A Local School Wellness Policy (LSWP) is a written document that guides a local educational agency's (LEA) or school district's efforts to establish a school environment that promotes students' health, well-being, and ability to learn.
The LSWP was established by the Child Nutrition and WIC Reauthorization Act of 2004, and further strengthened by the final ruling of the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act (HHFKA) in August 2016. It requires each LEA participating in the National School Lunch Program and/or School Breakfast Program to develop a LSWP that promotes the health of students and addresses the growing problem of childhood obesity and food insecurity. The responsibility for developing a LSWP is placed at the local level so the unique needs of each school under the jurisdiction of the LEA can be addressed. Furthermore, with the passing of the HHFKA Final Rule, greater emphasis is placed at the local level by requiring the LEA to establish wellness policy leadership. Leadership is defined as one or more LEA and/or school official(s) who have the authority and responsibility to ensure each school complies with the policy.
Tools and Resources for Assessment and Implementation
Student Success Through Wellness: A Guide to Wellness Policies in Kentucky
WellSAT
The WellSAT is a quantitative assessment tool to help score and improve LSWP. Since 2010, this measure has been used by thousands of people across the country, representing school districts from every state. All WellSAT items reflect best practices. The purpose of scoring the district policy is to identify where it is strong and where it could be improved.
Alliance for a Healthier Generation's Healthy Schools Program
The Healthy Schools Program assessment helps districts determine the implementation level of the LSWP by schools in their district.
USDA Local School Wellness Policy Toolkit
The USDA Food and Nutrition Service's Team Nutrition initiative has developed a free Local Wellness Policy Outreach Toolkit that school districts and schools can customize to communicate information about their Local School Wellness Policy to parents and staff.