum federal school standards.

Most US children attend school for 6-to-7 hours a day, and that is where they consume as much as half of their daily calories. School is an ideal setting forchildren to learn and practice healthy eating. The Wellness Policy aims to create an environment that helps students make healthy choices about foods and beverages.

At SCUSD we support our students and community to be strong and successful. We know that when students are physically healthy, they can concentrate and do better in school. Teaching lifelong habits of wellness contributes to the overall well-being of our community.