The Role of Policy

Currently Implemented State and Federal School Policies

D.C. Healthy Schools Act
National School Lunch Program

Provides nutritious food for kids during breakfast and lunch

National Standards and Grade-Level Outcomes for K-12 Physical Education
Health Smart

Policy Reality

  • Healthy school lunch options

    • Incomplete buy-in from students
    • Lots of waste

  • Increased mandatory physical education minutes

    • Anything is progress… but it’s usutally not enough physical activity (1/4 the amount of recommended activity for a child)
    • Competes with academic time
    • Little supervision, not enough gym teachers, little space

  • Introduction of Health Curriculum

    • Most states — no standarized curriculum
    • Limited access to health teachers
    • Little time in the already-full curriculum