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Wellness Policy

 

Wellness Policy for Child Nutrition
 Los Gatos-Saratoga Union High School District

  1. Nutrition Education

  • Los Gatos-Saratoga Union High School District will provide nutrition education to students, staff, and parents to promote healthy eating habits and explain the benefits of a well-balanced diet.

  • Nutrition education will be integrated into the health curriculum and provided through posters, newsletters, and other communication channels.

     2.      Physical Activity

  •  Los Gatos-Saratoga Union High School District will provide opportunities for physical activity, such as physical education classes, recess, and after-school sports programs.

  • The District will encourage students to be physically active for at least 60 minutes a day.

      3.    Healthy Food Options

  •  Los Gatos-Saratoga Union High School District will offer healthy food options in the cafeteria, vending machines, and snack bars.

  • Healthy food options will include a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and low-fat dairy products.

  • The District will limit the availability of sugary drinks, candy, and fast food on campus.

      4.     Food Marketing

  • Los Gatos-Saratoga Union High School District will limit the marketing of unhealthy foods and beverages on campus.

  • The District will promote healthy food options through posters, menu boards, and other communication channels.

      5.    Food Safety

  • Los Gatos-Saratoga Union High School District will follow food safety guidelines to ensure the safety and quality of all food served on campus.

  • The district  will train staff on food safety procedures and regularly inspect food storage and preparation areas.

      6.    Community Involvement

  • Los Gatos-Saratoga Union High School District will involve parents, community members, and local organizations in the development and implementation of the wellness policy.

  • The District will work with local organizations to promote healthy eating habits and physical activity in the community.

This wellness policy can help promote healthy habits and prevent childhood obesity. By providing nutrition education, physical activity opportunities, healthy food options, and food safety measures,  Los Gatos-Saratoga Union High School District can help students develop lifelong healthy habits.

Key elements of nutrition education include:

  1. Healthy Eating Habits: Nutrition education should teach students about the importance of healthy eating habits, such as eating a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and low-fat dairy products. Students should learn about portion sizes, how to read food labels, and how to prepare healthy meals and snacks.
     

  2. Dietary Guidelines: Nutrition education should cover the latest dietary guidelines from organizations such as the USDA and the American Heart Association. Students should learn about the recommended daily intake of different food groups, as well as the importance of limiting saturated fats, added sugars, and sodium.
     

  3. Body Weight: Nutrition education should also address the relationship between diet and body weight. Students should learn about the importance of maintaining a healthy weight and how diet and physical activity can affect weight. Students should also learn about the risks associated with being overweight or obese, such as increased risk of type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and certain types of cancer.
     

  4. Food Marketing: Nutrition education should also address the role of food marketing in shaping food choices. Students should learn about the strategies used by food companies to promote unhealthy foods and beverages, as well as the impact of food marketing on their own food choices.

Nutrition education can be delivered through a variety of methods, such as classroom lessons, workshops, posters, newsletters, and social media. Nutrition education can also be integrated into other subjects, such as science, math, and social studies, to reinforce key concepts.

Overall, nutrition education is an essential component of a wellness policy for child nutrition in each U.S. high school. By providing nutrition education, the Los Gatos-Saratoga Union High School District can help students develop healthy habits that can last a lifetime.

Key elements of physical activity in a high school wellness policy include:

  1. Physical Education: Physical education classes should be offered to all students, and the classes should provide a variety of activities that are appropriate for each student's age and ability level. The classes should also focus on developing skills and knowledge related to physical fitness, such as strength, flexibility, and cardiovascular endurance.
     

  2. Recess: Recess should be offered to all students, and the school should provide a safe and supervised environment for students to be physically active during recess. The school should also encourage students to engage in active play and provide equipment for students to use during recess.
     

  3. After-School Programs: The school should offer after-school programs that provide opportunities for physical activity, such as sports teams, dance classes, and fitness clubs. The programs should be open to all students and should be affordable and accessible to students of all income levels.
     

  4. Physical Environment: The physical environment of the school should promote physical activity. This can include providing safe and well-maintained outdoor spaces for students to be physically active, such as playgrounds, sports fields, and running tracks.
     

  5. Incentives and Rewards: The school can provide incentives and rewards for students who participate in physical activity programs. This can include recognition, certificates, and prizes.

Physical activity can have many benefits for students, including improving their physical health, mental health, and academic performance. By providing opportunities for physical activity, Los Gatos-Saratoga Union High School District can help students develop healthy habits that can last a lifetime.

Key elements of healthy food options in a high school wellness policy include:

  1. Nutritious School Meals: The school should offer nutritious school meals that meet the guidelines set by the USDA's National School Lunch Program and School Breakfast Program. The meals should include a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and low-fat dairy products, and should limit saturated fats, added sugars, and sodium.
     

