Wellness Policy

San Francisco Unified School District and County Office of Education

Board Policy 5030

Wellness Policy

 

This Board Policy applies to the San Francisco Unified School District and the County Office of Education.

 

Comprehensive student wellness is a core value of the Board of Education of the San Francisco Unified School District.  The District recognizes that social, emotional, and physical health are fundamental for each student to achieve his, her or their maximum potential. The District has a longstanding commitment to creating school environments that promote and protect children’s health, well-being, and ability to learn by supporting healthy eating and physical fitness. The District’s first wellness policy was adopted in 2003, a year before Districts participating in the National School Lunch Program, or any program in the Child Nutrition Act of 1966, were mandated to adopt a school wellness policy for all schools under their jurisdictions.

 

The Board shall adopt specific goals for nutrition promotion and education, physical activity, and other school-based activities that promote student wellness. In developing such goals, the Board shall review and consider evidence-based strategies and techniques. (42 USC 1758b; 7 CFR 210.31)  The approach to implementing the various elements of this wellness policy will be respectful of all communities and sensitive to risks associated with trying to control what people eat.

 

Nutrition Services
 

1. To maximize the District’s ability to provide nutritious meals and snacks, all District schools shall participate in available federal school nutrition programs, including the National School Lunch Program, the School Breakfast Program, the Child and Adult Care Food Program, and the summer meals program.
    
2.  Student Nutrition Services (SNS) shall offer school meal programs that aim to improve the diet and health of school children, help mitigate childhood obesity, model healthy eating to support the development of lifelong healthy eating patterns, and support healthy choices while accommodating cultural food preferences and special dietary needs.
    
3.  SNS will ensure that all students who participate in school meal programs have access to the same high quality food and nutrition guidelines across all schools.
    
4.  Hunger is such an extreme impediment to academic achievement that no student shall be denied a school meal because of an inability to pay. 
    
5. Students will be allowed to eat or finish their breakfast in class at the beginning of the school day, and all eligible District schools shall partner with SNS to implement federal breakfast expansion models, for example, Breakfast in the Classroom, Grab n’ Go, Second Chance Breakfast.
    
6. In partnership with Buildings & Grounds and Facilities, SNS will ensure that all school sites are in compliance with food safety code and are capable of storing and serving fresh food that is locally prepared.
    
7. All school nutrition program staff will meet or exceed hiring and annual continuing education/training requirements in the USDA professional standards for child nutrition professionals.

 

Nutrition Guidelines For all Foods and Beverages

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The District’s nutrition guidelines shall meet or exceed the standards outlined in applicable federal, state, and local policies. For all foods and beverages available on each campus during the school day, the District shall adopt nutrition guidelines which meet or exceed the requirements of 42 USC 1758, 1766, 1773, and 1779 and federal regulations and which support the objectives of promoting student health and reducing childhood obesity.

1. The District’s nutrition guidelines shall be included in its current meals contract.
2. The District’s nutrition guidelines shall be publicly available.
3. The District’s nutrition guidelines shall keep current with nutritional science and will be updated as new information becomes available. 
4. The District’s nutrition guidelines shall apply to all foods and beverages sold or served to students, staff and families on every PreK-12 campus and administrative building, including but not limited to: snacks; celebrations; school meals; a la carte service in the cafeteria; vending machines; donated food; school stores; snack bars/concession stands; fundraisers on school grounds; classroom-based activities; staff and parent meetings; and after school programs.
5. The District’s nutrition guidelines shall apply to all foods and beverages sold or served to students, staff and families, regardless of funding source.
6. The District’s nutrition guidelines shall not impact culinary education programs’ curriculum in schools. However, to the extent that such programs are selling or serving food to students on campus during the school day the food must comply with the District’s nutrition guidelines.
7. To promote hydration, free, safe, unflavored drinking water will be available to all students throughout the school day.  Students shall be provided access to free, potable water during meal times in the food service area in accordance with Education Code 38086 and 42 USC 1758.  In addition, students will be allowed to bring and carry water bottles filled with only water with them throughout the day.
8. Sweetened Beverages (i.e., any beverage that contains added caloric sweeteners, including sodas, energy drinks, sweetened iced teas, sports drinks, flavored water, sweetened juices, juice nectars, and fruit punches) and 100% and/or vegetable juice will not be sold or served to students, staff or families at any time on any District property.
9. All vending machines on District property, including schools and central offices, shall adhere to the District’s nutrition guidelines.  Adult vending machines may contain unsweetened coffee or tea beverages.

