Nutrition Services Healthy Eating Bright Idea (Submitted on June 27, 2005)
What did they want to do? Newport-Mesa Unified School District adopted nutrition policy that eliminated sodas from all schools, including middle and high schools, and resulted in healthier menus.
Who took action? Nutrition Services Department coordinated the initial effort that involved board members, PTA, parents, and health services.
Where did this happen? Newport-Mesa Unified School District - school
Demographics
22,000 students
40%
0.3% American Indian/Alaska Native; 4.6% Asian; 0.8% Pacific Islander; 0.8% Filipino; 39.2% Hispanic/Latino; 1.2% African American; 53.2% White
Academic Year Implemented 2003-2004 Academic Year
Why did they want to do it? With support from the California Nutrition Network for Healthy, Active Families grant, a Nutrition Advisory Committee was organized at a district level to develop nutrition policies for school board adoption.
Background
How did they accomplish their goal? 1. Nutrition Services Department coordinated the effort that involved board members, PTA, parents, and health services.
2. The Nutrition Advisory Committee completed 3 modules of the School Health Index (from the CDC) to determine areas of strength and weakness in School Health Policies and Environment, Physical Education and Other Physical Activity Programs, and Nutrition Services.
3. Nutrition Services recommended rules and regulations for school board adoption.
What were their results? Four rules and regulations were adopted by the school board to support nutrition policy, including sodas eliminated from all schools including middle and high schools as of September 2003. The Orange County Grand Jury in its June 8, 2004, report highlighted Newport-Mesa USD for the good work it had done at offering healthier foods and receiving a federal grant for its PE program.
What are their future plans? Continue reviewing district policy and the School Health Index to determine other areas for needed change. Have school sites apply the School Health Index to their specific location. Coordinating efforts with health services, nutrition services, and physical education. Hiring a program specialist to implement physical activity with nutrition education. Lastly, determine the need for a task force to implement the policies/changes.
For More Information Contact Sharon Moore, RD Newport-Mesa Unified School District 2985 Bear St, Bldg E Costa Mesa, CA 92626 United States 714-424-8931
[email protected] http://www.nmusd.us/depts/ns
