School Wellness

What is a district wellness policy?

District wellness policies focus on improving health and preventing childhood obesity. The goal is to create a school environment that includes healthy food choices and encourages physical activity as well as other wellness activities.

Why do districts need a wellness policy?

District wellness policies are required for all schools participating in USDA’s Child Nutrition Programs – school breakfast, school lunch or the after-school snack program. Any district with one of these programs was required to have a wellness policy in. View our current wellness policy and supplemental documents. View the highlights of Laveen’s wellness policy.

USDA requires all districts to assess their wellness policy at least once every three years for compliance and progress. View the assessment.

Coordinated School Health Model

Health and education affect individuals, society, and the economy. Schools are a perfect setting to collaborate on how best to influence healthier future choices for all. Schools are one of the most efficient systems for reaching children and youth to provide health services and programs. At the same time, integrating health services and programs more deeply into the day-to-day life of schools and students represents an untapped tool for raising academic achievement and improving learning. Below is the model that calls for the integration and collaboration between health and education to improve each child’s cognitive, physical, social, and emotional development.

• Health Education
• Health Services
• Physical Education
• Nutrition Services
• Social/Emotional Wellness
• Healthy and Safe School Environments
• Staff Wellness
• Family and Community Involvement

Join our Wellness Committee

Members of the Laveen Wellness Committee include the Laveen Child Nutrition Department, dietitians, nutritionists, teachers, behavioral staff, instructional coaches, fitness instructors, coordinators, Maricopa County Department of Public Health, parents, and more. Are you looking to join the conversation? Do you have a passion for health and wellness? Our hope is to have a well-rounded group of members that can speak to all areas of wellness and its relation to academic achievement including nutrition, physical activity/education, mental health, social services, nursing/health, etc.

Learn more about this committee.

2023-2024 Wellness Committee.

Meetings Notes and Agendas

Smart Snacks

All foods sold at school during the school day are required to meet nutrition standards. The Smart Snacks in School regulation applies to foods sold a la carte, in the school store, vending machines, and any other venues where food is sold to students.

A number of tools and resources are available to help schools identify food items that meet Smart Snacks criteria. See the resources below for information about the Smart Snacks requirement, helpful tools, and ways to encourage children to make healthier snack choices that give them the nutrition they need to grow and learn.

Smart Snack Calculator 

Smart Snacks Rules

Info for Teachers and Staff

Visit our Intranet for information.

Info for Parents

Additional Resources

Healthy Hunger Free Act of 2010

USDA Team Nutrition 

Local Food and Recipes

Buying local has several benefits including knowing where you food is coming from, knowing that it will last longer, and it will boost the economy.Buying local does not have to be expensive. Many local farmers market have equivalent prices to supermarkets and other grocery stores. Some farmer’s markets also accept WIC and SNAP benefits.

Goodfoodfinderaz.com – Find where to buy local foods.

Team Nutrition Cooks!

Local Farmers Markets
Search for a farmers market near you.

Closest Farmers Markets to Laveen Elementary School District