 

Nutrition Promotion

 

1. Schools will promote healthy food and beverage choices for all students throughout the school campus.  Participation in federal child nutrition programs will be promoted among students and families to help ensure that families know what meal programs are available at their school.
2. SNS will embrace tools and strategies to create environments and food service venues that encourage students to make healthy nutrition choices; improve student participation in school meals; encourage the consumption of more whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and legumes; and decrease plate waste.
3. SNS will post the following information on the web: a description of the Federal Child Nutrition programs in which the District participates as well as any unique school meal activities that are provided; a description of the District’s nutrition guidelines for school meals and all other foods available to students during the school day; the current menus; guidelines regarding food allergies; administrative regulations regarding competitive foods and beverages; and policies regarding the availability and locations of free drinking water throughout the school day, including during the meal service.
4. SNS will involve the School Food Advisory in the selection of new food choices in the school meals programs.
5. District staff will not use food or beverages as a reward for students’ academic performance, accomplishments, or classroom behavior.  The District will provide teachers and other relevant school staff with a playbook of alternative ways to encourage and reward children.

 

Nutrition Education

 

 

 

 

 

 

1. Nutrition education shall be provided as part of the comprehensive integrated health education program for all K-12 students, as delineated in the Board’s Comprehensive Health Education Policy (P6302).  Nutrition education programs shall be culturally relevant and trauma-informed based on the most current research and focus on foods which meet the SFUSD Nutrition Guidelines.
2. Nutrition education curricula (K-12) will align with California Health Education Standards ; Pre-K curricula will align with the California Preschool Learning Foundations; Transitional Kindergarten curricula will align with the California Preschool Learning Foundations and the California Health Education standards for kindergarten.
3. Nutrition education will be integrated in other academic subjects in the regular educational program, before and after school programs, summer learning programs. Career education programs, and school garden programs.
4. Professional development shall be regularly offered to health education and physical education teachers, coaches, activity supervisors, food services staff, and other staff as appropriate to enhance their health knowledge and skills.

Food and Beverage Marketing

1. To reinforce the District’s nutrition education program, marketing and advertising of non-compliant foods and beverages is prohibited on the exterior of vending machines, through posters, menu boards, coolers, trashcans, food service equipment, logos, scoreboards, school supplies, advertisements in school publications, coupon or incentive programs, free giveaways, or any other means.  These prohibitions are further reinforced by the Commercial Free Schools Act which forbids the District from entering into a District-wide exclusive contract with a soda or snack food company. It also prohibits teachers from using curricula that includes unnecessary brand name advertising and requires the Board to approve all long-term corporate sponsorships.
    
2. The District will encourage the City to provide training and information to unauthorized food vendors operating within 50 feet of all school entrances to encourage them to sell foods and beverages that meet the District’s nutrition guidelines.

 

Competitive Foods and Beverages

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1. Schools shall not invite or contract with any entity and/or individual who wishes to sell, donate, or provide any kind of food or drinks to students, even those meeting the District’s nutrition guidelines, if it is in direct competition with SNS’s or EED’s federally funded school meal programs.
2. Any entity and/or individual interested in donating, serving, or selling food and/or beverages to students during the school day must be pre-approved in writing by SNS and must keep their own records as proof of compliance.
3. Class parties or celebrations must adhere to the District’s nutrition guidelines and may only be held after the lunch period. For PreK, classroom parties or celebrations may only be held after lunch and afternoon snack.
4. Student-Run Fundraising on school campuses during the school day that involves food and/or beverages shall:

1. not occur at Early Education Schools; 
2. not occurat the same time as federally funded school meal programs;
3. meet the District’s nutrition guidelines;
4. only be permitted by an organization consisting solely of pupils at the school; and
5. comply with the California Code of Regulations, including those outlined below.

5. Student-Run Fundraising at all elementary, middle and high schools (PreK-12, not including Earl Education Schools)
   1. The sale must occur after the lunch period has ended.
   2. The food and/or beverages sold cannot be prepared on campus.
   3. The food and/or beverages sold cannot be the same item/s offered though the federally funded meal program at that school during the same school day.
       
6. Additional conditions for Student-Run Fundraising at PreK-5, and PreK-8 Schools
   1. No more than one food or beverage item is permitted per sale.
   2. Each school is allowed a maximum of four sales per year.
       
7. Additional conditions for Student-Run Fundraising at Middle Schools and High Schools
   1. No more than three categories of foods or beverages may be sold each day (e.g. sandwich, fruit, milk, etc.)
   2. Only one student organization is allowed to sell each school day.
   3. In addition to one student organization sale each school day, any and all students organizations my sell on the same four designated school days per school year.  School administration may set these four dates.
       
