Polis Introduces NEW Schools Act To Jumpstart Nutrition And Wellness Programs

Press Release

Continuing his efforts to curb childhood obesity and promote healthy nutrition in our nation's schools, Congressman Jared Polis (D-CO) today introduced H.R. 5090 -- The Nutrition Education and Wellness in Schools Act (NEW Schools Act) -- that would strengthen school districts' wellness policies and improve nutrition education and promotion in classrooms across the nation.

"Our schools should be our first defense against childhood obesity and unhealthy nutrition habits, but they need our help," said Polis. "The potential of schools' contributions to healthy lifestyles has not been fully realized, and they are failing our children as a result."

Many school districts' wellness policies have been ineffective, lacking requirements for physical education and access to healthy foods. Nutrition education in schools is also insufficient and the nutritional quality of school foods is often in need of improvement.

"Effective school district wellness policies and nutrition education are key strategies to ensure our children are on track for lifelong health and wellness," said Polis. "The NEW Schools Act would help develop better wellness policies that will benefit students both now and in years to come."

The NEW Schools Act would advance the health and well-being of schoolchildren in the United States through the implementation of effective local wellness policies (LWPs)
by improving:

* Transparency: Would ensure school districts make easily accessible their LWPs and implementation plans to parents and other stakeholders.
* Oversight: Would create a school district committee to develop, implement and assess LWPs.
* Scope: Ensures that LWPs address physical education and food marketing.
* Technical Assistance: Provide support for a national LWP clearinghouse and grants for districts to implement, assess, and enhance LWPs.

The NEW Schools Act would also enhance the effectiveness of child nutrition programs and strengthen nutrition promotion and education by supporting:

* Improved meal quality and access through training and technical assistance.
* Nutrition promotion in schools through training and technical assistance to school districts, including best practices dissemination, program and curricula implementation and evaluation, and fostering collaborations through multidisciplinary, integrated nutrition education partnerships.
* Qualified professionals to lead statewide nutrition promotion and education efforts in child nutrition programs including the National School Lunch Program, School Breakfast Program, Summer Food Service Program, and Child and Adult Care Food Program.
* Incentive-based funding to promote continued enhancement and improvements to nutrition and physical activity efforts.

"The NEW Schools Act is a critical step in ensuring that every child has the best possible chance to succeed in school and in life," said Chris Watney, President of the Colorado Children's Campaign. "Research shows that child nutrition has a strong impact on learning. Because children spend so much time in school and because of the inconsistencies in nutrition many experience at home, improving the quality of school meals and enhancing school wellness policies is vital for the academic success of our children and their overall health and well-being."

Congressman Polis has also introduced H.R. 4870 -- The Healthy School Meals Act -- which would make plant-based foods more affordable and available for schools to purchase and provide incentives for schools to provide them to students through their federally-funded breakfast and lunch programs.

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