California Healthy Kids Resource Ctr. - Policy Overview, Requirements, and Laws

To foster academic achievement schools need to provide effective instruction and create an environment in which children can learn and thrive. A comprehensive school nutrition and physical activity policy is an essential tool for establishing a healthy school environment.

The table below offers links and resources to learn more about federal and California requirements for developing Local School Wellness Policies. Federal and state laws, to incorporate as policy is developed, are included in the last column. Not all related laws are listed, only those most pertinent to LSWP development.

Federal Local School Wellness Policy Requirements

National and State Laws Related to School Nutrition, Physical Activity, and Policy

The United States Congress passed the Child Nutrition and WIC Reauthorization Act of 2004, requiring school districts, receiving federal funding for child nutrition programs, to establish Local School Wellness Policies (LSWP) that address nutrition and physical activity by the start of the 2006–2007 school year. View the legislation (PDF file)

These organizations provide summaries and resources of national LSWP requirements: TEAM Nutrition: Local School Wellness Policy and the Food Research and Action Center (FRAC)

Review and integration of current federal and state laws and regulations is critical in crafting your Local School Wellness Policies. The following chart provides links and descriptions of federal and California laws related to school meals and foods sold on campus, as well as nutrition and physical education. Access the laws.

Assessment and Planning

Policy Overview, Requirements, and Laws