Nutrition-Friendly Schools: School Decision-Makers

The Project PA team conducted presentations at state and regional conferences for school board members, superintendents, and principals over the period of several months in 2001.  These seminars centered around the topic of nutrition-friendly policies for the total school environment.  Evidence was presented indicating the value of good nutrition and the important role the schools play in this aspect of children's lives.  We encouraged policy-makers to take the necessary steps to make their schools more "nutrition-friendly." Issues addressed included scheduling school lunch before recess, "pouring contracts" with soda companies, and sales of foods that compete with the school food service department's reimbursable meals, among others, all of which could be regulated by nutrition-friendly policies.

The Food Guide Pyramid was explained along with the Dietary Guidelines for Americans and the "6 components of a Healthy School Nutrition Environment" (HSNE) as defined by USDA:

1) A Commitment to Nutrition and Physical Activity
2) Quality School Meals
3) Other Healthy Food Options
4) Pleasant Eating Experiences
5) Nutrition Education
6) Marketing

Project PA provided compelling evidence for the fostering of nutrition-friendly environments by the establishment of policies that promote the development of these 6 aspects of school life.

Project PA developed the following materials for the Nutrition-Friendly Schools presentations:
A PowerPoint presentationthat was the basis of Project PA's year 2001 seminars for school policy-makers.
A booklet of related materials, Is Your School Nutrition-Friendly? , that was given to seminar participants. (PDF document)
A motivational Nutrition-Friendly Schools video —see resources
Copies of the booklet and video have been distributed statewide to district superintendents, school boards, and foodservice directors.

Contact PDE at 1-800-331-0129 for availability information.

Project PA wants to hear about YOUR school's "nutrition-friendly" activities.
If you feel your school is particularly "nutrition-friendly" or you've made some positive change to improve your school's nutrition environment, let us know and we may feature your story in a video and/or print material. Project PA's current efforts are centered around parent involvement in improving the nutrition environment at school and we are particularly interested in hearing about this type of activity.

Please contact:
Elaine McDonnell, Project PA Projects Coordinator
etm101@psu.edu
814-865-5869

Use our online Activity Reporting Form