Wellness Policy

Last Update: 5/20/2024

Local Wellness Policy

Preface

In accordance with 7 CFR 210.31(c), a Local Education Agency that participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) and/or School Breakfast Program (SBP) must establish a Local School Wellness Policy for all schools under its jurisdiction. As of June 30, 2017, Local Wellness Policies must meet the minimum requirements set forth in the Final Rule: Local School Wellness Policy Implementation Under the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010.

Local Wellness Policies are a valuable tool in the promotion of student health and wellness through the NSLP and SBP. Schools play an essential role in preparing students for successful futures, and proper nutrition and physical activity are key to creating constructive learning environments. Local Wellness Policies provide guidance to further support schools efforts to provide students with a successful and healthy future.

Congress passed the Child Nutrition and WIC Reauthorization Act of 2004 on June 30, 2004. Recognizing the role schools can play in health promotion, this law requires local education agencies participating in a program authorized by the National School Lunch Act or the Child Nutrition Act of 1966 to develop a wellness policy with the objectives of improving the school nutrition environment, promoting student health and reducing childhood obesity (PL 108-265, Sec. 204). In addition, Public Act 094-0199 requires the Illinois State Board of Education to establish a state goal that all districts have a wellness policy.

Belief Statement

The Board of Education of Edwards County School District is committed to providing a learning environment that supports and promotes wellness, good nutrition, and an active lifestyle and recognizes the positive relationship between good nutrition, physical activity and the capacity of students to develop and learn. The entire school environment shall be aligned with healthy school goals to positively influence student’s beliefs and habits and promote health and wellness, good nutrition and regular physical activity. In addition, school staff shall be encouraged to model healthy eating and physical activity as a valuable part of daily life.

Intent

The purpose of this policy is to ensure a total school environment that promotes and supports student health and wellness, helps to reduce childhood obesity and meets the requirements of the Child Nutrition and WIC Reauthorization Act of 2004 and the Illinois School Code, including, without limitation, goals for nutrition education, physical activity and other school-based activities designed to promote student wellness; nutrition guidelines for all foods available during the school day; a plan for measuring implementation including designating one or more persons charged with operational responsibility; and involving parents, students, school food service providers, the school board, school administrators, and the public in developing this policy.

Rationale

A disturbing number of children are inactive and do not eat well. The result is an alarming 16 percent of children and adolescents are overweight – three-fold increase since 1980. Congress passed the Child Nutrition and WIC Reauthorization Act of 2004 on June 30, 2004. Recognizing the role schools can play in health promotion; this law requires local education agencies participating in a program authorized by the National School Lunch Act or the Child Nutrition Act of 1966 to develop a local wellness policy. The objectives of the wellness policy are to improve the school nutrition environment; promote student health and reduce childhood obesity. In addition, Public Act 094-0199 amends the Illinois School Code, requiring the Illinois State Board of Education to establish a state goal that all districts have a wellness policy.

The link between nutrition and learning is well documented. Healthy eating patterns are essential for students to achieve their full academic potential, full physical and mental growth and lifelong health and well-being. Healthy eating is demonstrably linked to reduced risk for mortality and development of many chronic diseases. Schools and school communities have a responsibility to help students acquire the knowledge and skills necessary to establish and maintain lifelong healthy eating patterns. Well-planned and well-implemented wellness programs have been shown to positively influence children’s health.

Schools also have a responsibility to help students establish and maintain lifelong habits of being physically active. According to the U.S. Surgeon General, regular physical activity is one of the most important things people can do to maintain and improve their physical health, mental health, and overall well-being. Regular physical activity reduces the risk of premature death in general and of heart disease, high blood pressure, colon cancer, and diabetes.

