With lead funding from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, the Alliance launched the Healthy Schools Program in February of 2006. The program sets criteria for healthy schools and recognizes schools that meet these criteria. The criteria contain benchmarks for best practices in the areas of physical activity, nutrition and staff wellness. Schools must meet the criteria in all of the domains in order to achieve the recognition status.

In addition to recognition, the Healthy Schools Program provides onsite and online support to schools to: improve the nutritional value of food served in and out of cafeterias, including reimbursable meals and competitive foods; increase physical activity opportunities during the school day and after school; implement quality health and physical education programs; and offer programs for staff wellness. We believe that a combination of technical assistance, grassroots- and nationally driven motivation, and visible recognition will create long-term systems changes in schools that will have important benefits for students. 

The Healthy Schools Program has a special commitment to schools that serve resource-constrained and highly diverse student populations. Additionally, the program has hired an evaluation firm to conduct a rigorous evaluation of the program.

Any school in the nation can be part of the movement to build healthier schools by joining the Healthy Schools Program at no cost.  Here are a few things the Healthy Schools Program provides its member schools:

• National recognition for their small victories and big successes
• Customized support for creating a healthier school environment through a liaison available by phone and e-mail
• Implementation support and tools to help schools work towards creating a healthier school environment and achieving recognition.
• Networking opportunities with schools across the country on the quest to make their environments healthier.
• A database that includes great resources and grant opportunities to help schools implement healthy changes and promote physical activity and healthy eating.

To learn more about the Healthy Schools Program or to enroll a school visit www.HealthierGeneration.org/schools.