Local Wellness Policies

Oct 10, 2026

Uploaded by McQueen

Local Wellness Policies provide a structured framework for creating a healthy school environment through defined goals and policy measures. Established under the 2004 WIC reauthorization act and strengthened by the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act, they are required for National School Lunch and/or School Breakfast Program sponsors. Policies must include nutrition promotion and education goals, standards for meals and competitive foods, marketing limits, implementation oversight, community participation, and a triennial assessment process with public reporting. Illinois Public Act 102-0359 further requires food sharing for unused food focused on students in need.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryHealthcare

FormatPDF

Pages6

Reading Time15 min

AccessFree to download

Introduction

Policy Content Requirements

Triennial Assessment

Leadership

Public Involvement and Notification

Recordkeeping

Training and Resources

Local Wellness Policies Note: Public Act 102-0359 (School unused food sharing plan) became effective August 13, 2021 in Illinois. This Public Act amends the IL School Code by adding Section 2-3.182, which requires school districts to incorporate a food sharing plan for unused food focused on students in need into their Local Wellness Policy. Plans must be consistent with the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act, as well as accompanying USDA guidance on the Food Donation Program, in addition to following applicable federal and state regulations and sanitation codes. Districts should work closely with their Local Health Department when developing plans. The Local Wellness Policy content requirements outlined in this chapter are updated to reflect this change. Local Wellness Policies Introduction ..................................................................................................................... S-1 Policy Content Requirements ........................................................................................... S-1 Triennial Assessment ........................................................................................................ S-2 Leadership ........................................................................................................................ S-2 Public Involvement and Notification ................................................................................ S-2 Recordkeeping.................................................................................................................. S-3 Training and Resources .................................................................................................... S-3 􀀛 Additional Resources 􀂃 ISBE Local School Wellness Policy Information Webpage [https://www.isbe. net/Pages/Local-School-Nutrition-Wellness-Policy.aspx](https://www.isbe. net/Pages/Local-School-Nutrition-Wellness-Policy.aspx) 􀂃 USDA Local School Wellness Policy Webpage [https://www.fns. usda.gov/tn/local-school-wellness-policy](https://www.fns. usda.gov/tn/local-school-wellness-policy) Introduction A Local School Wellness Policy is a written document that sets the framework for a healthy school environment through goal setting and policy making. Local Wellness Policies were established by the Child Nutrition and Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) Reauthorization Act of 2004. In 2010, the requirements of Local Wellness Policies were strengthened by the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act (HHFKA) . Under 7 CFR 210. 31(a), all sponsors participating in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) and/or School Breakfast Program (SBP) are required to have a Local Wellness Policy for all participating sites under their jurisdiction. Policy Content Requirements 7 CFR 210 . 31(c) requires, at a minimum, that the content of the Local Wellness Policy must include: • Specific goals for 1) nutrition promotion, 2) nutrition education, 3) physical activity, and 4) other school-based activities that promote wellness • Standards for NSLP and/or SBP meals, which must meet the USDA meal pattern requirements and dietary specifications at a minimum • Standards for competitive food and beverage items sold to students on the school campus during the school day. This includes items sold outside the reimbursable NSLP and/or SBP meals, such as à la carte items and vending machines. Competitive food and beverage items must meet Smart Snacks in Schools nutrition standards (refer to Handbook Section D—USDA Smart Snacks for additional guidance) . • Standards for all foods and beverages provided, but not sold to students, on the school campus during the school day. Examples include food and beverages given away as rewards or during celebrations. • Policies for food and beverage marketing on the school campus during the school day. USDA regulations only allow marketing of food and beverage items that mee

FAQs

What is a Local Wellness Policy and who must have one?

A Local Wellness Policy is a written document that sets the framework for a healthy school environment through goal setting and policy making. Sponsors participating in the National School Lunch Program and/or School Breakfast Program are required to have a Local Wellness Policy for participating sites under their jurisdiction.

What minimum content must a Local Wellness Policy include?

It must include specific goals for nutrition promotion, nutrition education, physical activity, and other wellness-supporting school-based activities. It must also include standards for NSLP/SBP meals, competitive food and beverage items, foods provided but not sold, food and beverage marketing rules, responsible officials for implementation and oversight, public participation opportunities, and an assessment plan with public reporting.

What is the triennial assessment requirement?

Sponsors must assess each participating site’s compliance with the Local Wellness Policy at least once every three years. The assessment must measure compliance extent, how the policy compares to model policies, and progress toward goals, with results reported to the public.

Oct 10, 2026

Uploaded by McQueen