A community–based participatory approach to wellness policy implementation and process evaluation: A case study

Background:Despite obesity prevalence in Massachusetts ranking among the lowest in the nation, socioeconomic disparities persist. Among students in Boston Public Schools (BPS), 22% are obese compared to 7% in a neighboring community. Moreover, 87% are students of color and 77% receive free or reduced price lunch. In 2006, BPS implemented a wellness policy that required each school to develop a wellness committee to tailor nutrition and physical activity intervention to each school's unique population. Purpose:The purpose of this case study was to conduct a process evaluation of one school's nutrition and physical activity environment improvements, pre- and post- establishment of a participatory wellness committee. Significance/Results will inform school communities dedicated to wellness policy implementation. Methodology:A wellness team including parents, students, teachers, the school nurse, and the principal determined needs, assets, and likely uptake of best practice intervention. Nutrition and physical activity environment improvements and student exposure were implemented and documented. Findings/Results:In grades K1-5, 493 students were exposed to 105 more minutes of physical activity per week (130 more minutes per month) and in grades 6-8 (345 students) to 70 more minutes per week. Daily, all students were offered fresh produce and breakfast that met the requirements of the Health, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010. The process to eliminate vending machines was initiated, and a wellness fair was held with 12 community vendors and over 70 families in attendance. Conclusions/Recommendations:A participatory school wellness committee is a powerful strategy to implement district wellness policy and sustainable health promoting school environment change.