Nutrition Report - Wellness Policy & Report Card

Preface

In accordance with 7 CFR 210.31(c), a Local Education Agency that participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) and/or School Breakfast Program (SBP) must establish a Local School Wellness Policy for all schools under its jurisdiction. As of June 30, 2017, Local Wellness Policies must meet the minimum requirements set forth in the Final Rule: Local School Wellness Policy Implementation Under the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010.

Local Wellness Policies are a valuable tool in the promotion of student health and wellness through the NSLP and SBP. Schools play an essential role in preparing students for successful futures, and proper nutrition and physical activity are key to creating constructive learning environments. Local Wellness Policies provide guidance to further support schools efforts to provide students with a successful and healthy future.

Wellness Policy Committee Responsibilities

Public Involvement
The Local Education Agency permits and encourages public involvement in Local Wellness Policy development, implementation, updates, and reviews. Therefore, the LEA shall invite a variety of stakeholders within the general public to participate in Local Wellness Policy processes. The following methods of communication will be utilized to notify the general public of the opportunity to participate in these processes:

  • Facebook

  • Twitter

  • Personal Phone Call Invite

Assessments
Under the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010, assessments of the Local Wellness Policy must occur no less than every three years. Henderson County Schools shall conduct assessments of the Local Wellness Policy every three years and complete a Local assessment beginning in August 2020 and every 3 years thereafter. These assessments will:

  • Ensure the wellness policy is in compliance with USDA, State, and Local rules and regulations

  • Compare the LEA’s wellness policy to model wellness policies

  • Measure the progress made in achieving the goals as outlined in the LEA’s wellness policy

     

Updates
The Wellness Policy Committee must update the Local Wellness Policy as appropriate in order to fit the needs and goals of the Local Education Agency. The LEA shall make the following available to the public:

  • The Local Wellness Policy, including any updates to the policy, on a yearly basis

  • The triennial assessment, including progress toward meeting the goals outlined in the wellness policy

Through the following channels:

  • Website

  • Facebook

Records
The Local Education Agency shall maintain record of the Local Wellness Policy. This includes keeping a copy of the current wellness policy on file and maintaining documentation of the following actions:

  • The most recent assessment of the policy

  • Availability of the wellness policy and assessments to the public

  • Reviews and revisions of the policy, including the individuals involved and the efforts made to notify stakeholders of their ability to participate in the process

Nutrition

The Local Education Agency recognizes the important role nutrition plays in academic performance as well as overall quality of life. The National Education Association references numerous articles supporting the effects of nutrition on the classroom, for example, hunger often has a negative impact on students’ success, attendance, and behavior.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, approximately 18.5 percent of the nation’s youth was considered obese in 2015-16. This percentage increased 1.3 percent when compared to the previous year. Conversely, 15.7 percent of American families experienced food hardship in 2017. Through participation in the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s School Nutrition Programs, the LEA commits to serving nutritious meals to students in order to prevent both overconsumption of nutrient-poor foods and food insecurity to give students the best chance to succeed inside and outside the classroom.

Nutrition Standards

Meals
All reimbursable meals served for the purposes of the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) and School Breakfast Program (SBP) must meet or exceed USDA nutrition standards and regulations. This includes meeting standards for each of the meal pattern components (i.e. Grains, Meat/Meat Alternates, Fruits, Vegetables, and Milk) as well as meeting or exceeding the limitations set for calories, sodium, saturated fat, and trans fat.

Competitive Foods
All competitive foods and beverages sold must comply with the USDA Smart Snacks in Schools nutrition standards (7 CFR 210.31(c)(3)(iii)). Competitive foods and beverages refer to those that are sold to students outside the reimbursable meal on the school campus (i.e. locations on the school campus that are accessible to students) during the school day (i.e. the midnight before to 30 minutes after the end of the school day). This includes, but is not limited to, vending machine and à la carte items.

