The University of New Hampshire Extension released on Apr. 23 a step-by-step guide to help school districts conduct the Triennial Wellness Policy Assessment, which is required every three years for those participating in federal child nutrition programs.
The Local School Wellness Policy aims to create healthier environments that support student well-being and learning. Federal law requires districts to review their wellness policies every three years, ensuring these policies are effective and align with best practices.
The guide explains how districts should form an assessment team including administrators, teachers, food service staff, parents, community members, and students. The process involves gathering documentation such as the current policy and evidence of implementation. Teams use tools like WellSAT Policy and Practice to compare their policies against model standards and assess actual practices within schools. Results from these assessments help identify strengths as well as areas needing improvement.
Districts must share their findings with the public through methods such as district websites or school newsletters. Completed assessments must also be kept on file for administrative reviews or requests from the New Hampshire Department of Education during applications for programs like the National School Lunch Program.
Amy Loader began working for University of New Hampshire Extension in 2001 as an agriculture educator, according to the official website. The organization promotes social well-being by supporting healthy communities, thriving youth, strong families and resilient ecosystems according to its official website. It utilizes county offices along with specialized facilities like the Geospatial Technologies Training Center and a soil testing lab according to its official website.
University of New Hampshire Extension serves as the outreach arm of the university by partnering with county, state and federal entities for programming according to its official website. It engages roughly 6,000 volunteers annually across 14 programs according to its official website, aiming to enhance communities in New Hampshire through reliable expertise, hands-on learning and collaborative strategies according to its official website.
