Local Wellness Policy

Congress recognizes that schools play a critical role in promoting student health, preventing childhood obesity, and combating problems associated with poor nutrition and physical inactivity. To formalize and encourage this role, Congress passed a law (P.L. 108 - 265). Each local educational agency participating in a program authorized by the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act (42 U.S.C. 1751 et seq) or the Child Nutrition Act of 1966 (42 U.S.C. 1771 et seq) shall establish a local school wellness policy by School Year 2006."

This legislation supports President George W. Bush's HealthierUS initiative. This Initiative helps Americans take steps to improve personal health and fitness and encourages all Americans, including children, to be physically active every day; eat a nutritious diet; get preventive screening; and make healthy choices.

The legislation also places the responsibility of developing a wellness policy at the local level, so that the individual needs of each district can be addressed. According to the requirements for the Local Wellness Policy, school districts must set goals for nutrition education, physical activity, campus food provision, and other school-based activities designed to promote student wellness. Additionally, districts are required to involve a broad group of individuals in policy development and to have a plan for measuring policy implementation.

The Hardeman County Board of Education is committed to providing a school environment that enhances learning and development of lifelong wellness practices.