Wellness for Physical Activity and Nutrition

WELLNESS FOR PHYSICAL ACTIVITY AND NUTRITION (PAN) AT BUSD 

Personal well-being and academic performance are interconnected.  Research shows that student health behaviors and academic outcomes improve when schools establish and implement wellness policies, design and deliver health-promotion instructional programs, and model healthy actions.

Schools are instrumental in promoting wellness including offsetting student health issues related to poor nutrition and physical inactivity.  In 2004, federal legislation required school systems to establish policies that support nutrition education, physical activity, food and beverage guidelines, and other school-based activities that promote wellness.  This law was renewed and expanded upon under the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010.

The elements of Burbank Unified School District's Wellness Policy are to include:

• Goals for physical activity and nutrition (PAN) promotion and education as well as other school-based activities that promote student wellness;
• Nutrition guidelines for all available foods and beverages;
• Support for school environments that promote sound nutrition, student health, and opportunities to reduce childhood obesity;
• Opportunities for Burbank USD community members, parents, staff, and students to participate in the development, implementation, and periodic review of the Burbank USD Wellness policy through the BUSD Wellness Committee;
• An evaluation and periodic review of the plan’s effectiveness;
• Public access to the Wellness Policy via the Burbank USD Wellness Programs and Services web pages and;
• Oversight by the Burbank USD Director of Wellness.