8. On-campus adult-run fundraisers involving food or beverages may only occur after the end of the school day through midnight or on weekends or holidays.  Food and beverages must comply with the District’s Nutrition Guidelines, with the following exceptions:
   1. Ten times per year, parents/caregivers and staff at Early Eduvation, PreK-5, and Prek-8 schools may sell food that does not meet the Nutrition Guidelines, with approval of the site administrator.  Beverages must meet the Nutrition Guidelines at all times.
   2. Though it is highly recommended that food meet the Nutrition Guidelines, middle and high school parents/caregivers and staff may sell any food, any number of times with approval of the site administrator.  Beverages must meet the Nutrition Guidelines at all times.
       
9. It is recommended that all off-campus fundraising be with either non-food items, or items that meet the District’s nutrition guidelines.  Principals will decide whether to allow off-campus sales of foods and/or beverages that do not meet the nutrition guidelines, and if so, set and monitor a maximum frequency.

 

 

Physical Education

1. Physical education plays an integral role in the education of each student.  Therefore, the District shall provide access to a content rich and inclusive curriculum, high quality instruction, focused assessment of student learning, and supportive learning environments for each student.
2. The District’s physical education programs shall be based on the most current research, shall be consistent with the expectations established in the state’s curriculum frameworks and content standards, and shall be designed to build the skills and knowledge that all students need to maintain a healthy lifestyle, .
3. SFUSD shall comply with state law, Board Policy and the District’s Physical Education Master Plan. Resources and staffing will be provided to ensure compliance.
4. Professional development shall be regularly offered to physical education teachers, and other staff as appropriate to enhance their health knowledge and skills.

 

Physical Activity​​​​​​​

​​​​​

1. All students shall be provided opportunities to be physically active on a regular basis. Opportunities for moderate to vigorous physical activity shall be provided through physical education and recess and will also be provided through school athletic programs, extracurricular programs, before- and after-school programs, summer learning programs, programs encouraging students to walk or bicycle to and from school, in-class physical activity breaks, and other structured and unstructured activities.
    
2. Students will be provided adequate time for recess at elementary levels and will be encouraged to engage in physical and kinesthetic activities throughout the day.
    
3. Schools shall prioritize the use of school fields and black tops for students’ physical activities.
    
4. District staff shall use restorative approaches to support positive student behaviors and will not withhold recess or other physical activity or physical education as a form of punishment.
    
5. Extended day programs, out of school time (which includes before and after school programs), and after school programs on District facilities, will offer an array of physical activity opportunities that are inclusive and ensure all students are able to participate.
    
6. The Board may enter into a joint use agreement or memorandum of understanding to make District facilities or grounds available for recreational or sports activities outside the school day and/or to use community facilities to provide as many opportunities as possible for children to get at least 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity during the course of a day.
    
7. District staff shall work with relevant City departments and local agencies (e.g., the San Francisco Safe Routes to School Partnership) to assess walking and biking conditions at each school and leverage opportunities to make it easier for students to walk or bike to school.
    
8. Schools shall participate in and actively promote physical activity programming from the county, city, state, and CBO District wide events.

 

 

 

 

 

Staff Wellness​​​​​​​

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1. The District cares about the well-being of staff members and understands the influence that staff actions have on student health behaviors. 
2. The District shall give all staff the opportunity to promote healthy school environments. All staff are encouraged to be positive role models for healthy behaviors on school property and at school-sponsored meetings and events where students are present, including only eating/drinking items that comply with the District’s nutrition guidelines.
3. The District will promote work-site wellness programs and will provide opportunities for regular physical activity and healthy eating among employees.  For example, District staff is encouraged to promote and encourage whole-school events, including but not limited to, healthy eating, physical activity, and mindfulness programming from the county, city, state, and CBO District wide events (i.e. Health Service System (HSS).
4. The District will promote initiatives designed to encourage a culture that improves the health, safety, and well-being of employees and family members.

