Preface

Per 7 CFR 210.31(c), all Local Education Agencies participating in the National School Lunch or Breakfast Programs must establish a Local Wellness Policy. As of June 30, 2017, these policies must meet the requirements of the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010. Wellness Policies support student health by promoting nutrition and physical activity, helping schools create environments where students can thrive and succeed.

Wellness Policy Committee

Meeting Date: Thursday, June 5, 2025

Time: 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM

Location: District Office Conference Room

---

Committee Members

Name	Role
Michelle McGuire	Director of Food Services
Kirsten Frankovich	Superintendent
Dave Blatchley	Asst. Superintendent of Business
Jennifer Fisher	School Nurse
Jeff Kulik	Principal
Breanna Golden	Principal
Amy Ternig	Teacher
Erica Wright	Teacher
Laura Kuczkowski	Teacher & Parent Representative
Lisa Alvarez Castaneda	Parent Representative

---

Committee Responsibilities

Public Involvement

The Local Education Agency (LEA) permits and encourages public involvement in the development, implementation, updates, and review of the Local Wellness Policy. Stakeholders from the general public will be invited to participate in these processes through the following communication methods:

• www.d92.org

• District and School Newsletters

Assessments

Per the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010, Local Wellness Policy assessments must occur at least once every three years. Will County SD 92 began assessments in 2017 and will continue on a triennial basis.

• Most Recent Assessment: July 2024

• Assessment Goals:

  • Ensure compliance with USDA, State, and Local regulations.

  • Compare the LEA’s policy to model wellness policies.

  • Measure progress in achieving wellness policy goals.

Policy Updates

The Wellness Policy Committee shall update the Local Wellness Policy as needed to reflect the goals and needs of the LEA. The following will be made available to the public:

• The current Local Wellness Policy and annual updates.

• Triennial assessments, including progress reports.

• Board Policy 6:50 School Wellness.

• Board Policy 4:120 Food Services.

Distribution Channels:

• www.d92.org

• District and School Newsletters

• Letters to Parents

Recordkeeping

The LEA shall maintain records related to the Local Wellness Policy, including:

• A copy of the current policy.

• Documentation of the most recent assessment.

• Evidence of public availability of the policy and assessments.

• Details of policy reviews and revisions, including participant involvement and outreach efforts.

---

Nutrition

The Local Education Agency recognizes the important role nutrition plays in academic performance as well as overall quality of life. The National Education Association references numerous articles supporting the effects of nutrition on the classroom; for example, hunger often has a negative impact on students’ success, attendance, and behavior.

Youth Obesity (CDC, 2021–2023 Data)

• 21.1% of U.S. children and adolescents (ages 2–19) were classified as obese.

• This is up from 18.5% in 2015–2016.

• Severe obesity also increased from 3.6% to 7.0%.

Household Food Insecurity (USDA, 2023 Data)

• 13.5% of U.S. households experienced food insecurity in 2023 (down from 15.7% in 2017).

• Among households with children:

  • 17.9% experienced food insecurity.

  • 8.9% had both adults and children experiencing food insecurity.

  • 1.0% of households had children with disrupted eating patterns due to lack of food.

District 92 participates in the USDA’s School Nutrition Programs to provide students with access to nutritious meals and help reduce both obesity and food insecurity.

---

Nutrition Standards

Meals

All reimbursable meals served for the purposes of the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) and School Breakfast Program (SBP) must meet or exceed USDA nutrition standards and regulations. This includes:

• Meeting standards for each meal pattern component (Grains, Meat/Meat Alternatives, Fruits, Vegetables, and Milk).

• Meeting or exceeding limitations set for calories, sodium, saturated fat, and trans fat.

• Note: District 92 offers fresh fruits and vegetables daily.

Competitive Foods

All competitive foods and beverages sold must comply with the USDA Smart Snacks in Schools nutrition standards (7 CFR 210.31(c)(3)(iii)). This refers to items sold to students outside the reimbursable meal on campus during the school day (midnight before to 30 minutes after the end of the school day), including vending machines and à la carte items.

Other Foods and Beverages

The LEA encourages food and beverage items that meet Smart Snacks nutrition standards for reward and celebration purposes. Since more than 25% of children’s daily calories may come from snacks, Smart Snacks allow for a more nutrient-dense intake.

Fundraisers

All fundraisers promoting food/beverages held on campus during the school day must meet Smart Snacks standards. The school shall also utilize non-food fundraisers, such as:

• Kids Heart Challenge (Grades 2–5)

• PFA Penny Wars

• Podcast-A-Thon

---

Rewards, Celebrations, and Birthdays

To support student health, District 92 maintains the following guidelines for school hours:

Key Guidelines

• No Food Rewards: Food or beverages may not be used as rewards for academic performance or positive behavior.

• No Food Birthdays: Edible treats are not allowed for birthdays. Students may bring non-edible items (pencils, stickers, bookmarks).

• Classroom Parties: Food and beverages are not allowed to be served at classroom parties (e.g., Halloween, Winter). Focus should remain on inclusive activities and movement.

Approved Event Exceptions

When food is part of an approved event, it must be:

1. Pre-approved by school administration.

2. Limited in frequency (e.g., no more than once per month).

3. Healthy, portion-controlled, and following Smart Snacks guidelines.

Suggested Non-Food Rewards

• Extra recess or outdoor time.

• Positive notes/calls home.

• Special classroom jobs or leadership roles.

• Dance breaks or music time.

• Homework passes.

---

Nutrition Education & Promotion

Curriculum

In accordance with Illinois Learning Standards, District 92 integrates nutrition education into Health and PE curricula using resources such as Teen Health (6–8), MyPlate.gov, and Team Nutrition.

• Grades K–5: Occurs in Physical Education.

• Grades 6–8: Occurs in Physical Education and Health classes.

Promotion

• Digital Access: Menus and nutrition info are available via Mealviewer (website and app).

• Farm to School: The District participates in farm and orchard visits and prioritizes fresh, nutritious items linked to increased produce consumption.

• Food Waste Reduction: The District utilizes "share tables" (per Public Act 102-0359) and signage to encourage students to share unopened items and reduce waste.

Marketing

District 92 prohibits the marketing of foods/beverages that do not meet Smart Snacks standards on campus during the school day. This applies to posters, menu boards, vending machines, and equipment. Standards will be implemented as old equipment needs replacement.

---

Physical Activity

Physical Education Requirements

The LEA meets all Illinois requirements for Physical Education:

• Grades K–5: Daily PE (30 minutes).

• Grades 6–8: Daily PE/Health (42 minutes).

Additional Opportunities

• Daily Recess: Grades K–5 (30 minutes).

• Brain Breaks: PreK–5.

• Extracurriculars: Club D92, Girls on the Run, D92 Athletic Association.

• Middle School Athletics: Baseball, Softball, Cross Country, Track, Basketball, Volleyball, Cheerleading, Bowling, and Golf.

Other School-Based Wellness

To reinforce goals beyond the gym and cafeteria, the district provides:

• Midwest Great Apple Crunch

• Chef of the Day events