Did you know that every school is required to have a Wellness Policy, covering topics like school celebrations and rewards, physical activity, and nutrition education? It's true!  According to recent updates, schools also have to engage parents in the policies. This is a perfect opportunity for parents, like you and I, to get involved! 

To help you engage with your school, and learn more about the policies, MomsRising is holding a #FoodFri tweetchat this Friday, February 27, 2015, to discuss the updated School Wellness Policy rules.  Joining us on the chat will be @CSPI.

Feel free to ask questions, and share your tips, during the chat! We want to hear from YOU. 

Background:

School wellness policies promoting nutrition and physical activity were first required by Congress in 2004. While many schools have since adopted policies to support eating well and being physically active, overall implementation across the country has not been consistent. In 2014, USDA proposed updates to local wellness policies to strengthen implementation, enhance parental engagement, better inform parents about the policies, and provide schools with technical assistance. In addition, for the first time, local wellness policies will need to address food marketing in schools. Participating in the development and implementation of your child’s school’s wellness policy is a great way to support healthy schools in 2015. 

To join and follow the conversation on Twitter use the #FoodFri Hashtag in each tweet.

You can also follow the chat on Twubs.com/FoodFri. Twubs allows you to follow MomsRising’s registered hashtags by creating an account. Below I have noted the steps.

1. Create an account using an email or your Twitter account.
2. Enter the desired hashtag, #FoodFri, #WellnessWed or #EcoTipTue, in the search box found at the top of the page. Click Enter. A new page will open with the desired chat.
3. Find the “Join This Twub” button found on the right-hand side bar and join the group.
4. Adjust the speed of the conversation to your liking. Options are: Fast, Medium, Slow, Slower, or Slowest.
5. Introduce yourself and join the conversation, by entering your comment, tips, or questions in the “Tweet to #FoodFri as [YourName] box”
6. Or, respond to a specific tweet by hovering over the right-hand side of the individual’s tweet and selecting one of the icons.

More about our #FoodFri Featured Panelist(s):

Since 1971, CSPI has been a strong advocate for nutrition and health, food safety, alcohol policy, and sound science.

Founded by executive director Michael Jacobson, Ph.D. and two other scientists, CSPI carved out a niche as the organized voice of the American public on nutrition, food safety, health and other issues during a boom of consumer and environmental protection awareness in the early 1970s. CSPI has long sought to educate the public, advocate government policies that are consistent with scientific evidence on health and environmental issues, and counter industry’s powerful influence on public opinion and public policies.

Connect with CSPI on their website, Twitter and Facebook.