Coordinating individuals and groups to work together:

• Facilitates better communication
• Reduces duplication of policies and practices
• Increases options for obtaining additional resources to support healthy eating and physical activity
• Increases efficiency through organized efforts

School health councils and school health teams should include a variety of representatives, such as health and physical education teachers, nutrition services staff, students, families, school administrators, school nurses, and other community members.

CDC’s School Health Index or the Alliance for a Healthier Generation’s School Health Assessment Tool are self‐assessment and planning guides that schools may use to assess the strengths and weaknesses of their health and safety policies and practices. Learn more in the School Health Index course (https://www.cdc.gov/healthyschools/professional_development/e‐learning/shi.html).

Yes, school districts that participate in federally supported school meal programs are required to develop, implement, and monitor a local wellness policy with goals focused on nutrition and physical activity. Local wellness policies can help school districts require evidence‐based policies and practices to be implemented in schools across the district.