ADA REPORTS
Position of ADA, SNE, and ASFSA: School-Based Nutrition Programs and Services

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Position Statement

It is the position of The American Dietetic Association, the Society for Nutrition Education, and the American School Food Service Association that comprehensive school-based nutrition programs and services be provided to all the nation's elementary and secondary students. These programs and services include: effective education in foods and nutrition; a school environment that provides opportunity and reinforcement for heatthjut eating and physical activity; involve-rnent of parents and the

Rationale for Universal Nutrition Programs and Services in Schools

The link between diet and chronic disease is well recognized, and nutrition education is viewed as an important component of most major health promotion and disease prevention programs (6), (7), (8). School-based nutrition programs and services, by promoting positive lifestyles and developing effective decision-making skills, offer the most systematic and efficient means available to improve the health of youth in America (9), (10).

Green and Kreuter (11) point out that health officials and

Description of Comprehensive School-Based Nutrition Programs and Services

The ultimate goal of comprehensive school-based nutrition programs and services is to have students eating in a health-promoting manner. However, given the many factors influencing eating behavior, it is unrealistic to hold schools alone accountable for achieving this goal. On the other hand, it is appropriate to hold schools accountable for providing students with the behavioral skills, knowledge, and attitudes necessary to eat well and cope with potential threats to eating well (11).

Conclusion

School administrators and teachers will view nutrition as a priority to the extent that it facilitates their primary mission — education. To contribute to the educational achievement of students, nutrition programs and services must help students develop the behavioral and decision-making skills needed for choosing a healthful diet. Success requires a comprehensive approach that includes classroom nutrition education; a nutritionally supportive school environment; parent and community

Recommendations for Qualified Nutrition Professionals

Foodservice departments in schools have traditionally been almost solely responsible for school nutrition programs (5). In the coming era of comprehensive school-based nutrition programs and services, administrators must become accountable for all school nutrition programs and services. Qualified nutrition professionals must also exercise leadership at the national, state, and local levels.

Several major efforts underway at the national level require response and support from qualified nutrition

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  • Cited by (18)

    • Coordinated school health program and dietetics professionals: Partners in promoting healthful eating

      2004, Journal of the American Dietetic Association
      Citation Excerpt :

      A CSHP provides the needed partnership between educators, families, and dietetics professionals to meet nutrition challenges facing youth. To date, the promise of a CSHP outshines its practice; however, many professionals who implement, teach, and research various elements of school health programs believe the model could become one of the most efficient tools to significantly improve the well-being of children (30,31). What is more, the Healthy School Summit collaboration of more than 30 national education, fitness, nutrition, and health organizations generated interest for adopting the CSHP as a model for reducing childhood obesity and improving the nutrition and fitness status of our nation’s children (32).

    • Foodservice staff perceptions of their influence on student food choices

      2002, Journal of the American Dietetic Association
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