NUTRITION-FRIENDLY SCHOOLS

Project PA

Healthy School Nutrition Environments:

A Team Approach

Grants awarded to 7 schools to implement activities to improve theschool nutrition environment and develop school nutrition policies.

Healthy School Nutrition EnvironmentsGrant School Districts

Forbes Road S. D. - Waterfall, PA

Hampton Township S. D. - Allison Park, PA

McKeesport Area S. D. - McKeesport, PAMontoursville Area S. D. - Montoursville, PA

North Pocono S. D. - Moscow, PA

Philadelphia S. D. - Philadelphia, PAS. Weir Mitchell Elementary School

Towanda Area S. D. - Towanda, PA

NUTRITION-FRIENDLY SCHOOLS

Why Are Nutrition Friendly Schools Important?

America’s children are NOT making the grade when it comes to good

nutrition.

Only 2% meet the recommendations of the Food

Guide Pyramid.

16% do not meet any of the recommendations of the Food Guide Pyramid.

(Gleason and Suitor, 2001)

Teenagers today drink

twice as much

carbonated soda as milk.

(Borrud, et al., 1997)

Nearly 7 out of 10 adolescent boys DO NOT

meetthe

ecommended intakes for calcium.

(USDHHS, 1994)

Nearly 9 out of 10 adolescent girls DO NOT

meetthe

ecommended intakes for calcium.

(USDHHS, 1994)

Health Consequences

• long term

• immediate

Osteoporosis - “a pediatric disease with geriatric consequences”

Bone Health

• link between bone fractures and soda consumption in teen girls (Archives of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, 2003)

• forearm fractures increased 32% for boys and 52% for girls from 1969-2000 (JAMA, 2003)

Prevalence of overweight among childrenand adolescents ages 6-19 years

Source: CDC/NCHS, NHES, and NHANES

Obesity Trends* Among U.S. AdultsObesity Trends* Among U.S. AdultsBRFSS, 1991BRFSS, 1991

(*BMI 30, or ~ 30 lbs overweight for 5’4” woman)

Source: Mokdad A H, et al. J Am Med Assoc 2001;286:10

No Data <10% 10%-14% 15-19% >20%

Obesity Trends* Among U.S. AdultsObesity Trends* Among U.S. AdultsBRFSS, 1995BRFSS, 1995

(*BMI 30, or ~ 30 lbs overweight for 5’4” woman)

Source: Mokdad A H, et al. J Am Med Assoc 2001;286:10

No Data <10% 10%-14% 15-19% >20%

Obesity Trends* Among U.S. AdultsObesity Trends* Among U.S. AdultsBRFSS, 2000BRFSS, 2000

(*BMI 30, or ~ 30 lbs overweight for 5’4” woman)

Source: Mokdad A H, et al. J Am Med Assoc 2001;286:10

No Data <10% 10%-14% 15-19% >20%

Obesity Trends Among U.S. Adults Obesity Trends Among U.S. Adults BRFSS, 2001BRFSS, 2001

Source: Mokdad A H, et al. J Am Med Assoc 1999;282:16, 2001;286:10.

Obesity is related to many health problemsincluding:

• high blood cholesterol• high blood pressure• heart disease• stroke• some forms of cancer• arthritis• diabetes

Type 2 diabetes, once called “adult onset,” increased ten-fold among children between

1982 and 1994.(Pinhas-Hamiel et al., 1996)

CDC predicts:1 out of 3 childrenborn in 2000 will develop diabetes because of poor diet and exercise

habits. (CDC, 2003)

1/4 of children,ages 5-10 show early warning signs for heart disease.

(Freedman et al., 1999)

Emotional/Psychological Consequences

Severely obese children rate their quality of life similar to that of

cancer patients being treated with chemotherapy. (JAMA, 2003)

A Role for Schools ?

“I do not blame schools for our obesity epidemic. Instead I look to schools –

and to everyone who has an influential hand in education – as a powerful force

for change.”

- Dr. David SatcherFormer Surgeon GeneralChairman, Action for Healthy

Kids

Why Schools?

• reach almost all children• can improve eating behaviors • have skilled personnel• provide healthy eating opportunities

Participation in School Breakfast Programis associated with:

improved test performance reduced tardiness and absenteeism

increased attention improved behavior

School Meals Initiative for Healthy Children - 1995

• Nutrients Standards

• Dietary Guidelines

School Nutrition Dietary Assessment Study II

NSLP participants consume less added sugar and more vegetables and milk.

What is a “Nutrition-Friendly

School?”

Six Components of aNutrition-Friendly

School

Commitment to Nutrition and Physical Activity

• Nutr. and phys. activity are top priorities

• Policies are in place

Quality School Meals

• School meals programs are available and are promoted.

• Healthy, appealing choices are available.

• SFS staff is properly trained.

Other Healthy Food Options

•All foods in school make a positive

contribution to children’s diets

•School policies address foods in school that are not associated with the meal program

Pleasant Eating Experiences

•Meal times and lengths are appropriate.

•Serving and seating areas are adequate and attractive.

•Whether or not students pay full price is confidential.

Nutrition Education

•Nutrition ed. (pre-K - grade 12) focuses on skill development.

•Messages are reinforced throughout school.

Marketing

•Healthy eating and physical activity are actively promoted.

•Students receive positive messages throughout the school environment.

A Role for Parents?

Parents Can:

• Support/Join the School HSNE Team

• Support School Meals Programs

• Provide Healthy Snacks for Parties

• Help Identify Healthy Fundraisers

• Serve as Role Models

• Reinforce Positive Messages at Home