Background
Research shows that healthy kids are better learners and healthy staff are more engaged as school and community members. The school environment shapes daily choices that influence health. A school wellness policy is the first step to creating a school environment that supports health for students and staff. All school districts participating in the National School Lunch Program or the School Breakfast Program are required to develop and implement a school district wellness policy. This requirement is a result of the Child Nutrition and WIC Reauthorization Act of 2004 and most recently, the Healthy Hunger Free Kids Act of 2010.
We encourage you to watch the Place Matters Oregon video and Ted Talk by Sam Kass, these videos describe the intent behind school wellness policies.
Each year ODE selects 3 winners of the School Wellness Award. These schools are exemplary for their outstanding implementation of school district wellness policy.
As a sponsor of the awards, Oregon Dairy and Nutrition Council provides $2,500 and a recognition banner for each winner. The banners, a signed certificate and the cash award are presented at special assemblies held at winning schools.