Childhood obesity continues on the rise. About one-third of U.S. children are overweight or at risk of becoming overweight. In total, about 25 million U.S. children and adolescents are overweight or nearly overweight.
In response to this growing epidemic, Congress passed the Child Nutrition and WIC Reauthorization Act of 2004, which requires every school district participating in federal Child Nutrition Programs to implement a wellness policy unique to their district. Each wellness policy must include goals for nutrition education, physical activity, and other school-based activities designed to promote student wellness; nutrition guidelines for all foods available on the school campus during the school day; guidelines for school meals that meet federal standards; and a plan for measuring implementation.
The San Diego Unified School District Coordinated School Health and Wellness Policy 
is designed to assist every school improve the health of students and staff by promoting physical activity and nutritious foods. Studies have shown that higher academic achievement is associated with higher levels of fitness. There is a strong relationship between fitness, reading and math scores.
The success of the program relies on a coordinated approach to the development of a school’s wellness policy. District administration, school board members, food services, schools, parents, students and communities all play a role in promoting and protecting the health of our students and staff.
For more information or assistance with developing your school site’s Wellness Policy, contact Jennifer Gorman at jgorman@sandi.net.