Oral

The session will focus on evaluation projects and studies done to address poor nutrition, growing obesity rates and lack of physical activity among youth attending the nation’s schools. The DAMAR Project utilized the CDC’s “School Health Index” (SHI) to promote reducing obesity and promoting healthier eating habits and increased physical activity among elementary and middle to high school students. Findings from an analysis of school beverage contracts could influence lawmakers to consider replacing soft drinks in school vending machines with healthier options. Research to examine how the “Child Nutrition Commodity Program” (CNCP) influences school efforts to improve school nutrition resulted in healthier meal offerings for students. Finally, schools participating in the “National School Lunch or Breakfast Program” were required to establish local wellness policies to impact students’ eating and physical activity behaviors.

Session Objectives: Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of this session, the learner will be able to: (1) Identify the findings of the DAMAR project; (2) Articulate the analysis of school beverage contracts; (3) Describe the “Child Nutrition Commodity Program”(CNCP); and (4) Define the “National School Lunch or Breakfast Program.”

CE Credits: CME, Health Education (CHES), Nursing