Other Foods and Beverages
The following policy refers to all foods and beverages provided, but not sold to students. The Local Education Agency will prohibit the use of food as a reward or as part of a celebration. Providing alternatives to food as a reward promotes healthier habits by reducing exposure to less nutritious food items and, therefore, the amount of calorie-dense food items consumed (e.g. cakes, cookies, candy, etc.). This helps children develop improved food preferences and hunger cues to carry them throughout life. Instead, schools will implement rewards and celebrations:

The following policy refers to all foods and beverages provided, but not sold to students. The Local Education Agency will prohibit food and beverage items that do not meet Smart Snacks nutrition standards for reward and celebration purposes. More than 25 percent of children’s daily calories may come from snacks, therefore, providing Smart Snacks allows for a more nutrient-dense calorie intake. Outside food brought in for Breakfast or lunch is not allowed for students.  Students bringing lunch from home in lunchbox is allowed.

Fundraisers
All fundraisers promoting food and/or beverage items that are held on school campus (i.e. locations on the school campus that are accessible to students) during the school day (i.e. the midnight before to 30 minutes after the end of the school day) must meet Smart Snacks nutrition standards.

The school shall also utilize non-food fundraisers to promote healthy habits and well-being.   Fundraisers will be approved by the Superintendent.

Nutrition Education
The Local Education Agency shall include nutrition education within the health education curriculum and integrate nutrition education into other core subjects, as appropriate. Various grade levels and curriculums shall use nutrition education information, research, and materials from the following resources: USDA, MyPlate, Team Nutrition

The Local Education Agency shall incorporate nutrition education into the following curriculums for the following grade levels: Health and PE Class 

Nutrition Promotion
The District shall implement nutrition promotion techniques through multiple channels, including the cafeteria, classroom, and home.

The District shall make cafeteria menus and nutrition information available through the following platforms:

  • School Website

  • District Website

  • Facebook

Farm to School efforts positively impact School Nutrition Programs by serving fresh and nutritious food items. Additionally, Farm to School programs have been linked to increased consumption of fruits and vegetables. The District shall participate in the following Farm to School activities:

  • Buying Local Produce and highlighting the Farmer…

  • Working with our own FFA Department

Physical Activity

Physical activity is a key component of the health and well-being of all students. Physical activity lowers the risk for certain diseases, including obesity, heart disease, and diabetes. Physical activity also helps improve brain function, allowing students to perform better in school.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends adolescents get at least 60 minutes of physical activity five days per week. Nearly 79 percent of school-age children fall short of meeting this requirement. The Local Education Agency recognizes this connection and commits to promoting and providing opportunities for physical activity during and outside the school day.

Physical Education

The LEA shall offer Physical Education class as follows:

  • All Elementary students receive physical education weekly.

Other Opportunities for Physical Activity

The District shall include additional physical activity opportunities, outside of Physical Education class, during the school day through the following:

  • Elementary students have 30 minutes of daily movement in the classroom.

Physical Activity Promotion

The District shall promote physical activity through the participation in the following initiative(s):

  • Fuel up to Play

Other School-Based Activities

Just as it takes a comprehensive curriculum to provide education to support students’ futures, the Local Education Agency’s wellness approach must also be comprehensive in its intent to provide students with the tools they need to live a healthy lifestyle. In order to further establish positive behaviors related to nutrition, physical activity, and health, the LEA commits to making additional wellness-based activities available to all students beyond the cafeteria and gymnasium.

The Local Education Agency shall offer other school-based activities to support student health and wellness, including coordinated events and clubs. The following events shall be organized and promoted each year:

  • National School Lunch Week

  • National School Breakfast Week

  • Junior Chef

  • 4H

  • Running Club

Wellness Policy Assessment Report Card

February 6, 2023

Policy Name: Henderson County Child Nutrition

Henderson County Schools District Scorecard

Version: 3.0

Policy Name: Henderson County Schools

Section 1. Nutrition Education

NE1

 Includes goals for nutrition education that are designed to promote student wellness. 

2

NE2

Nutrition education teaches skills that are behavior focused, interactive, and/or participatory.

