Student Involvement in Local Wellness Policies of Local Education Agencies in Pennsylvania

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to investigate Student Involvement (SI) in Local Wellness Policies (LWPs) of Pennsylvania Local Education Agencies (LEAs) and to explore predictors of SI. According to the 2004 federal mandate, each LEA participating in a school meal program must develop a LWP and involve a number of stakeholders in the development process. Research supports SI in school‐based interventions to promote healthy eating and physical activity. LWPs from Pennsylvania LEAs (n=721; including 539 public and 182 private LEAs) were abstracted and analyzed using SPSS 15. Logistic regressions were run to examine predictors for involving students on wellness committees, in annual reviews, in school menu planning, as well as assessing student needs and promoting peer‐education. LEAs with comprehensive and rigorous policies were more willing to engage students in LWPs, regardless of the sponsor type (public or private), enrollment, location, or socioeconomic status. LEAs that included students in policy development were more likely to involve students on on‐going wellness committees. In conclusion, LEAs that wrote comprehensive and rigorous policies were more likely to have SI. Demographic characteristics did not appear to be barriers to SI. Involvement of students in drafting wellness policies increases the likelihood of on‐going SI, which may lead to greater student buy‐in for wellness initiatives.Grant Funding SourceRobert Wood Johnson Foundation