Physical Activity and Nutrition Policies and Programs in U.S. States, School Districts and Schools: How Are We Doing?

The 2006 School Health Policies and Programs Study (SHPPS) assessed policies and programs at state, district, school, and classroom levels. Physical activity and nutrition surveys were completed by state agency staff in all 50 states and among a nationally representative sample of school districts (n = 453). Interviews were conducted with nationally representative samples of school staff (n = 988) and physical education teachers (n = 1194).

Most states (78%) required schools to teach some physical education. Few schools (3.8% of elementary, 7.9% of middle, 2.1% of high) provided daily physical education. While 57% of districts required elementary schools to provide recess, 68% of schools provided recess for all students in all grades. While only 45% of schools offered physical activity clubs, 83% offered interscholastic sports.

Few states (14%) required schools to restrict availability of deep-fried foods, only 4% required schools to make fruits and vegetables available whenever foods were offered, and only 18% of states required schools to make healthful beverages available when beverages were offered. While many schools sold healthful foods and beverages outside the school nutrition services program, many also sold items high in fat, sodium, and added sugars.

Physical activity and nutrition policies and programs continue to need improvement. A comprehensive approach at the state, district, school, and classroom levels is necessary to achieve health promoting environments in schools. Supportive envrionments for physical activity and nutrition improve opportunities for students to learn how to be physically active for life and establish lifelong healthy eating habits.