2

NE3

All elementary school students receive sequential and comprehensive nutrition education.

2

NE4

All middle school students receive sequential and comprehensive nutrition education.

2

NE5

All high school students receive sequential and comprehensive nutrition education.

2

NE6

Nutrition education is integrated into other subjects beyond health education

2

NE7

Links nutrition education with the school food environment.

2

NE8

 Nutrition education addresses agriculture and the food system.

2

Subtotal for
Section 1

Comprehensiveness Score:
Count the number of items rated as "1"or "2" and divide this number by 8. Multiply by 100. Do not count an item if the rating is "0."

100

Strength Score:
Count the number of items rated as "2" and divide this number by 8. Multiply by 100.

100

Section 2. Standards for USDA Child Nutrition Programs and School Meals

SM1

 Assures compliance with USDA nutrition standards for reimbursable school meals.

2

SM2

Addresses access to the USDA School Breakfast Program.

2

SM3

 District takes steps to protect the privacy of students who qualify for free or reduced priced meals.

2

SM4

Addresses how to handle feeding children with unpaid meal balances without stigmatizing them.

2

SM5

Specifies how families are provided information about determining eligibility for free/reduced priced meals.

2

SM6

Specifies strategies to increase participation in school meal programs.

2

SM7

Addresses the amount of "seat time" students have to eat school meals.

2

SM8

 Free drinking water is available during meals.

2

SM9

 Ensures annual training for food and nutrition services staff in accordance with USDA Professional Standards.

2

SM10

 Addresses purchasing local foods for the school meals program. 

2

Subtotal for
Section 2

Comprehensiveness Score:
Count the number of items rated as "1"or "2" and divide this number by 10. Multiply by 100. Do not count an item if the rating is "0."

100

Strength Score:
Count the number of items rated as "2" and divide this number by 10. Multiply by 100.

100

Section 3. Nutrition Standards for Competitive and Other Foods and Beverages

NS1

 Addresses compliance with USDA nutrition standards (commonly referred to as Smart Snacks) for all food and beverages sold to students during the school day.

2

NS2

USDA Smart Snack standards are easily accessed in the policy.

2

NS3

 Regulates food and beverages sold in a la carte.

2

NS4

 Regulates food and beverages sold in vending machines. 

2

NS5

 Regulates food and beverages sold in school stores. 

2

NS6

 Addresses fundraising with food to be consumed during the school day. 

2

NS7

Exemptions for infrequent school-sponsored fundraisers. 

2

NS8

Addresses foods and beverages containing caffeine at the high school level. 

2

NS9

 Regulates food and beverages served at class parties and other school celebrations in elementary schools.

2

NS10

Addresses nutrition standards for all foods and beverages served to students after the school day, including, before/after care on school grounds, clubs, and after school programming.

2

NS11

Addresses nutrition standards for all foods and beverages sold to students after the school day, including before/after care on school grounds, clubs, and after school programming.

2

NS12

Addresses food not being used as a reward.

2

NS13

Addresses availability of free drinking water throughout the school day.

2

Subtotal for
Section 3

Comprehensiveness Score:
Count the number of items rated as "1"or "2" and divide this number by 13. Multiply by 100. Do not count an item if the rating is "0."

100

Strength Score:
Count the number of items rated as "2" and divide this number by 13. Multiply by 100.

100

Section 4. Physical Education and Physical Activity

PEPA1

 There is a written physical education curriculum for grades K-12.

2

PEPA2

The written physical education curriculum for each grade is aligned with national and/or state physical education standards.

2

PEPA3

Physical education promotes a physically active lifestyle.

2

PEPA4

Addresses time per week of physical education instruction for all elementary school students.

2

PEPA5

Addresses time per week of physical education instruction for all middle school students.

2

PEPA6

Addresses time per week of physical education instruction for all high school students.

2

PEPA7

Addresses qualifications for physical education teachers for grades K-12.

2

PEPA8

Addresses providing physical education training for physical education teachers.

2

PEPA9

Addresses physical education exemption requirements for all students.

