Nutrition policy goes before Williamsville Board of Education
by JESSICA L. FINCH Associate Editor

Youth obesity is on the rise and schools are beginning to respond to the problem.

Many of today's lunches, either brought from home or purchased at the cafeteria, contain overly processed, unhealthy foods, putting students in a losing situation with obesity.

Many return home from a day of learning to sit on the couch for hours, not motivated to get the recommended daily hour of exercise.

Approximately 30.3 percent of children ages 6-11 are overweight and 15.3 percent are obese, and for adolescents ages 12 to 19, 30.4 percent are overweight and 15.5 percent are obese, according to the American Obesity Association.

In an effort to stop the growing problem, the Williamsville Central School District is focusing on changing the food offered at the schools and on promoting activity.

In addition to the district's already implemented Wellness Program, which educates students on responsible life choices, the district will be introducing federally mandated guidelines on nutrition and fitness.

The district began looking at forming a policy in April, a few months after being notified of the new federal requirements.

Thomas Maturski, assistant superintendent of finance and management

services, said the district's Nutrition and Fitness Policy is the result of suggestions from staff, parents and PTA representatives.

With the first reading completed at the Williamsville Board of Education's Sept. 12 meeting, the final policy could be adopted after the second reading.

" Technically the policy was supposed to be

in effect July 1," Maturski said. "I

believe after listening to the Board of Education at the September meeting they will be in a position to do a final review and likely adopt the policy at the October meeting."

Under the new policy, food and beverages sold or served at the schools will meet the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, including a variety of fruits and vegetables, 2 percent, 1 percent and fat free milk and more whole grain options.

Under New York State Education guidelines, districts will be required to provide in the middle and high schools a certain number of foods that have less than 35 percent of their calories from fat.

Unlike previous policies, the new district Nutrition and Fitness Policy will also address foods sold or offered at after-school events, for fund raising and for classroom snacks. Unless additional changes are made to the policy, PTAs and booster clubs will be encouraged to follow the policy and offer healthier options but they are not required to do so.

The second part of the policy addresses fitness and increasing the time spent by students being active in clubs, sports and physical education classes.

"We looked at government health department studies that have been coming out in recent months and the past few years, and there is a serious concern concerning obesity in our country and children," Maturski said. "The policy is meant to provide direction to families and students."