Changing School Nutrition Policy for Washington County School System

The National School Lunch Program has improved the food insecurity issues within the rural Washington County area. Unfortunately, childhood obesity rates continue to rise. A new school nutrition policy could change the way nutrition education is provided in schools and reduce obesity rates.

The likelihood of students living in Washington County, Maine being obese is at an all-time high. Students that attend Washington County Public Schools are at a disadvantage due to the lack of nutrition education services, fewer after-school sports, and other opportunities to be physically active after and during school. The reliance on motor vehicle transportation in this rural area also limits physical activity due to the inability to walk to parks, school, or other social events.

New research suggests developing a multicomponent School Nutrition Policy that recruits the help of all levels of school administration and parents to provide quality nutrition education to students.(1)

Multicomponent programs are being used more often now that school and state officials see the potential of coming at the health and obesity issue from all sides. In order for current school nutrition policies to be up to date, they should provide expert training to nutrition education staff.(1,2)

Other components would include developing a nutrition policy that meets the dietary standards for the age group, increasing the word of mouth or through social media, and reaching out to parents to continue applying of the new guidelines at home. Having trained instructors show healthy behaviors to students and holding classes about nutrition education can increase awareness.(1,2)

Also, hosting a contest to motivate healthy behaviors and including parents through parent-teacher conferences and take home handouts are all opportunities for nutrition education.

Childhood obesity is increasing at an alarming rate. However, with new ideas arising about how to spread awareness of these issues, schools may be the first line of defense when it comes to aiding in the reduction of obesity once and for all.

References

1. Gentile DA, Welk G, Eisenmann JC, et al. Evaluation of a multiple ecological level child obesity prevention program: Switch® what you Do, View, and Chew. BMC Medicine. 2009;7:49-49.

2. Foster GD, Sherman S, Borradaile KE, et al. A Policy-Based School Intervention to Prevent Overweight and Obesity. Pediatrics. 2008;121:e794-e802.