School Wellness Strategies that Work: Achievable Outcomes That Benefit Underserved Children

School wellness programs are not only difficult to establish, but to also sustain. The elements of a sustainable wellness program in an elementary school district consisting of 10 schools in 3 racially diverse, low-income communities are described. The use of a relationship-based approach to identify and actively collaborate with community partners to promote student health underlies the success of this effort. Articulation of a clear mission and vision as the basis for development of sustainable policies and systems as well as strategies to create and maintain momentum in an unfavorable economic climate are highlighted. Common barriers to change, strategies to overcome resistance and the importance of maintaining a unified focus are addressed. Lessons learned include the importance of using sound project management strategies such as regular identification and reassessment of priorities, acquisition of broad-based buy-in from key stakeholders and careful attention to timing. Factors that promote the overall success of the district’s wellness initiatives are close collaboration with a nearby School-based Health Center, receipt of grant money to fund small projects and use of evidence-based criteria to guide School Wellness Council work. Systematic improvements in food service delivery, daily opportunities for physical activity in the classrooms, and an active in-school influenza vaccination program are evidence that a culture of wellness is present in the district 5 years after initial implementation of the school wellness policy. Outcomes of these efforts include improved student attendance and classroom behavior, and early evidence that a decrease in child obesity may be on the horizon.