Wellness

Local Wellness Policy

A local school wellness policy (LWP) is a written document that guides a local education agency’s (LEA) efforts to establish a school environment that promotes students’ health, well-being, and ability to learn. The wellness policy requirement was established by the Child Nutrition and Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) Reauthorization Act of 2004 and further strengthened by the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010 (HHFKA). It requires each LEA participating in the National School Lunch Program and/or School Breakfast Program to develop a wellness policy. The final rule expands the requirements to strengthen policies and increase transparency. The responsibility for developing, implementing, and evaluating a wellness policy is placed at the local level, so the unique needs of each school under the LEA’s jurisdiction can be addressed.

Triennial Assessment

An assessment of the local school wellness policy must be conducted by the LEA a minimum of once every three years and contain required components including the LEA’s compliance with the wellness policy, how the wellness policy compares to model policies and progress made in attaining the goals of the wellness policy. The completed assessment must be made available to all stakeholders, including the public.

Contact Information

For questions or assistance with Local Wellness Policy, contact Ginger Thompson at ginger.thompson@dese.mo.gov or 573-751-3862.

Wellness Policy Resources

Triennial Assessment Resources

 

Model Wellness Policies