The position statement is: “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.”

This position paper should be shared widely. It is valuable for school community members, organizations that work in schools, government agencies, and policy makers to elevate the importance of connecting wellness policies, health promoting school meals and environments, and strong nutrition education to support student health and academic achievement. The paper also gives a clear rationale for timely strategies such as giving enough time to eat lunch, strategies to reduce food waste, integrating gardens into the curriculum, and restricting food and beverage marketing.

Read the full position paper here in the May issue of the Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.