MHASD Wellness Policy and Information
The school district updated the wellness policy in the fall of 2012 based on new federal requirements. The requirements of the new wellness policy are going into effect this school year. Information on the new policy and additional resources are listed below.
Why are We Making Changes to the Wellness Policy?
We are required by law to make these changes.
On July 8, 2011, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) issued memo SP-42-2011: Child Nutrition Reauthorization 2010: Local School Wellness Policies, outlining the new guidelines for the local school wellness policies as established by Section 204 of the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010. The federal legislation requires each school district that participates in the National School Lunch Program to establish a local school wellness policy for all schools under its jurisdiction. The new requirements which are effective in the fall of 2012, include the following elements for the wellness policy: 1. Promote student wellness 2. Prevent and reduce childhood obesity 3. Provide assurance that school meals meet Federal school meal standardsThe MHASD Wellness Policy states, "The health and wellness of our children is a national concern that requires attention from many different stakeholders, including government, industry, local communities, and families, but schools also play an essential role since they are so influential in people's lives from a very young age and for many years. Therefore, it is important that school leaders have policies, addendums, and standards that support efforts to provide opportunities for healthy eating and ample physical education, role models for healthy choices, and education so that students learn to make healthy choices for their own lives." MHASD Wellness Policy #458
Resources and Ideas for Parents and Staff
As you look through these resources, some reference food items that may be a life threatening allergy risk to some of our students. Please keep in mind any notifications you have received regarding student health concerns. Additional information can be found in the MHASD Life Threatening Allergy Policy #453.61.
If you would like further information or want additional resources listed here, please contact:
