Improving the Quality of Nutrition in New York Public Schools

1. Improving the Qualityof Nutrition inNew YorkPublic Schools Monica Ojofeitimi, MPH student Walden University PUBH 6165-1 Instructor: Dr. Rebecca Heick Summer Quarter, 2010

2. Objectives • Importance of Proper Nutrition in Children • Understand the Impact and Consequences of Poor Nutrition & Childhood Obesity • Factors Leading to Increased Childhood Obesity • What Role do Parents, Caretakers and Schools Play? • What are Some of the NY School Nutrition Policies & Standards? • Barriers to Improving School Nutrition Environments • Proposed Goals to Improve the Quality of Nutrition in Schools • Implementation Strategies and Continuous Monitoring

3. What is Nutrition? • It is the supply of materials - food - required by organisms and cells to stay alive. • Nutrition is the basic source of energy that fuels your body for your everyday activities. What Is Nutrition? Why Is Nutrition Important? Retrieved on from: http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/160774.php

4. Food Guide Pyramid • Only about 2% of American children follow the recommended guidelines in the Food Guide Pyramid. Nutrition and Your Health: Dietary Guidelines for Americans. Retrieved from: http://www.health.gov/dietaryguidelines/dga2000/document/build.htm#pyramid Beanstalk Express. Raising kids to healthy heights. (2008). Retrieved from: http://www.child-nutrition.org/

5. Why is Nutrition So Important? • Nutrition is a major factor in developing a child’s overall health. • Proper nutrition can prevent many medical problems, such as : • Obesity • Weak bones • Micronutrient deficiencies • Chronic diseases: • Type 2 diabetes, hypertension and cancers Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC]. (2010). Retrieved from: http://www.cdc.gov/nutrition/professionals/index.html

6. Consequences of Poor Nutrition • Impaired Physical Growth (e.g. slowing of linear growth) • Inhibition of Proper Organ Function • Impaired Cognitive Functions • Poor Immune System • Poor Weight Gain • Behavioral Changes • Dry Scaly Skin • Fatigue (Grisby, G.D. (2003). Malnutrition. Retrieved from http://www.emedicine.com)

7. Childhood Obesity • Childhood obesity accounts for an estimated $242 million in statewide medical costs (NYCC, 2010). • Prevalence has doubled in New York within the last 25 years (CDC, 2010). • At least 17% of children and adolescents 2-19 years of age in the U.S. are obese (CDC, 2009). • About 16% percent 9th–12th graders in New York are overweight, and 11% of them are obese (CDC, 2009). • Of these youth: • 38% are meeting physical activity recommendation levels. • 35% watch more than three hours of television each day. • 25% drink at least one non-diet soda each day. The New York City Council. Retrieved from: http://council.nyc.gov/html/releases/05_03_10_childnutri.shtml Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC]. (2010). Retrieved from: http://www.cdc.gov/obesity/childhood/index.html Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC]. (2009). Retrieved from: http://www.cdc.gov/obesity/stateprograms/fundedstates/new_york.html

8. Factors Leading to Childhood Obesity • Childhood obesity can result from influences and interactions of several factors, including genetic, behavioral, and environmental factors. • Mainly caused by the imbalance between calories consumed and calories used. • This imbalance can be due to: • Large portion sizes for food and beverages • Constant snacking on energy-dense foods • Consuming beverages with added sugar • Lack of physical activity • Sedentary behavior • (e.g. several hours a day engaged with video games or watching TV. ) Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC]. (2009). Retrieved from: http://www.cdc.gov/obesity/childhood/causes.html

9. What Role do the Parents & Caretakers Play? • The parent-child interactions at home can affect the behaviors of children and youth relating to calorie intake and physical activity. • You stand as role model for your children. Therefore, it is likely that they will develop your habits. • You can help promote good nutrition by setting a good example for healthy eating habits and regular exercise. • Choose wisely when grocery shopping for foods and snacks • Find ways to make their favorite dishes healthier. • Use the option to pack a healthy lunch for them from home • Use verbal praise or token gifts as incentives to reinforce healthy eating and physical activity. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC]. (2009). Retrieved from: http://www.cdc.gov/healthyweight/children/index.html, http://www.cdc.gov/obesity/childhood/causes.html

10. What Role do Schools Play? • There are over 55 million youth that are enrolled in elementary and secondary schools in the U.S. • Young people attend school for about 6 hours a day for an estimated 180 days per year. • Schools provide an ideal setting for teaching children and teens to adopt healthy eating and physical activity behaviors (CDC, 2009). • Schools can: • Provide Nutrition Education • Implement Healthy Meal programs and policies • Limit access to junk foods and empty-calorie snacks Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC]. (2008). Retrieved from: http://www.cdc.gov/HealthyYouth/profiles/2008/profiles_report.pdf Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC]. (2009). Retrieved from: http://www.cdc.gov/obesity/childhood/causes.html

11. What are Some of the NY School Nutrition Policies & Standards? • The School Health Policies and Program Study (SHPPS) on Nutrition Services reveal that New York School policies: • Pros • Requires schools to offer breakfast to all students • Restricts times of day junk foods and certain beverages can be sold • Prohibits selling junk foods for fundraising • Prohibits advertising candy, fast food restaurants and soft drinks on school property • Restrictions on student access to vending machines • Supplies funding for staff development to food service staff on menu planning and implementing the Dietary Guidelines for Americans in school meals Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC]. (2006). Retrieved from: http://www.cdc.gov/HealthyYouth/shpps/2006/report-cards/newyork/RC_New_York_NS_SHPPS2006.pdf

12. NY School Nutrition Policies & Standards contd… • Cons • Does not require schools to make fruits or vegetables/beverages available to students when other food/beverages are offered or sold. • Does not require that schools prohibit junk foods in any school setting. • Does not require schools to offer lunch to students Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC]. (2006). Retrieved from: http://www.cdc.gov/HealthyYouth/shpps/2006/report-cards/newyork/RC_New_York_NS_SHPPS2006.pdf

13. Proposed Actions to Improve the Quality of Nutrition in Schools • Introduce Nutrition Education as part of the school curriculum • Encourage physical activity outside of sports teams & physical education classes • Promote the demand & supply of healthy foods • Expand innovative breakfast programs so more children can eat both lunch and breakfast • Restrict access to vending machines with unhealthy snacks • Modify meal recipes to lower the fat and calorie content of popular foods • Offer non-food rewards and fundraisers

14. Barriers to Improving School Nutrition Environment • Lack of time to implement nutrition education • Increased demand for funds required to introduce healthier foods • Limited budgets on school meal programs • Students may not want to adhere to eating healthier foods Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC]. (2004). Retrieved from: http://www.cdc.gov/healthyyouth/physicalactivity/pdf/roleofschools_obesity.pdf

15. Implementation Strategies and Continuous Monitoring • Review the current nutrition/health policies and programs • Create new action plans and develop methods for improvement to address the identified areas of concern • Gain the attention of state and federal representatives, professional organizations and community groups for change. • Develop a wellness Council to continually assess the school nutrition environment • Continue monitoring school population health through national nutrition surveillance systems and surveys New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene. [NYC DOH]. (2010). Retrieved from: http://www.nyc.gov/html/doh/html/cdp/pan_council.shtml

16. Conclusion • Maintenance of a healthy eating pattern increases a student’s ability to academically excel, and allows their body to experience a normal physical and mental period of development. • Engagement in regular physical activity increases their alertness and concentration. It can also reduce stress and anxiety. • A good quality structured school nutrition program will positively influence a young student’s eating habits and even help towards maintaining a prolonged healthy lifestyle. Unites States Department of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service. [USDA, FNS]. Retrieved from: http://www.fns.usda.gov_tn_Resources_support.pdf#xml=http___65.216.150.153_texis_search_pdfhi

17. References • Association: An essential component of comprehensive school health American Dietetic Association .(2003). Position of the American Dietetic Association, Society of Nutrition Education, and American School Food Service programs.Journal of the American Dietetic Association. 103:505-514. • Beanstalk Express. Raising kids to healthy heights. (2008). Retrieved on July 24, 2010 from: http://www.child-nutrition.org/ • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC]. (2010). Retrieved on July 20, 2010 from: http://www.cdc.gov/nutrition/professionals/index.html • http://www.cdc.gov/obesity/childhood/index.html • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC]. (2009). Retrieved on July 20, 2010 from: http://www.cdc.gov/healthyweight/children/index.html • http://www.cdc.gov/obesity/childhood/causes.html • http://www.cdc.gov/obesity/stateprograms/fundedstates/new_york.html • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC]. (2008). Retrieved on July 20, 2010 from: • http://www.cdc.gov/HealthyYouth/profiles/2008/profiles_report.pdf

18. References contd… • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC]. (2006). Retrieved on July 20, 2010 from: • http://www.cdc.gov/HealthyYouth/shpps/2006/report-cards/newyork/RC_New_York_NS_SHPPS2006.pdf • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC]. (2004). Retrieved on July 20, 2010 from: • http://www.cdc.gov/healthyyouth/physicalactivity/pdf/roleofschools_obesity.pdf • Feldman, R.S. (2006). Development Across The Life Span (4th Edition). New Jersey: Pearson Prentice Hall. Retrieved on July 23, 2010 from: http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/2260121/proper_nutrition_all_growing_children_pg2.html?cat=25 • Grisby, G.D. (2003). Malnutrition. Retrieved on July 25, 2010 from: http://www.emedicine.com • Nutrition and Your Health: Dietary Guidelines for Americans. Retrieved on July 24, 2010 from: http://www.health.gov/dietaryguidelines/dga2000/document/build.htm#pyramid

19. References contd… • New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene. [NYC DOH]. (2010). Retrieved on July 25, 2010 from: http://www.nyc.gov/html/doh/html/cdp/pan_council.shtml • The New York City Council. Retrieved on July 24, 2010 from: http://council.nyc.gov/html/releases/05_03_10_childnutri.shtml • Unites States Department of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service. [USDA, FNS]. Retrieved on July 22, 2010 from: http://www.fns.usda.gov_tn_Resources_support.pdf#xml=http___65.216.150.153_texis_search_pdfhi • Walker, S. (2009). School Health Education Dilemma Deepens. Retrieved on July 22, 2010 from: http://nutrition.suite101.com/article.cfm/school_health_education_dilemma_deepens#ixzz0vgK1bJ2i • What Is Nutrition? Why Is Nutrition Important? Retrieved on July 23, 2010 from: http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/160774.php

20. Sources for Further Reading • Action for Healthy Kids: www.actionforhealthykids.org • American Dietetic Association: www.eatright.org • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC]: www.cdc.gov • New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene. [NYC DOH]: www.nyc.gov • School Food Trust: www.schoolfoodtrust.org • School Nutrition Association: www.schoolnutrition.org/ • Unites States Department of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service. [USDA, FNS]: http://www.fns.usda.gov • U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS): www.health.gov