Local Wellness Policy 5 Years Later: Is It Making a Difference for Students in Low-Income, Rural Colorado Elementary Schools?

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Elaine S. Belansky, PhD; Nick Cutforth, PhD; Lynn Gilbert, PhD; Jill Litt, PhD; Hannah Reed; Sharon Scarbro, MS; Julie A. Marshall, PhD

Suggested citation for this article: Belansky ES, Cutforth N, Gilbert L, Litt J, Reed H, Scarbro S, et al. Local Wellness Policy 5 Years Later: Is It Making a Difference for Students in Low-Income, Rural Colorado Elementary Schools? Prev Chronic Dis 2013;10:130002. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5888/pcd10.130002

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Abstract

Introduction
The federally mandated Local Wellness Policy (LWP) was intended to promote student health in schools. This study assesses the 5-year effects of the LWP on the health practices of rural elementary schools in Colorado.
Methods
One year before and 5 years after the LWP mandate, a survey was administered to a random sample of principals, physical education (PE) teachers, and food-service managers in 45 rural, low-income elementary schools in Colorado. Response rates were 71% in 2005 and 89% in 2011.
Results
Minutes for PE and recess did not increase, nor did offerings of fresh fruits and vegetables. More schools adopted policies prohibiting teachers from taking recess away as punishment (9.7% in 2005 vs 38.5% in 2011, P = .02) or for making up missed instructional time, class work, or tests in other subjects (3.2% in 2005 vs 28.2% in 2011, P = .03). More schools scheduled recess before lunch (22.6% in 2005 vs 46.2% in 2011, P = .04) and developed policies for vending machines (42.9% in 2005 vs 85.7% in 2011, P = .01) and parties (21.4% in 2005 vs 57.9% in 2011, P = .004).
Conclusion
Changes in school practices are modest, and arguably the important school practices such as increased PE and recess time and increased offerings of fruits and vegetables in the lunch line have not changed in the 5 years since the mandate went into effect. Further investigation is needed to identify the knowledge, skills, and attitudes as well as financial and physical resources required for school administrators to make changes in school practices.

Author Information

Corresponding Author: Elaine S. Belansky, PhD, Assistant Professor, Community and Behavioral Health, Associate Director, Rocky Mountain Prevention Research Center, Colorado School of Public Health, University of Colorado Denver, 13001 East 17th Place, Campus Box C-245, Aurora, CO 80045. Telephone: (303) 724-4383. E-mail: elaine.belansky@ucdenver.edu.
Author Affiliations: Nick Cutforth, University of Denver Morgridge College of Education; Lynn Gilbert, Jill Litt, Hannah Reed, Sharon Scarbro, Julie A. Marshall, University of Colorado Denver, Denver, Colorado