Wellness Policy Committee

Wellness Policy Leadership

Contact: Dale Schmittler

Edwards County High School – Principal

Cafeteria Administrator

361 West Main St.

Albion, IL. 62806

Phone: 618-445-2325 Ext. 149

Email: [email protected]

Wellness Policy Committee Members

Lindsay Summerfield – Cafeteria Director for Edwards County Schools/Parent

Erica Anderson – Edwards County CUSD #1 Nurse/Parent

Shauna Clodfelter – Head Cook at West Salem Grade School/Parent

Rachel Rodgers – Family and Consumer Science Teacher/Parent

Joel Brinkman – AGS Physical Education Teacher 6^th-8^th/Parent

Johnathon Henton – Edwards County High School Physical Education & Health Teacher 9th-12^th/Parent

Tammy Goble – Cook at West Salem Grade School

Michelle Wiseman – FFA Teacher Edwards County High School/Parent

Wellness Policy Committee Responsibilities

Public Involvement

The district cafeteria administrator shall be charged with the operational responsibility for ensuring that each school meets the local wellness policy requirements.
The district cafeteria administrator shall appoint a district wellness team/council that includes parents, students, and representatives of the school food authority, the school board, school administrators, and the public to oversee development, implementation and evaluation of the wellness policy.In addition, it is recommended that the district cafeteria administrator also appoints teachers (including preschool through 12^th grade, family and consumer science, physical education and health educators) and health professionals (school nurse, physician, dietitian, etc.) as members of the team/council.
The terms of district wellness team/council members shall be staggered for continuity.

The district shall provide the students with nutritional information which can be taken home and shared with family.
The district will work with city officials and community members in providing physical activity opportunities.
Appointed community members will be involved in forming, implementing, and evaluating the Wellness Policy.
The principal of each campus shall be responsible for implementation of the local wellness policy and shall appoint a school-based evaluation team to develop and implement an annual evaluation plan.
The appointed district wellness team shall be responsible for:

*development and implementing a wellness policy

*assessing, measuring, and evaluating the wellness policy

*presenting the wellness policy to the school board for approval

*measuring the implementation of the wellness policy; and

*recommending revision of the policy, as necessary

The wellness team shall report to the superintendent and board annually on the progress of the wellness team and the status of compliance by the campuses.
The Local Education Agency permits and encourages public involvement in Local Wellness Policy development, implementation, updates, and reviews. Therefore, the LEA shall invite a variety of stakeholders within the general public to participate in Local Wellness Policy processes. The following methods of communication will be utilized to notify the general public of the opportunity to participate in these processes:
The Edwards County CUSD #1 will inform the public of the opportunity to participate in the Local Wellness Policy process:Examples would be the school website, newsletters, school posters, and parent/guardian letters.

Parent Involvement

Schools shall support parents’ efforts to provide a healthy diet and daily physical activity for their children.This support shall begin in elementary school and continue through middle and high school.
Parents shall be provided information to help them incorporate healthy eating and physical activity into their student’s lives.This information may be provided in the form of handouts, postings on the school/website, information provided in school/district newsletters, presentations that focus on nutrition and healthy lifestyles and any other appropriate means available for reaching parents.

Assessments

Under the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010, assessments of the Local Wellness Policy must occur no less than every three years. The Edwards County School District shall conduct assessments of the Local Wellness Policy every 3 years. On May 4, 2021 the Edwards County School District completed the assessment requirement set forth under the Health, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010 and occurring every 3 years thereafter. These assessments will:

Ensure the wellness policy is in compliance with USDA, State, and Local rules and regulations
Compare the LEA’s wellness policy to model wellness policies
Measure the progress made in achieving the goals as outlined in the LEA’s wellness policy

Updates

The Wellness Policy Committee must update the Local Wellness Policy as appropriate in order to fit the needs and goals of the Local Education Agency. The LEA shall make the following available to the public:

The Local Wellness Policy, including any updates to the policy, on a yearly basis
The triennial assessment, including progress toward meeting the goals outlined in the wellness policy

Through the following channels:

The Edwards County School District will inform the public of updates made to the policy and reviews by newsletters, school website, local newspaper, and school Facebook page.

