Each local educational agency that participates in the National School Lunch Program or other federal child nutrition programs is required by federal law to establish a local school wellness policy for all schools under its jurisdiction. 

In 2004, Congress passed the Child Nutrition and Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children Reauthorization Act. This act required by law that all schools participating in the National School Lunch Program or other child nutrition programs create local school wellness policies by School Year 2006. The legislation places the responsibility of developing a wellness policy at the local level so the individual needs of each LEA can be addressed.

Guides to Creating a Local School Wellness Policy                                                                                                                                                                           
Local School Wellness Policy Requirements

How to Develop, Implement, and Evaluate a Wellness Policy

Implementation: Tools and Resources

Guidance: Questions and Answers

Administrative Review Process

Funding a Local School Wellness Policy

More Information and Resources Surrounding The Local School Wellness Policy

Summary of Final Rule

School Nutrition Environment and Wellness Resources

Work Group and Guidance Materials

Joint Collaborators Statement