  2. Healthy Snacks: The school should provide healthy snack options that are low in fat, sugar, and sodium, and high in nutrients such as fiber, vitamins, and minerals. The snacks should be available in vending machines, school stores, and other locations where students can access them easily.
     

  3. Water Access: The school should provide access to clean drinking water throughout the day. This can include water fountains, water dispensers, and water bottles.
     

  4. Nutrition Standards: The school should establish nutrition standards for all foods and beverages sold on campus, including those sold in vending machines, school stores, and other locations. The nutrition standards should align with the USDA's Smart Snacks in School guidelines and should promote healthy food choices.
     

  5. Nutrition Education: The school should provide nutrition education that teaches students about healthy food choices, portion sizes, and how to read food labels. Nutrition education can be integrated into other subjects, such as health classes, science classes, and home economics classes.

By providing healthy food options, Los Gatos-Saratoga Union High School District can help students develop healthy eating habits that can last a lifetime. It can also help prevent chronic diseases, such as obesity, type 2 diabetes, and heart disease.

Key elements of food marketing in a high school wellness policy include:

  1. Advertising: The school should establish guidelines for advertising on campus that promote healthy food and beverage choices. Advertising for unhealthy foods and beverages should be limited or prohibited.
     

  2. Sponsorship: The school should establish guidelines for accepting sponsorship from companies that sell foods and beverages. The school should prioritize sponsorship from companies that promote healthy foods and beverages.
     

  3. Fundraising: The school should establish guidelines for fundraising activities that promote healthy food and beverage choices. Fundraising activities that involve the sale of unhealthy foods and beverages should be limited or prohibited.
     

  4. Marketing in Schools: The school should establish guidelines for marketing in schools that promote healthy food and beverage choices. This can include limiting the use of logos and brand names for unhealthy foods and beverages on school property.
     

  5. Community Partnerships: The school should work with community partners, such as local businesses and organizations, to promote healthy food and beverage choices in the community. This can include establishing partnerships with local farmers markets and healthy food providers.

By addressing food marketing, Los Gatos-Saratoga Union High School District can help promote healthy food choices and reduce exposure to unhealthy foods and beverages. This can help students develop healthy eating habits that can last a lifetime and prevent chronic diseases, such as obesity, type 2 diabetes, and heart disease.

 Key elements of food safety in a high school wellness policy include:

  1. Food Handling and Preparation: The school should establish guidelines for food handling and preparation that follow the guidelines set by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). This can include training staff on proper food handling techniques, such as washing hands, using gloves, and using separate cutting boards for raw and cooked foods.
     

  2. Food Storage: The school should establish guidelines for food storage that follow the guidelines set by the FDA and the USDA. This can include storing food at the proper temperature and keeping raw and cooked foods separate to prevent cross-contamination.
     

  3. Equipment Maintenance: The school should establish guidelines for equipment maintenance to ensure that all equipment used for food preparation and storage is clean and in good working order. This can include regular inspections, cleaning, and maintenance of equipment such as ovens, refrigerators, and food processors.
     

  4. Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP): The school should establish a HACCP plan to identify potential hazards in the food preparation and serving process and to implement procedures to prevent those hazards from occurring.
     

  5. Food Allergies: The school should establish guidelines for addressing food allergies among students. This can include providing information about food allergens on menus, training staff on how to prevent cross-contact with allergens, and providing alternative options for students with food allergies.

By addressing food safety, Los Gatos-Saratoga Union High School District can ensure that all food served to students is safe and free from harmful contaminants. This can help prevent foodborne illnesses and ensure that students are healthy and able to learn.

Key elements of community involvement in a high school wellness policy include:

  1. Family and Community Engagement: The school should establish a plan to engage families and community members in promoting healthy eating habits. This can include providing educational resources and hosting events that promote healthy eating habits.
     

  2. Community Partnerships: The school should establish partnerships with local organizations, such as farmers markets and food banks, to promote healthy food choices and support access to healthy foods in the community.
     

  3. Volunteer Programs: The school should establish volunteer programs to support healthy food choices and promote physical activity. This can include recruiting volunteers to assist with school gardens, nutrition education programs, and physical activity programs.
     

  4. Health and Wellness Committees: The school should establish health and wellness committees made up of staff, parents, students, and community members to help plan, implement, and evaluate wellness initiatives.
     

  5. Policy Development: The school should involve families and community members in the development and implementation of the wellness policy to ensure that it reflects the needs and priorities of the community.

By involving families, community members, and organizations in promoting healthy eating habits and supporting access to healthy foods, Los Gatos-Saratoga Union High School District can help create a healthy environment for students. This can help students develop healthy eating habits that can last a lifetime and prevent chronic diseases, such as obesity, type 2 diabetes, and heart disease.