Children today are far less physically active than in the past--a few decades ago American children typically spent about three hours a day playing outside, but now average only about three hours of physical activity a week.

 

The condition of childhood health in New Jersey is particularly worrisome, as the state has consistently reported the nation’s highest prevalence of obesity in low-income children aged two to five, according to data from the Pediatric Nutrition Surveillance System. These alarming statistics spurred the creation of a special office within the state Department of Health and Human Services dedicated to preventing obesity, and the promotion of healthy eating and living initiatives in schools throughout New Jersey.

 

Research by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) indicate that increased physical activity during childhood is essential for lifelong health and that school and community programs play a critical role in promoting physical activity. Together with SRTS, healthy school programs can help to improve physical health and create positive learning and working environments for the more than 1.4 million children and 200,000 staff in New Jersey’s 3,600 public and private school facilities.

Using School Wellness Policies

Federal law specifies that all school districts with federally funded school meal programs must create and implement school wellness policies that target nutrition and physical activity. In addition to the national requirements, New Jersey requires school districts to adopt a local policy that conforms to the U.S. Department of Agriculture nutrition standards and is consistent with the New Jersey Department of Agriculture's (NJDA) Model School Nutrition Policy.

 

Although nutrition is the main focus of the NJDA's policy, daily exercise should also be a key component. Unfortunately, many school’s policies don’t include plans for physical activity. While New Jersey’s model policy is very specific with regards to nutritional standards that must be met, mentions of physical activity standards remain vague. To combat the epidemic of childhood obesity, schools should strive to meet and exceed not only the nutritional standards set forth in the model policy but also the physical activity standards as well. Safe Routes to School programs can play an important role with increasing daily physical activity by encouraging students to walk and bike as part of an everyday healthy lifestyle.