Program Implementation and Evaluation

The Board and the Superintendent or designee shall establish indicators that will be used to measure the implementation and effectiveness of the District activities related to student wellness. Such indicators may include, but are not limited to:

• Student participation rates in all school meal and/or snack programs, including the number of students enrolled in the free and reduced-price meals program compared to the number of students eligible for that program
• Extent to which foods and beverages sold on campus outside the food services program, such as through vending machines, student stores, or fundraisers, comply with nutrition standards
• Extent to which other foods and beverages that are available on campus during the school day, such as foods and beverages for classroom parties, school celebrations, and rewards/incentives, comply with nutrition standards
• A description of District efforts to provide additional opportunities for physical activity outside of the physical education program

 

School Wellness Council

 

 

Notifications

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Records

 

Nondiscrimination

To file a program complaint of discrimination, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, (AD-3027) found online at: How to File a Complaint, and at any USDA office, or write a letter addressed to USDA and provide in the letter all of the information requested in the form. To request a copy of the complaint form, call (866) 632-9992.

 

Submit your completed form or letter to USDA by:

 

Mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture

Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights

1400 Independence Avenue, SW

Washington, D.C. 20250-9410; 

 

Fax: (202) 690-7442; or 

 

Email: program.intake@usda.gov.

 

 

 

Please note that compare references, or “cf”, refer to CSBA model policies and do not necessarily indicate that the San Francisco Unified School District has adopted the referenced policy.

 

 

Legal Reference:

EDUCATION CODE

33350-33354   CDE responsibilities re: physical education

38086   Free fresh drinking water

49430-49434   Pupil Nutrition, Health, and Achievement Act of 2001

49490-49494   School breakfast and lunch programs

49500-49505   School meals

49510-49520   Nutrition

49530-49536   Child Nutrition Act

49540-49546   Child care food program

49547-49548.3   Comprehensive nutrition services

49550-49562   Meals for needy students

49565-49565.8   California Fresh Start pilot program

49570   National School Lunch Act

51210   Course of study, grades 1-6

51210.1-51210.2   Physical education, grades 1-6

51210.4   Nutrition education

51220   Course of study, grades 7-12

51222   Physical education

51223   Physical education, elementary schools

51795-51798   School instructional gardens

51880-51921   Comprehensive health education

CODE OF REGULATIONS, TITLE 5

15500-15501   Food sales by student organizations

15510   Mandatory meals for needy students

15530-15535   Nutrition education

15550-15565   School lunch and breakfast programs

UNITED STATES CODE, TITLE 42

1751-1769j  National School Lunch Program, especially:

1758b Local wellness policy

1771-1793   Child Nutrition Act, especially:

1773   School Breakfast Program

1779   Rules and regulations, Child Nutrition Act

CODE OF FEDERAL REGULATIONS, TITLE 7

210.1-210.33   National School Lunch Program, especially:

210.31   Wellness policy

220.1-220.22   National School Breakfast Program

COURT DECISIONS

Frazer v. Dixon Unified School District, (1993) 18 Cal.App.4th 781

 

 

 

(cf. 1400 – Relations Between Other Governmental Agencies and the Schools)

(cf. 3513.3 – Tobacco-Free Schools)

(cf. 3514 – Environmental Safety)

(cf. 5131.6 – Alcohol and Other Drugs)

(cf. 5131.61 – Drug Testing)

(cf. 5131.62 – Tobacco)

(cf. 5131.63 – Steroids)

(cf. 5141 – Health Care and Emergencies)

(cf. 5141.22 – Infectious Diseases)

(cf. 5141.3 – Health Examinations)

(cf. 5141.31 – Immunizations)

(cf. 5141.32 – Health Screening for School Entry)

(cf. 5141.6 – School Health Services)

(cf. 6142.1 – Sexual Health and HIV/AIDS Prevention Education)

(cf. 6164.2 – Guidance/Counseling Services)

 

(cf. 0000 – Vision)

(cf. 0200 – Goals for the School District)

 

(cf. 6011 – Academic Standards)

(cf. 6142.7 – Physical Education and Activity)

(cf. 6142.8 – Comprehensive Health Education)

(cf. 6143 – Courses of Study)

(cf. 5148.2 – Before/After School Programs)

(cf. 6177 – Summer Learning Programs)

(cf. 4131 – Staff Development)

(cf. 4231 – Staff Development)

(cf. 4331 – Staff Development)

(cf. 3312 – Contracts)

(cf. 3554 – Other Food Sales)

(cf. 5142.2 – Safe Routes to School Program)

(cf. 6145 – Extracurricular and Cocurricular Activities)

(cf. 6145.2 – Athletic Competition)

(cf. 1330.1 – Joint Use Agreements)

(cf. 1220 – Citizen Advisory Committees)

(cf. 9140 – Board Representatives)

(cf. 1100 – Communication with the Public)

(cf. 1112 – Media Relations)

(cf. 1113 – District and School Web Sites)

(cf. 1114 – District-Sponsored Social Media)

(cf. 6020 – Parent Involvement)