A recent study, published in the Journal of School Health, examined whether written district wellness policies would lead to higher rates of implementation of nutrition and physical activity practices.
Key findings of the study include:
The likelihood of implementing physical activity and physical education practices overall was 4.4 times higher in schools in districts with strong policy language in those domains compared to schools in districts with weak policy language.
For nutrition standards and practices, the likelihood of implementation was 1.6 times higher for schools in districts with strong nutrition policies compared to those in districts with weak ones.
Elementary schools were significantly more likely than middle and high schools to implement nutrition standards for foods and beverages.
Elementary schools were more likely than middle and high schools to offer regular physical activity breaks for students.
Access the full study for more details.