Health Advisory Committee looks to improve district Wellness Policy

The Kennett School District Health Advisory Committee reviews possible changes to the district's Wellness Policy. Staff photo by George Anderson

The Kennett School District Health Advisory Committee (HAC) met on Tuesday afternoon to discuss possible improvements to the district's Wellness Policy.

According to Deb Cook, district health services director, the district started with a very basic level policy on nutrition guidelines.

Cook said the HAC is looking to improve the policy to help battle problems of hypertension, diabetes, and obesity in students.

Members of the HAC discussed changing the guidelines for what snacks can be brought to school and encouraging healthier snacks for daily use in the classroom.

Cook said some suggestions were for parents to donate money instead of buying snacks for the class. She said the money could be used to buy cartons of milk for the students.

Cook said special celebrations, such as birthdays and holidays, would still be allowed under the new policy and there would be no guidelines for them.

"We didn't vote [on any changes]," Cook said. "I am going to develop the wording and bring it to the next meeting [for discussion]."

Cook said the members did have concerns with the changes, however, they also recognize that there is a problem.

"[The members] didn't want it to be more difficult for parents to provide snacks," Cook said, adding that right now, everybody is overwhelmed with academic improvement. "Nobody wants to be the snack police.

"Some [members] had stronger feelings than others, but overall, they thought there needed to be a change. They all recognize the problem of obesity and that kids need good nutrition."

Cook said there is research to show that with better nutrition, students would do better academically.

"I think everybody supported that," Cook said.

Cook said after the HAC approves the new policy, the committee would make a recommendation to the school board. She added that the changes being looked at are for the next school year, not things they would implement this school year.