Pennsylvania Policies

Healthy Farms and Healthy Schools Bill (HB 1209)
Signed into law by Governor Rendell on November 29, 2006 the Healthy Farms and Healthy Schools bill (HB 1209) creates a statewide program modeled after the Kindergarten Initiative. The sponsors of the bill recognized that a program that combines integrated nutrition education, parent involvement, and a connection to local agriculture will have a beneficial impact on students, farmers in Pennsylvania.

Comprehensive School Nutrition Policy - School District of Philadelphia
A Comprehensive School Nutrition Policy for the School District of Philadelphia has been developed to provide youth with the skills, social support and environmental reinforcement needed to adopt long-term healthy eating habits. The policy is based upon guidelines from the United States Department of Agriculture and the Centers for Disease Control. Read in PDF
The policy is being piloted in several Philadelphia schools. Examples of programming include creating linkages with positive local role models such as college athletes and dancers, taste testing new healthy foods that could be served at school, starting a Breakfast Club and adapting family recipes to make them healthier. Incentives and rewards for making healthy food choices are built into the program at each school. Although farm to school initiatives have not been a focus, there is potential.