Dear Editor,
Congratulations to Gilroy Unified School District, you are one
of the first in Santa Clara County to approve a Local Wellness
Policy!
Dear Editor,
Congratulations to Gilroy Unified School District, you are one of the first in Santa Clara County to approve a Local Wellness Policy! Acknowledging that the rate of overweight children attending GUSD is one of the highest in the state of California, and recognizing the link between student health and academic achievement, the Local Wellness Policy Committee developed a comprehensive policy that is being used as a model by other districts in the county.
Although mandated by the Child Nutrition Reauthorization Act to develop a Local Wellness Policy, GUSD’s commitment to health is well established. They are charter members of the South County Collaborative Nutrition and Health Committee, and have been involved in many projects and activities geared to improving the health of their students. In fact, GUSD Food Services voluntarily complied with state legislation that applies strict nutrition standards to food and beverages available on school campuses at the beginning of this school year, well in advance of the July 2007 implementation date.
The GUSD Local Wellness Policy alone will not resolve the skyrocketing rate of pediatric obesity that places one in every three students at significant risk for developing type 2 diabetes, and other chronic diseases; nor will it reduce the costs associated with obesity (this year alone in California, 22 billion dollars). However, it does acknowledge the importance of the school environment in child health. Gilroy needs this type of commitment to provide our children with an environment that is conducive to healthy behaviors, academic achievement, and an improved quality of life. Congratulations GUSD!
Rachela Silvestri and Lillian Castillo
South County Collaborative
Nutrition and Health Committee
