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SAN DIEGO—June 28, 2006 – Stanislaus Union 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.

In February 2006, Stanislaus Union School District adopted its wellness policy, which promotes goal setting and a diverse curriculum. A highlight of the policy is the physical education program implemented at each junior high school campus.

“A governing committee continues to work on communicating its wellness goals to the community and encourages healthy physical activity and food choices to create healthy, lifelong habits,” said Tammy Anderson-Wise, award presenter and director, program services for Dairy Council of California. “It is also apparent the students in the school district are excited about participating in the physical education courses. Dairy Council has been providing nutrition education materials 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.

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

SUPERINTENDENTS’ CHALLENGE

Other districts honored for their wellness policies include Kernville Union School District of Kern County and Jefferson Union High School District of San Mateo 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.