Wellness Policy Requirement

The wellness policy requirement was established by the Child Nutrition and Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) Reauthorization Act of 2004 and further strengthened by the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010 (HHFKA). It requires each Local Education Authority (LEA) participating in the National School Lunch Program and/or School Breakfast Program to develop a wellness policy. LEAs must fully comply with the requirements of the final rule by June 30, 2017.

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CDE Management Bulletin

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Local School Wellness Policy Template

The California Department of Education recommends using the model Local School Wellness Policy template from the Alliance for a Healthier Generation, which is located on the Alliance for a Healthier Generation Take Action Schools Wellness Committees Policies webpage.

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Well SAT 2.0

Well SAT 2.0 tool for assessing the strength of the policy language as it compares to model policy. The tool can be accessed on the Well SAT website.

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School Health Index

The California Department of Education recommends using the School Health Index (SHI) as an assessment tool. The SHI can be accessed on the Center for Disease Control and Prevention website.

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