Arkansas Act 1220 (2003) and Federal Legislation (the Child Nutrition and WIC Reauthorization Act of 2004 and 2006) requires every school district to have a Wellness Policy and a District level committee to review and monitor the District Wellness Policy.  The LRSD Nutrition and Physical Activity Advisory/ Wellness Committee is a dedicated  group of professionals representing health leaders from the community, teachers, school administrators, nutritionists,  nurses, food service personnel, parents and students who are committed to creating schools that promote health & sound nutrition, physical activity, general wellness and high academic achievement. 

A list of current members is linked (Appendix A). Many of these members voluntarily attend the monthly committee meetings or review material and communicate by email. Committee members also assist by monitoring policy compliance through school site visits and survey analysis.

This committee recognizes that health and education levels are highly correlated and aims to support Little Rock School District in becoming the “healthiest, high-achieving school district in Arkansas”. The Wellness Committee utilizes the Coordinated School Health Model in all schools, supporting best practices for school policy and environment, mental and physical health services, health education, physical fitness, nutrition and staff wellness.

Food and beverages at school are becoming healthier. 

Starting July 1, 2014, updated school nutrition standards went into effect for vending machines, a la carte sales in the cafeteria, school stores and some on campus fundraisers.  Students will still be able to buy snacks that meet common-sense standards for fat, saturated fat, sugar and sodium with products that have whole grains, low fat dairy, fruits, vegetables or protein foods as their main ingredients. The standards are in effect from midnight until 30 minutes after the end of the school day.  Sales of foods and beverages meeting the standards can take place from midnight until the school day begins and from 30 minutes after the last lunch period until 30 minutes after the end of the school day. In addition to the nutrition standards there are also some maximum portion sizes.  To help you understand the reasons for the updates and decide on what you plan to sell, a list of resources are provided below.