Wellness
Wellness policy implemented in 2006
Healthy choices
Snack and beverage criteria
<30% Total calories from fat
<10% Total calories from saturated fat
<35% Added sugar by volume/weight
<600 mg Sodium
In June 2006, ASD implemented a new wellness policy that was designed to steer employees and students towards healthy alternatives and, in doing so, effectively banned soda and junk food in school.
The following guidelines affected vending machines, school stores, school and administrative offices, high school cafeteria fountain drink machines, and fundraisers beginning in the fall of 2006:
- Sodas will not be allowed in any vending machines.
- Healthy choices are defined as no more than 30% total calories coming from fat with 10% or less of those coming from saturated fat and where added sugar is less than 35% by volume.
Vending companies gave the district a list of products they carry that meet the new guidelines:
- Sample beverage selections (PDF)
- Sample snack selections (PDF)
Materials for staff and parents
- Build-a-snack worksheet (PDF)
Worksheet to help students identify healthy snacks - Food reward alternatives (PDF)
Healthier alternatives to offer students as rewards - Healthy Choices flier (PDF)
Question and answer designed as a handout; can also be used as discussion points - Kid-pleasing healthy snacks (PDF)
Food to keep in the pantry and fridge to encourage healthy eating - Nutrition facts label (PDF)
Sample nutrition label with tips on how to read it - School newsletter articles (PDF)
Sample information for us in elementary and secondary newsletters - School parties and celebrations
Ideas for non-food-based ways to celebrate and healthy snacks - Wellness Walk (PDF)
Interactive game to increase knowledge about the wellness policy - Workout for Wellness (Word)
A sample fitness challenge that can be used as a template for creating a similar program
Policy development
- Work session on wellness
- ASD Memorandum #300 - New School Board Policy: Section 351 Student Nutrition and Physical Activity
- Policy section 351 - Student Nutrition and Physical Activity
- June 2006 news release - Comeau bans the sale of soda and junk food at schools and school offices
Wellness online
New England Dairy & Food Council
Providence: Healthy Alaska Information
April 2012 update
The district is currently reviewing its wellness policy to ensure it is compliant with the Healthy, Hunger-free Kids Act of 2010. The federal act has more specific requirements and guidelines than what the district originally adopted in its own wellness plan in 2006. Schools are also encouraged to review their current practices.