Healthy Weight: Information for Schools

Schools can help children eat smart and move more! Schools can make sure that healthy dining options are offered to children. They can also remove sugar-sweetened beverages from the cafeterias and restrict unhealthy foods at any events in the schools. In addition, making physical activity a priority during the school day, along with ample time for recess, will help combat childhood obesity and overweight.

What you should do

Offer opportunities for children to eat healthily

• Ensure your school is implementing Rhode Island Nutrition Requirements was developed by Kids First RI instituted in the Fall 2009 to improve breakfast and lunch program quality. Whole grains, low-fat dairy, lower sodium and increased fruits and vegetables are now the norm on the school menus.
• Promote the use of locally grown foods in the school meals program
• Implement the Healthier Beverages and Snacks Law. (more)
• Contact Kids First for help with the law or requirements

Offer opportunities for children to be physically active

• Make sure Physical Education staff implement high quality physical education in line with Rhode Island’s Rhode Island Physical Education Frameworks. RIAHPERD (RI Association for Health, Physical Education and Dance) offers training and professional development opportunities.
• Implement a program such as Spark PE, which has been shown to improve the quality of active time during PE class.

Implement Policies and Programs that encourage kids to bike and walk to school

• Implement the Safe Routes to School tool kit
• Visit Rhode Island Safe Routes to School program for announcements and updates