Records

The Local Education Agency shall maintain record of the Local Wellness Policy. This includes keeping a copy of the current wellness policy on file and maintaining documentation of the following actions:

The most recent assessment of the policy
Availability of the wellness policy and assessments to the public
Reviews and revisions of the policy, including the individuals involved and the efforts made to notify stakeholders of their ability to participate in the process.

LEA’s and SFA’s maintain records such as receipts, nutrition labels and product specifications.
SFA’s maintain records for foods and beverages sold outside of the federal meal programs under nonprofit school food service account.
LEA’s maintain records for all other food and beverages sales.
Monitoring and Compliance

State agencies will monitor compliance with the standards through a review of LEA records as part of the State agency administrative review process.
If violations have occurred, technical assistance and corrective action plans would be required.
Nutrition

The Local Education Agency recognizes the important role nutrition plays in academic performance as well as overall quality of life. The National Education Association references numerous articles supporting the effects of nutrition on the classroom, for example, hunger often has a negative impact on students’ success, attendance, and behavior.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, approximately 18.5 percent of the nation’s youth was considered obese in 2015-16. This percentage increased 1.3 percent when compared to the previous year. Conversely, 15.7 percent of American families experienced food hardship in 2017. Through participation in the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s School Nutrition Programs, the LEA commits to serving nutritious meals to students in order to prevent both overconsumptions of nutrient-poor foods and food insecurity to give students the best chance to succeed inside and outside the classroom.

Nutrition Standards

Meals

All reimbursable meals served for the purposes of the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) and School Breakfast Program (SBP) must meet or exceed USDA nutrition standards and regulations. This includes meeting standards for each of the meal pattern components (i.e. Grains, Meat/Meat Alternates, Fruits, Vegetables, and Milk) as well as meeting or exceeding the limitations set for calories, sodium, saturated fat, and trans fat.
- The Edwards County School District does offer a salad bar as a 3^rd option for high school students and staff members.The salad bar also includes fresh fruit and vegetables every day for the staff and high school students.
Competitive Foods

All competitive foods and beverages sold must comply with the USDA Smart Snacks in Schools nutrition standards (7 CFR 210.31(c)(3)(iii)). Competitive foods and beverages refer to those that are sold to students outside the reimbursable meal on the school campus (i.e. locations on the school campus that are accessible to students) during the school day (i.e. the midnight before to 30 minutes after the end of the school day). This includes, but is not limited to, vending machine and à la carte items.
- All foods and beverages sold individually (apart from the reimbursable school meal) on school campuses during the school day shall meet nutrition standards. This includes:
  *a la carte offerings in the food service program
  
  *food and beverage choices in vending machines, snack bars, school
  
  stores
  
  *foods and beverages sold as part of school-sponsored fundraising activities.
- Nutritious and appealing foods and beverages, such as fruits, vegetables, low-fat dairy foods and whole grain products, shall be available wherever and whenever food is sold or otherwise offered at school.
Other Foods and Beverages

The following policy refers to all foods and beverages provided, but not sold to students. The Local Education Agency will prohibit the use of food as a reward or as part of a celebration. Providing alternatives to food as a reward promotes healthier habits by reducing exposure to less nutritious food items and, therefore, the amount of calorie-dense food items consumed (e.g. cakes, cookies, candy, etc.). This helps children develop improved food preferences and hunger cues to carry them throughout life. Instead, schools will implement the following methods for rewards and celebrations:
- No food items shall be used as rewards or celebrations and other substitutes would include free homework passes, extra recess passes, merchandise from local business, treasure chest items, etc…
The following policy refers to all foods and beverages provided, but not sold to students. The Local Education Agency will prohibit food and beverage items that do not meet Smart Snacks nutrition standards for reward and celebration purposes. More than 25 percent of children’s daily calories may come from snacks, therefore, providing Smart Snacks allows for a more nutrient-dense calorie intake.
Caffeine

Elementary and Middle School: Foods and beverages must be caffeine-free, with the exception of trace amounts of naturally occurring caffeine substances. The Elementary and Middle Schools in Edwards County CUSD #1 do not have access to any soda machines during the school hours.

