Minnesota Policies

Willmar Schools Wellness Policy
Willmar Schools policy efforts: The Wellness Policy includes language to support Farm to School. Below is information on the Wellness Policy Language used at Willmar Public Schools Farm to School.

Willmar Wellness Policy C. Nutrition Education and Promotion

[Note: The Act requires that wellness policies include goals for nutrition education, physical activity, and other school-based activities that are designed to promote student wellness in a manner that the school district determines is appropriate.]

1. The School District will encourage and support healthy eating by students and engage in nutrition promotion that is:

a. Offered as part of a sequential, comprehensive program designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary to promote and protect their health; b. Integrated into other areas of the curriculum, where appropriate; and c. Enjoyable, developmentally appropriate, culturally relevant, and includes participatory activities, such as contests, promotions, taste testing, field trips, etc.

2. The staff involved in nutrition education will be adequately prepared and participate regularly in professional development activities to effectively deliver current nutrition education programs. Preparation and professional development activities will provide evidence-based knowledge of nutrition and instructional techniques and strategies designed to promote healthy eating habits.

3. When available, the Director of Food and Nutrition Services or a Registered Dietitian (R.D.) will assist with nutrition education in the classroom and will review nutrition education information.

4. The school cafeteria will serve as a ?learning laboratory? to allow students to apply nutrition skills taught in the classroom.

5. The School District will provide information to families that encourages them to teach their children about health, nutrition and the importance of daily physical activity.

6. Staff Wellness: The School District will establish and maintain a Staff Wellness Committee, which will develop, promote and oversee a multifaceted plan to promote staff health and wellness.

7. Farm to School: As part of the Child Nutrition and WIC Reauthorization Act of 2004, Farm to School Programs will connect schools with local farms. The School District, to the extent possible, will buy and feature farm fresh foods; incorporate nutrition education curriculum; and provide students with experiential learning opportunities.