Taking Action for Healthy Kids

Sue Mitchem, PA Hunger Action Center

The Pennsylvania Action for Healthy Kids organized a statewide meeting, “Wellness and Academic Success: From Policy to Action,” held in State College from April 30–May 1, 2007. One of the hottest topics was the governor’s Wellness Initiative and how it relates to the wellness policies that schools have adopted and continue to amend.

The Governor has put forth a health and wellness initiative, which includes a holistic approach to school nutrition, in his proposed state budget. First, schools must establish a breakfast program if 20 percent or more of their children are eligible for free/reduced-price lunches. Second, schools that adopt the Pennsylvania Department of Education’s (PDE) “Guidelines for Nutritional Standards for Competitive Foods in Pennsylvania Schools” will receive a higher state financial supplement for making positive changes in the school nutrition environment. The changes sought are based on U.S. Dietary Guidelines and affect foods sold in competition with the federal school meal programs in addition to all food sold on the school grounds (including at after-school events).

Pat Birkenshaw, chief of the Division of Food and Nutrition at PDE, explained this holistic approach in detail and discussed the proposed changes found in H.B. 908 and S.B. 753, which the legislature will soon consider. Birkenshaw addressed the group, which included school nurses, foodservice professionals, advocates, and health and nutrition educators, in a manner open to questions and comment.

Birkenshaw presented details on how the changes would be implemented and evaluated. At one point, she asked the group of more than 300 if any found the “Nutritional Standards” to be challenging. Roughly ten people raised their hands. One person spoke to the difficulty of enforcing the standards from the foodservice department. The speaker stressed that the Wellness Policy components (including the nutritional environment) are the district’s responsibility, not the foodservicedirector’s alone.

Birkenshaw’s presentation brought clarity and sincerity in presenting this initiative that will positively impact the school nutrition environment and ensure that low income Pennsylvania children have access to breakfast programs.

Want to take action for healthy kids? Go to www.pahunger.org and send an e-FAX to your legislator to make sure he/she knows how important this proposed legislation is to all Pennsylvania kids.