Critical steps to sustaining wellness policy implementation

Introduction: The Local Wellness Policy (LWP) mandate was a milestone in the federal government's efforts to address childhood obesity through school environments. However, questions remain about the level of implementation of LWPs and critical steps necessary to sustain implementation. Design: Eighty-four schools within 31 school districts in California, Iowa, and Pennsylvania were recruited to participate in a project to assess LWP implementation. Baseline and endpoint interviews and on-line surveys were conducted in all schools and districts. Endpoint data collection was designed to assess level of LWP implementation, individuals involved, assignment of leadership responsibilities, challenges related to implementation, and plans for sustaining implementation. Results: Identification of key personnel (n=52; 62%) and communication with stakeholders (n=69; 82%) were among the most common steps taken related to policy implementation. Few schools (n=15; 18%) indicated having established consequences for violation of the LWP. Measurement of policy implementation was identified as a weakness with 46% of schools (n=39) indicating they had made no attempt to measure implementation. District-level responsibility for ensuring policy implementation was assigned primarily to the school foodservice director (n=15; 48%) and Superintendent (n=14; 45%). Few districts indicate plans to identify a wellness coordinator (n=9; 29%) or establish consequences for policy violation (n=5; 16%). Discussion: While schools have made important steps toward implementing LWPs, additional assistance and accountability requirements may be necessary to sustain implementation. This presentation will include recommendations for policy makers to assist schools in these efforts.