Abstract
It is the position of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, School Nutrition Association,
and Society for Nutrition Education and Behavior that comprehensive, integrated nutrition
programs in preschool through high school are essential to improve the health, nutritional
status, and academic performance of our nation's children. Through the continued use
of multidisciplinary teams, local school needs will be better identified and addressed
within updated wellness policies. Updated nutrition standards are providing students
with a wider variety of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, while limiting sodium,
calories, and saturated fat. Millions of students enjoy school meals every day in
the US, with the majority of these served to children who are eligible for free and
reduced-priced meals. To maximize impact, the Academy, School Nutrition Association,
and Society for Nutrition Education and Behavior recommend specific strategies in
the following key areas: food and nutrition services available throughout the school
campus, nutrition initiatives such as farm to school and school gardens, wellness
policies, nutrition education and promotion, food and beverage marketing at school,
and consideration of roles and responsibilities.
Position Statement
It is the position of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, School Nutrition Association,
and Society for Nutrition Education and Behavior that comprehensive, integrated nutrition
programs in preschool through high school are essential to improve the health, nutritional
status, and academic performance of our nation's children. To maximize impact, the
Academy, School Nutrition Association, and Society for Nutrition Education and Behavior
recommend specific strategies in the following key areas: food and nutrition services
available throughout the school campus; nutrition initiatives such as farm to school
and school gardens; wellness policies; nutrition education and promotion; food and
beverage marketing at school; and consideration of roles and responsibilities.
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Article info
Footnotes
The authors received no funding for this article.
Conflict of Interest Disclosure: The authors' conflict of interest disclosures can be found online with this article on www.jneb.org.
This Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics position was adopted by the House of Delegates Leadership Team on October 16, 1994 and reaffirmed September 12, 1999; May 9, 2007; and March, 2013. The Society for Nutrition Education and Behavior Board of Directors approved the paper on November 16, 1994 and reaffirmed on May 28, 2017 and January 2, 2018. The School Nutrition Association Board of Directors approved the paper on June 10, 2010 and November 20, 2017. This position is in effect until December 31, 2021. Position papers should not be used to indicate endorsement of products or services. All requests to use portions of the position or republish in its entirety must be directed to the Academy at journal@eatright.org.
Identification
Copyright
© 2018 The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, the Society for Nutrition Education and Behavior, and School Nutrition Association. Published by Elsevier, Inc. All rights reserved.
