Why School Wellness Matters
Why Schoo
Schools have many responsibilities beyond traditional education. They are the public tables where students spend a majority of their waking hours, and eat two or sometimes three meals a day.
Research shows that a healthy, happy child performs better in the classroom, has better attendance, and less behavioral problems. There is also plenty of anecdotal evidence demonstrating how good nutrition and physical activity are key ingredients for students to thrive.
The Northeast Iowa Food and Fitness Initiative is helping schools meet the growing need to improve student health and academic performance. Recognizing the interdependency between food and fitness, the NE Iowa FFI supports two successful national programs Farm to School and Safe Routes to School.
Gaining Local, Regional, and National Momentum
The Northeast Iowa Food & Fitness Initiative is part of an effort of the W.K. Kellogg Foundation Food & Community program. Food & Community invests in community-driven policy and system change projects. The Northeast Iowa FFI is committed to working with schools to make them vibrant places where people can learn, work, and play. Food & fitness is becoming a common phrase in schools and communities throughout Northeast Iowa.
By the numbers, the effort to promote local, healthy food and walkable/bikeable communities in Northeast Iowa is gaining significant momentum in the schools. Cause for celebration is the fact that:
- 14 of the region's 20 school districts (70%) have created school wellness teams,
- 16 (80%) of the schools are sourcing locally grown food, and
- 16 (80%) have participated in a whole series of activities related to active transportation to and from school promoted and supported by the FFI.
These results show that the FFI has been successful at engaging schools in the region through a multi-pronged approach that offers schools:
- Content and programming for 16 farm-to-school activities from which to choose
- Content and programming for 10 walkable/bikeable community-based activities from which to choose; and
- Two different organizational structures that connect and reconnect the work to various partners. School wellness teams and youth teams are two networks that give youth voice and the schools a chance to articulate and follow their vision for improving access to healthy food and creating walkable/bikeable communities.
- School policies, customs, and practices have transformed dramatically as a result of the Northeast Iowa FFI's work:
Policies on school gardens and using school garden produce in the school lunch program have been established.
- More schools are sourcing local food, 16 schools are currently sourcing local foods.
- More schools are supporting the introduction of healthy foods into school food programs through the use of salad bars.
- More schools are supporting education, training, and networking to support the incorporation of safe, healthy, local food into school food programs.
- Food served at extracurricular school-sponsored events has changed to include healthier options.
- Two schools in the region hired new food service directors; working on Farm to School was part of both job descriptions.
- At least six infrastructure changes have occurred as a result of both the food and walkable/bikeable communities work.
Join us as we continue building momentum within the six-county region!
Additional Resources for schools:
CED School Health Index
Healthier US School Challenge
Alliance for a Healthier Generation Toolkit: School Wellness Council
Promoting Healthy Youth, Schools, and Communities
School Wellness Policy Pointers
Our Committment
NE Iowa FFI staff serve as "resource contacts"— liaisons between the Northeast Iowa Food and Fitness Initiative and area schools, who help schools assess their assets and needs, set food and fitness goals, complete the School Wellness Team Action Plan Guide and build local capacity for policy and environmental changes in schools to support healthy eating and active living. General questions about school wellness may be directed to, Emily Neal, School Wellness Coordinator or email us.
The School Wellness Team Action Plan helps school communities mobilize school-based wellness teams. It also helps schools meet standards established by the Iowa Healthy Kids Act— legislation that establishes physical activity requirements for students and nutritional content standards for food and beverages sold or provided on school grounds.
The NE Iowa FFI celebrates many strong local leaders who are working together to create vibrant schools where the healthy choice is the easy choice.
Youth as Partners
In addition, FFI supports school-based youth teams as our partners to create change. The teams are based in the Iowa 4-H program lead by Iowa State University Extension and Outreach. Learn more about how 4-H fits with FFI.
When teams function well, members practice and perfect key life skills as effective leaders, productive citizens, outstanding communicators and successful learners. Learn more about the 4-H Equation for positive youth development.
Taking Charge
Youth Change Concession Stand Food
Youth Attend Conference in Boston
