Five Ways Overview

1. Improve Food Available at School

The availability of tasty, nutritious food is a critical component of a healthy school environment. In order for students to choose healthier food options, these changes must be part of a larger commitment to wellness that should include nutrition education and opportunities for physical activity. More...

2. Increase Physical Activity

Helping students become more physically active is an essential part of a school wellness program. Exercise is one of the most potent weapons against increasing rates of childhood obesity and related diseases, particularly when combined with good nutrition. More...

3. Teach Good Nutrition

When it comes to healthy eating, the food that students are served in the cafeteria needs to be connected to what they learn in the classroom. Many schools have reported that students are more likely to choose items from the cafeteria salad bar when they have learned about the principles of good nutrition in class. More...

4. Encourage Staff Wellness

After parents, teachers are children's most important role models. How staff take care of themselves makes a big impression on children. Attention to wellness improves the overall school environment: studies show that staff morale is higher, health care costs are reduced, and staff are more productive and miss fewer days, promoting continuity and learning. More...

5. Engage Parents

Schools can’t change students’ exercise and eating habits by themselves. Parents and other caregivers must support the school’s healthy snack and fundraising policies, and reinforce healthy behaviors at home. That is why it is essential to engage parents and other caregivers in school wellness programs from the start. More...

Forward To Improve School Food