High Schools: No caffeine restrictions. The Edwards County High School is in compliance with the soda restrictions that are set-forth from ISBE.

High Schools Only:

Calorie Free beverages maximum serving size 20oz.

Lower-Calorie Beverages Maximum Serving Size 12 fluid ounces.

Up to 60 calories per 12 fluid ounces; or
Up to 40 calories per 8 fluid ounces
Fundraisers

The school shall also utilize non-food fundraisers to promote healthy habits and well-being. The school will implement the following non-food fundraising ideas:
- Exempted fundraising days are prohibited in participating schools with grades 8 and below. Grades 9 through 12 are limited to no more than nine exempted fundraising days per school year.
- The provisions of this do not apply to fundraisers on the school campus that would be intended to be consumed at home (i.e. frozen cookie dough, pies, market day, etc).
- The standards would not apply to items sold during non-school hours (concessions during sporting events, weekends, or off-campus fundraising events.
Fundraisers promoting food and/or beverage items that are held on school campus (i.e. locations on the school campus that are accessible to students) during the school day (i.e. the midnight before to 30 minutes after the end of the school day) must meet Smart Snacks nutrition standards. However, the LEA may participate in infrequent exempted fundraising days, in which food and beverage items do not meet Smart Snacks standards, as the LEA sees fit. These exempted fundraising days shall not exceed nine days within one year. The LEA shall comply with the following procedures when managing exempted fundraising days:
- The sponsor of the club/class will fill out the form: “Request for Food Fundraiser”.
- Once the request has been made the building administrator will review the fundraiser request and approve the dates.
- The building administrator will collaborate with the District’s Cafeteria Administrator and make sure all fundraising items are in compliance with our local school policy and state guidelines.
- If any food fundraising item is to be sold during the school campus hours the items will need clearance from the District’s Cafeteria Administrator to make sure the items to be sold would be in compliance of the Districts Wellness Policy.
Nutrition Education

In accordance with the Illinois Learning Standards, the Local Education Agency shall meet all Illinois requirements and standards for Health Education. The Local Education Agency shall include nutrition education within the health education curriculum and integrate nutrition education into other core subjects, as appropriate. Various grade levels and curriculums shall use nutrition education information, research, and materials from the following resources:
- School meals served shall be consistent with the recommendations of the Dietary Guidelines for Americans and/or shall meet, at a minimum, the nutrition requirements and regulations for the National School Lunch Program and/or School Breakfast Program and all applicable state and local laws and regulations.
- This amendment to the School Breakfast and Lunch Program Act (P.A. 102-0861) requires that school districts provide a plant-based school lunch option that aligns with federal nutritional mandates to students who submit a prior request for such an option.
  The Local Education Agency shall incorporate nutrition education into the following curriculums for the following grade levels:
- Students in preschool through grade 12 shall receive nutrition education as part of a sequential program that is coordinated within a comprehensive health education curriculum.The program shall be designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary to adopt healthy eating behaviors and aimed at influencing students’ knowledge, attitudes and eating habits.Special emphasis should be placed on nutrition education in preschool through primary grades as eating habits are established at a young age.The curriculum shall be consistent with and incorporate relevant Illinois Learning Standards.
- To maximize classroom time and to achieve positive changes students’ eating behaviors, nutrition education shall be integrated into the standards-based lesson plans of other school subjects like math, science, language arts, physical education, health, family and consumer science and social sciences.
- Schools will support and promote good nutrition for students.
- Schools will foster the positive relationship between good nutrition, physical activity, and the capacity of students to develop and learn
Nutrition Promotion

The Edwards County School District shall implement nutrition promotion techniques through multiple channels, including the cafeteria, classroom, and home.

