In its commitment to combat the national obesity crisis on a local level,
the North Penn Community Health Foundation has provided grant support for “WISE
SNAC” - Wellness Initiative for the School Environment: Smart Nutrition & Activity
Collaborative, an initiative led by the Health Promotion Council of Southeastern
Pennsylvania.
WISE SNAC is a unique and exciting approach to reversing the trend of childhood
obesity by fostering school-community partnerships that promote and reinforce
consistent educational messages and opportunities for healthy eating and
physical activity. Guided by the Centers for Disease Control’s evidence-based
Coordinated School Health Program Model, the WISE SNAC process begins with
a comprehensive needs assessment to gather baseline data on existing knowledge
and behaviors towards nutrition and physical activity. Essential input is
collected from school administration and staff, students, parents/guardians
and community partners. Based on findings, a tailored implementation plan
is developed for each district.
The 2006 WISE SNAC Needs Assessment Report provides a detailed
analysis of the qualitative and quantitative data collected from the Wissahickon
and Souderton Area School Districts during the 2006-2007 school year. Highlights
of this report include:
- 79% of students report eating breakfast everyday; however 21% still do
not.
- Parents have an accurate understanding of what constitutes good nutrition
and physical activity; however, 43% reported buying chips for snacks regularly.
- Students report that faculty/staff and parents are their role models
for healthy lifestyles and they prefer to learn through in-class and family
activities.
- Districts support integration of nutrition and physical activity into
the school day through continuing education-based faculty training and
provision of resources.
- The key partnership to be developed is between parents/guardians, faculty/staff
and administrators as an opportunity for reinforcing consistent messages
in order to promote a healthy school environment.
- Engaging community stakeholders is viewed as a critical component to
addressing childhood obesity, but help is needed in the identification
of partners.
