SPECIAL REPORT: HEALTHY SCHOOLS FOR HEALTHY KIDS

Two national polls show that teachers and parents overwhelmingly agree that schools should provide daily physical education and access to healthy foods as part of the solution to our nation’s childhood obesity problem.  That is a key finding of the study, Healthy Schools for Healthy Kids, funded by The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation.  The complete report, detailing two years of interviews, school site visits and analysis of federal, state and local policies, can be accessed on the RWJF Web site at:  http://www.rwjf.org/news/release/healthyschools

We want to make you aware of this study and request your help in letting others know about this online resource through a link on your Web site our a mention in your publications.
Rates of childhood obesity have skyrocketed over the past decade, with more than 9 million U.S.children seriously overweight. The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation commissioned this study to better understand the problem and the contributing role of schools. Healthy Schools for Healthy Kids investigates in-school programs and physical activity- and nutrition-related local, state and national policies.

The study also included polling of 500 public school teachers and 800 parents, revealing extraordinary agreement on these keys issues:
  • Teachers and parents are convinced that physical activity increases or improve learning.
  • Teachers and parents believe Physical Education should not be cut for budgetary reasons or academics.
  • Teachers and parents favor introducing new approaches to Physical Education that includes lifelong activities students can continue as adults.
  • Teachers and Parents overwhelmingly support converting the contents of vending machines to healthy foods and beverages.
Investigators found that physical activity and health eating in schools are the exception rather then the norm.  Healthy Schools for Healthy Kids offers recommendations for school policy improvements, areas for reform of the National School Breakfast and Lunch programs and opportunities for promotion of physical education and healthy eating programs in schools.
To access complete findings of this report and related resources, visit The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Web site at: http://www.rwjf.org/news/release/healthyschools

Thank you for considering our request.
Best Regards,
Julia K. Zauner
Consultant to The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation  http://www.rwjf.org