Society of Behavioral Medicine (SBM) position statement: SBM supports retaining healthy school lunch policies

Abstract

Schools are recognized as venues for population-based health promotion and chronic disease prevention initiatives targeting children, and the school food environment is a central component. The Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010 utilized research-based findings and expert recommendations to significantly improve school lunch standards in the kindergarten to twelfth grade (K-12) setting to enhance the nutritional intake and ultimately the health of children. The new guidelines include increasing the availability of whole grains, fruits, and vegetables; requiring children to select a fruit or vegetable daily; and restricting serving sizes. There is currently no evidence that the revised standards have increased school lunch plate waste. However, there is evidence that children are consuming more healthful foods. The Society of Behavioral Medicine (SBM) supports retaining current school lunch standards set by the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010. SBM also supports increasing the evidence-based by evaluating the implementation and impact of the school lunch revisions.

A 6-year update of the health policy and advocacy priorities of the Society of Behavioral Medicine

“…Since 2011, SBM has published 14 health policy briefs (http://www.sbm.org/advocacy/policy-briefs). Of these, 11 have been published in TBM [1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11], 8 have been completed with SIG expert feedback [1-5, 7, 8, 11], and over the last 2 years, 4 have resulted from collaborations with at least one partner organization [7,8,11]. These briefs covered a broad range of topics, such as prevention of childhood obesity [2][3][4], screening and vaccination to prevent cancer [1,7,11], ecigarette policies [9], and reimbursement for peer support in health care [5].…”

The translation of an evidence-based preschool physical activity intervention from in-person to online delivery of professional development to preschool teachers

“…In 2016, about 42% of 3 year olds, 66% of 4 year olds, and 86% of 5 year olds were enrolled in preprimary programs [2]. Such settings are in a unique position to influence young children's health and development by providing play and physical activity opportunities [3]. Accordingly, the Institute of Medicine (IOM), now the National Academy of Medicine, recommends that early childhood settings (hereafter referred to as preschools) provide daily indoor and outdoor physical activity opportunities for at least 15 min/hr [4], and the Society of Behavioral Medicine recommends increasing physical activity during child care hours to 120 min per day [3].…”

“…Such settings are in a unique position to influence young children's health and development by providing play and physical activity opportunities [3]. Accordingly, the Institute of Medicine (IOM), now the National Academy of Medicine, recommends that early childhood settings (hereafter referred to as preschools) provide daily indoor and outdoor physical activity opportunities for at least 15 min/hr [4], and the Society of Behavioral Medicine recommends increasing physical activity during child care hours to 120 min per day [3]. Similarly, the 2018 Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans include two key recommendations for physical activity and active play throughout the day for young children [5]: (i) preschool-aged children (ages 3 through 5 years) should be physically active throughout the day to enhance growth and development and (ii) adult caregivers of preschoolaged children should encourage active play that includes a variety of activity types.…”

Childcare Center Characteristics Moderate the Effects of a Physical Activity Intervention

“…Center-based early childhood education and care (ECEC) programs serve large numbers of young children [3,4] and are therefore well-positioned to create a positive impact on child health and development by providing opportunities for physical activity [5]. The Institute of Medicine (IOM), now the National Academy of Medicine, recommends that early childhood settings provide daily indoor and outdoor physical activity opportunities for at least 15 min per hour, and the Society of Behavioral Medicine recommends increasing physical activity during child care hours to 120 min per day [5]. However, many young children in these settings are insufficiently active [6][7][8][9].…”