The Edwards County School District shall make cafeteria menus and nutrition information available through the following platforms:
- The menu’s will be made available to the students, parents, and community members by using the school website, posted in the cafeteria, and the monthly newsletter, and broadcasted on local radio station.
Farm to School efforts positively impact School Nutrition Programs by serving fresh and nutritious food items. Additionally, Farm to School programs have been linked to increased consumption of fruits and vegetables. The District shall participate in the following Farm to School activities:
- Our local FFA Chapter sponsors farm-based field trips for our students annually. Our FFA students will sell fruits and vegetables as part of their yearly fundraisers.
- The Edwards County School District will also use fresh produce when it is available from the local business.
Food loss and waste continue to be an issue facing the nation’s food supply. In order to prevent food waste, the District will make every effort to produce the precise number of meals needed on any given day by using production records and resources such as the USDA’s Food Buying Guide. However, in the event excess food remains, the District will continue to provide food to students in need beyond the meals provided through the USDA School Nutrition Programs. Therefore, the District shall follow the established food sharing plan, in accordance with Public Act 102-0359, and federal and local regulations and sanitation codes:
- To comply with Public Act 102-0359, the Edwards County School District will be food sharing and/or donating certain food items to our local food bank, Senior Citizens Center, and our local WADI Program.
- The Edwards County School District will work closely with our Local Health Department when identifying our local needs.

Marketing

The Local Education Agency will prohibit the marketing and advertising of all foods and beverages that do not meet Smart Snacks nutrition standards on the school campus (i.e. locations on the school campus that are accessible to students) during the school day (i.e. the midnight before to 30 minutes after the end of the school day). The marketing standards described above apply, but are not limited to, oral, written, and graphic statements made for promotional purposes. Items subject to marketing requirements include, but are not limited to, posters, menu boards, vending machines, coolers, trash cans, scoreboards, and other equipment. This policy does not require schools to immediately replace equipment that does not meet this requirement, however, the District shall implement these standards as equipment needs replaced in the future.

Physical Activity

Physical activity is a key component of the health and well-being of all students. Physical activity lowers the risk for certain diseases, including obesity, heart disease, and diabetes. Physical activity also helps improve brain function, allowing students to perform better in school.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends adolescents get at least 60 minutes of physical activity five days per week. Nearly 79 percent of school-age children fall short of meeting this requirement. The Local Education Agency recognizes this connection and commits to promoting and providing opportunities for physical activity during and outside the school day.

Physical Education

In accordance with the Illinois Learning Standards, the Local Education Agency shall meet all Illinois requirements and standards for Physical Education. The LEA shall offer Physical Education class as follows:

Physical education will be taught in all grades and shall include a developmentally planned and sequential curriculum that fosters the development of movement skills, enhances health related fitness, increases students’ knowledge, offers direct opportunities to learn how to work cooperatively in a group setting, and encourages healthy habits and attitudes for a healthy lifestyle.
Accommodations shall be made for students with disabilities, 504 plans, and other limitations.
Public Act 98-0859, the students shall be tested in an effort to meet State Goal 20, where students achieve and maintain a health-enhancing level of physical fitness.All students in grades 3-12, unless otherwise exempted under Sec. 27.6 of the School Code, must be tested annually in the 2^nd semester.However, the Districts must report the following students tested by grade (5,7, and 10 only) and gender to ISBE.The schools are encouraged to administer assessments at the start of the school year in order to have a pre and post test results.Districts must report the following data, in aggregate, to ISBE for each of the four tests) Aerobic Capacity, Flexibility, Muscular Endurance-Curl Up, and Muscular Strength-Push Up.
- Schools shall provide a daily supervised recess period to elementary students.
- It is recommended that elementary students participate in physical education for a minimum of 150 minutes per week, and middle students participate for 450 minutes every 2 weeks.(National Association for Sport & Physical Education recommendations) Special emphasis should be placed on promoting an active lifestyle in preschool through primary grades as health habits are established at a young age.
- The high school students will participate in physical education for a minimum of 240 minutes per week.
Other Opportunities for Physical Activity

Because students should engage in a minimum of 60 minutes of physical activity a day, the physical education program shall actively engage families as partners in providing physical activity beyond the school day.