2

PEPA10

Addresses physical education substitution for all students. 

2

PEPA11

 Addresses family and community engagement in physical activity opportunities at all schools.

2

PEPA12

 Addresses before and after school physical activity for all students including clubs, intramural, interscholastic opportunities.

2

PEPA13

Addresses recess for all elementary school students.

2

PEPA14

 Addresses physical activity breaks during school.

2

PEPA15

Joint or shared-use agreements for physical activity participation at all schools.

2

PEPA16

District addresses active transport (Safe Routes to School) for all K-12 students who live within walkable/bikeable distance.

2

Subtotal for
Section 4

Comprehensiveness Score:
Count the number of items rated as "1"or "2" and divide this number by 16. Multiply by 100. Do not count an item if the rating is "0."

100

Strength Score:
Count the number of items rated as "2" and divide this number by 16. Multiply by 100.

100

Section 5. Wellness Promotion and Marketing

WPM1

Encourages staff to model healthy eating and physical activity behaviors.

2

WPM2

 Addresses strategies to support employee wellness.

2

WPM3

Addresses using physical activity as a reward.

2

WPM4

Addresses physical activity not being used as a punishment.

2

WPM5

Addresses physical activity not being withheld as a punishment.

2

WPM6

Specifies marketing to promote healthy food and beverage choices.

2

WPM7

 Restricts marketing on the school campus during the school day to only those foods and beverages that meet Smart Snacks standards.

2

WPM8

Specifically addresses marketing on school property and equipment (e.g., signs, scoreboards, sports equipment).

2

WPM9

Specifically addresses marketing on educational materials (e.g., curricula, textbooks, or other printed or electronic educational materials).

2

WPM10

Specifically addresses marketing where food is purchased (e.g., exteriors of vending machines, food and beverage cups and containers, food display racks, coolers, trash and recycling containers).

2

WPM11

Specifically addresses marketing in school publications and media (e.g., advertisements in school publications, school radio stations, in-school television, computer screen savers, school-sponsored Internet sites, and announcements on the public announcement (PA) system).

2

WPM12

Specifically addresses marketing through fundraisers and corporate-incentive programs (e.g., fundraising programs that encourage students and their families to sell, purchase, or consume products and corporate incentive programs that provide funds to schools in exchange for proof of purchases of company products, such as Box Tops for Education). 

2

Subtotal for
Section 5

Comprehensiveness Score:
Count the number of items rated as "1"or "2" and divide this number by 12. Multiply by 100. Do not count an item if the rating is "0."

100

Strength Score:
Count the number of items rated as "2" and divide this number by 12. Multiply by 100.

100

Section 6. Implementation, Evaluation & Communication

IEC1

Addresses the establishment of an ongoing district wellness committee.

2

IEC2

 Addresses how all relevant stakeholders (parents, students, representatives of the school food authority, teachers of physical education, school health professionals, the school board, school administrator, and the general public) will participate in the development, implementation, and periodic review and update of the local wellness policy.

2

IEC3

 Identifies the officials responsible for the implementation and compliance of the local wellness policy. 

2

IEC4

 Addresses making the wellness policy available to the public. 

2

IEC5

 Addresses the assessment of district implementation of the local wellness policy at least once every three years.

2

IEC6

 Triennial assessment results will be made available to the public and will include:

2

IEC7

 Addresses a plan for updating policy based on results of the triennial assessment.

2

IEC8

Addresses the establishment of an ongoing school building level wellness committee.

2

Subtotal for
Section 6

Comprehensiveness Score:
Count the number of items rated as "1"or "2" and divide this number by 8. Multiply by 100. Do not count an item if the rating is "0."

100

Strength Score:
Count the number of items rated as "2" and divide this number by 8. Multiply by 100.

100

Overall District Policy Score

Total Comprehensiveness
Add the comprehensiveness scores for each of the six sections above and divide this number by 6.

District Score
100

Total Strength
Add the strength scores for each of the six sections above and divide this
number by 6.

District Score
100