Measuring the implementation of a school wellness policy

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Measuring the implementation of a school wellness policy
Snelling, A., Belson, S. I., Watts, E., Malloy, E., Dyke, H. V., George, S., . . . Katz, N. B. (2017).
Measuring the implementation of a school wellness policy. Journal of School Health,
87(10), 760-768.

            Childhood obesity continues to increase; an estimated 30% of children in the United States are either overweight or obese. Children who are overweight experience weight related chronic illnesses such as, type II diabetes, hypertension, and bone and joint difficulty. Furthermore, children who are obese have a greater chance of being obese as adults. School environments have been proven to influence children’s eating and physical activity habits. Although, schools cannot battle the obesity epidemic alone, this environment can provide healthful meals, nutrition education, and physical education.
Snelling et al. (2017) examined polices related to monitoring implementation of required provisions mandating school wellness policy development and to determine if policies are addressing each component. The Healthy Schools Act (HSA) composite scores along with self-reported measures demonstrate the development process, in addition to past and current methods of measuring implementation. Results indicate that schools surpass meeting meal requirements, yet lack compliance to meet physical and health education required weekly minutes for both elementary and middle schools.
Implementation of school wellness polices remains a challenge for school districts. A collaborative effort by food service directors, dietitians, and school wellness committees is needed to gain support funding for implementation methods. Schools districts need to play their part in combating childhood overweight and obesity begins with focus on implementing all the components, not just one.
MA

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