The District shall include additional physical activity opportunities, outside of Physical Education class, during the school day through the following. Edwards County CUSD #1 would like to assist and promote physical activity opportunities outside the regular school day by offering a range of interscholastic sports and physical activity clubs. The following opportunities for participation in school-based sports shall be offered to students each year:
- The physical education program shall actively engage families as partners in providing physical activity beyond the school day.
- Students shall be provided opportunities for physical activity through a range of before and after-school programs including intramurals, interscholastic athletics, and physical activity clubs.
- The Jr. High students have the opportunity to participate in softball, baseball, girls basketball, boys basketball, volleyball, cheerleading, Jr. League football, and soccer.
- The High School students have the opportunity to participate in volleyball, football, girls basketball, boys basketball, softball, baseball, boys and girls golf, and soccer.
Physical Activity Promotion

The District shall promote physical activity through the participation in the following initiative(s):
The school district’s Jr. High and High School Physical Education Teachers will provide the Elementary School Teachers with a Physical Education curriculum to follow.
The curriculum will be consistent with Illinois Learning Standards for Physical Development and Health as established by the Illinois State Board of Education.(105 ILCS 5/2-3.63)

Goals for Mental Wellness

The Edwards County CUSD #1 has resources available to students to help them cope with mental health issues they may encounter throughout the school year.The Edwards County Schools currently has a district Nurse, Guidance Counselor and Social Worker available for students in grades Preschool through 12^th grade.These three individuals work closely together to make sure we are meeting the mental health needs of our students.
Public Act 102-0321 (Senate Bill 1577) amends the compulsory attendance article of the School Code by allowing students to take up to five mental or behavioral health days per year.A student is not required to provide medical note and must be given the opportunity to make any schoolwork missed during such absences.Following the second mental health day, a student may be referred to the appropriate school personnel.

Latex Glove Ban Act (P.A. 102-0638)

This Public Act creates the Latex Glove Ban Act, which requires that food service establishments, including schools, prohibit employees from using latex gloves when preparing or handling food.This ban goes into effect on January 1, 2023.Should latex gloves be used due to the food service establishment’s inability to provide non-latex gloves, a sign must be clearly placed where food is ordered or purchased notifying the public of the temporary change.Under the Act, the Department of Public Health must send a warning notice to food service establishments who are not in compliance with the Act.Additionally, EMS personnel are not permitted to use latex gloves on or after January 1, 2023, and health care facility personnel are not permitted to use latex gloves beginning on January 1, 2024 if the patient upon whom the gloves are to be used is unconscious or unable to communicate and whose medical history lacks sufficient information to indicate whether the patient has a latex allergy.However, should a crisis occur limiting the ability to source non-latex gloves, these personnel are permitted to use latex gloves if necessary but must prioritize use of non-latex gloves for treating specific patients.

Other School-Based Activities

Just as it takes a comprehensive curriculum to provide education to support students’ futures, the Local Education Agency’s wellness approach must also be comprehensive in its intent to provide students with the tools they need to live a healthy lifestyle. In order to further establish positive behaviors related to nutrition, physical activity, and health, the LEA commits to making additional wellness-based activities available to all students beyond the cafeteria and gymnasium.

The Local Education Agency shall offer other school-based activities to support student health and wellness, including coordinated events and clubs. The following events shall be organized and promoted each year:

The Edwards County Schools have an annual Back to School 5K Dash for students and family to participate in the week before school starts.
The following health, wellness, and/or nutrition clubs shall be offered to students each year:
The Edwards County Schools has a Weight Lifting club, FCCLA, and Future Farmers of America Club.