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SAN DIEGO—June 28, 2006 – Jefferson Union High School District’s exemplary wellness policy that addresses California’s growing childhood obesity epidemic serves as a state model, according to the California Superintendents’ Challenge.

The Jefferson Union High School District Wellness Committee developed comprehensive wellness policies and procedures designed to encourage healthy, nutritional decisions, provide increased opportunity for physical activity, and give all students the information necessary to make safe and healthy lifestyle choices – both now and in the future.

“The district strongly believes that safe and healthy students are going to be better learners and positive decision makers,” said Tammy Anderson-Wise, award presenter and director, program services for Dairy Council of California. “In addition, a group of students are currently developing a student-based nutrition and wellness publicity campaign designed to raise awareness about these critical issues.

“Dairy Council has been providing nutrition education material to schools for decades, and it is refreshing to see students get so excited about health.

” Each year the challenge involves the California Department of Education, California Task Force on Youth and Workplace Wellness, and Dairy Council of California teaming up to acknowledge and promote the important work schools are doing to address student health and well-being.

SUPERINTENDENTS’ CHALLENGE

“The challenge invites local school districts across California to improve the health of their students through the development and implementation of policies that promote proper nutrition and physical activity,” said State Sen. Tom Torlakson, California Task Force on Youth and Workplace Wellness chair.

Other districts honored for their wellness policies include Kernville Union School District of Kern County and Stanislaus Union School District of Stanislaus County.

The challenge is a public-private endeavor funded entirely by donations as a nonprofit project of the Public Health Institute. Experts in the field of health, nutrition, physical activity and education volunteer their time and resources to the challenge every year. To learn more about the challenge, visit www.cde.ca.gov/eo/in/ch

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Dairy Council of California develops nutrition education programs that are designed to be personally relevant to each user. This customization allows consumers to make decisions considering their unique needs, resulting in healthy food choices and contributing to optimal health. For more information, visit www.dairycouncilofca.org. Healthy Eating Made Easier.