This issue brief highlights several promising strategies that, depending on a state's capacity, resources, and context, could strengthen the impact of local school wellness policies. It was developed by the National Association of State Boards of Education (NASBE).

Section 204 of the Child Nutrition and Women, Infants, and Children Reauthorization Act of 2004 (PL 108-265), which mandates the development of wellness policies that promote healthy eating and physical activity at the school district level, has given states an opportunity to harness the power of local policymaking and take on a leadership role in promoting school health. NASBE has documented that at least 48 states have developed guidance materials or adopted new laws, regulations, or policies that specifically address the Section 204 wellness policies. The 2 states not included, Georgia and Wyoming, have active Action for Healthy Kids teams that have collaborated closely with state agencies in providing guidance and support to schools.

Target Audience: Grantees, Policy-makers, Policy Influencers, School Officials, Community-based Organizations, the Media, and the Private Sector

File Name: State Strategies to Support Local Wellness Policies