Wellness Policy Introduction 

The link between nutrition, physical activity, and learning is well documented. Healthy eating and appropriate activities are essential for students to achieve their full academic potential, full physical and mental growth, and lifelong health and well-being. Healthy eating and physical activity, essential for a healthy weight, are also linked to reduced risk for many chronic diseases, such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and cancer.

Schools have a responsibility to help students learn, establish, and maintain lifelong, healthy eating and activity patterns. Well-planned and effectively implemented school nutrition and fitness programs have been shown to enhance students’ overall health, as well as their behavior and academic achievement in school.

As part of the larger community, schools have the responsibility to model and actively practice, through policies and procedures: the promotion of family health, good nutrition, physical activity and healthy school environment.

Since staff wellness is an integral part of a healthy school environment, school staff should be role models for healthy behaviors.