Our School Committee developed and implemented projects that advance opportunities for nutrition and physical activity in school environments. Collaborative projects included research, policy recommendation, trainings, and advocacy.
Nutrition Learning Environments, Actions, and Policies
In 2010, the Wellness Task Force solicited input on nutrition education and the school nutrition environment as part of a groundbreaking study titled “Nutrition LEAP: Nutrition Learning Environments, Actions, and Policies” conducted by The Dr. Robert C. and Veronica Atkins Center for Weight and Health at the University of California, Berkeley. The study will assess the effectiveness of various school nutrition interventions and identify current needs and barriers to providing nutrition education and healthy foods. Survey questions addressed nutrition education, meal programs, competitive foods, free foods (class parties, etc.), and food marketing.
The online survey concluded on October 31, 2010 with 797 responses from principals, teachers, curriculum directors, school food service directors/managers, and health and wellness coordinators throughout California.
The insight and experience of school stakeholders who completed the survey will inform the development of recommendations that are evidence-based, yet feasible in the school environment. Fpr questions regarding Nutrition LEAP, please contact Gail Woodward-Lopez, Associate Director, Center for Weight and Health by email or call (510) 642-1599.
Physical Education Research for Kids (PERK)
PERK is the current project of the School Committee. This project aims to (1) inform and engage state policymakers about the current status of physical education/activity in California's K-12 schools and (2) develop and pilot a template Health Report Card that will allow schools to make health information transparent to parents.
To meet the first objective, the Wellness Task Force contracted with Center for Weight and Health (CWH), University of California, Berkeley to conduct an extensive literature review. We also commissioned Heather Diaz, DrPH with Sacramento State University to conduct direct research (surveys, focus groups and key informant interviews) with physical educators and teachers administering physical education throughout California. CWH then drafted policy recommendations based on findings from our research.
Policy recommendations and research findings were released at a policy briefing on Thursday, February 4, 2010 at the State Capitol. For more information, download the documents below, view the briefing agenda, event flyer or photos. You can also download a recording of the event.
PERK documents released
PowerPoint presentations at policy briefing on February 4
School Health Report Card
The School Health Report Card (SHRC) is a way for schools to share health information about their student body with parents and other community members. In 2009, the Wellness Task Force surveyed parents and then collaborated with partners and school representatives to develop a template School Health Report Card. School administrators or teachers can use this document as a guideline to provide parents and community members with information related to the school's nutrition, fitness and general health aspects.
Jamba Jump Day/ CAHPERD Jump Over the Record
The Wellness Task Force participated in Jamba Jump Day on February 1, 2010 at Cosumnes River Elementary School in Sloughhouse, CA and Jamba Juice headquarters in Emeryville, CA to help the California Association for Healthy, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance (CAHPERD) break the Guinness World Record for the "Most People Jumping Rope at the Same Time." CAHPERD had over 80,000 people jumping rope at the same time -- record-breaking!
School Wellness Challenge
In 2007, the Wellness Task Force hosted a series of live webinar trainings on How to Implement a School Wellness Policy with 70 school districts. These trainings and resources are available below to download. They are useful at PTA meetings, staff meetings, share with your Wellness Committee and others.
- How Does Your School Garden Grow? Presented by Western Growers Association
- Networking and Collaborating Stakeholders (English)
- Template Letter to School Partners
- Moving From Policy to Action: Planning Strategies for Implementing School Wellness Policies (pdf), presented by California Project LEAN
- Changing Lives: Planning Strategies for Local Wellness Policy Implementation (Full Report)
