MDE Local Wellness Policy Assessment Plan 2026

Background

The Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010 requires Local Educational Agencies (LEAs) to update or modify their wellness policy, as appropriate. When wellness committees meet on a regular basis throughout the school year, an Assessment Plan should be used to ensure progress is being made on the district's wellness policy and procedures. 

Purpose

The template below is offered to help summarize the information gathered during your assessment. Members of a school wellness committee who are completing the triennial assessment for their school wellness policy may use this template. It contains the three required components of the triennial assessment, including: 1) compliance with the wellness policy, 2) how the wellness policy compares to model wellness policies, and 3) progress made in attaining the goals of the wellness policy. 

results

The copy of the assessment must be made available to the public. How the assessment is made available is the decision of the LEA. Many LEA's choose to post the results on their district website. The triennial assessment summary and the assessment details must be shared. 

Record keeping and Resources

Keep a copy of the most triennial assessment, along with supporting documentation on file. This will be needed when you have a School Nutrition Program administrative review. 

Michigan Department of Education's Local School Wellness Policy

How often does your School Wellness Committee meet? Once per year

School Wellness Leader: John Henry, Director of Food Service, jhenry@rockfordschools.org

School Wellness Committee Members:

Indicate the model policy language used for comparison:

X  Michigan State Board of Education Model Local School Wellness Policy

    Alliance for a Healthier Generation: Model Policy

    WellSAT 3.0 example policy language

Describe how your wellness policy compares to model well policies:

Rockford Public Schools aligns its wellness goals with MDE requirements by categorizing them into the mandated areas of nutrition promotion and education, physical activity, and other school-based activities. Following the MDE's recommendation for SMART objectives, the district's assessment includes specific action steps, timelines, and measurement methods to track progress for each goal. For nutrition, Rockford meets state standards by using the Nurtislice app for nutritional transparency and strictly adhering to Smart Snacks rules for all foods sold on campus, including vending machines. The district addresses the physical activity requirement through goals focused on inclusive and diverse opportunities, such as piloting non-competitive fitness units and implementing daily classroom movement breaks. Rockford further aligns with the State Board of Education's emphasis on mental health by integrating the TRAILS into the Wellness curriculum and providing parent education opportunities at least three times a year. To meet MDE's marketing requirements, the district ensures that only products meeting Smart Snacks standards are promoted, utilizing a digital calculator to verify compliance. Additionally, the district supports "other school-based activities" through the OK2Say program and social-emotional instruction during middle school, mirroring the state's  goal of a holistic, healthy campus environment. Progress towards these goals is tracked through specific metrics, such as PE elective enrollment data and participation rates in the School Assistance Program, fulfilling the MDE mandate for a periodic evaluation of goal attainment. 

At a minimum, local wellness policies are required to include:

• Specific goals for: Nutrition promotion and education, physical activity, and other school-based activities that promote student wellness. 
• Standards and nutrition guidelines for all foods and beverages sold to students on the School campus during the school day that are consistent with Federal regulations for school meal nutrition standards, and the Smart Snacks in School nutrition standards. 
• Standards for all foods and beverages provided, but not sold, to students during the school day (e.g. in classroom parties, classroom snacks brought by parents, or other foods given as incentives). 
• Policies for food and beverage marketing that allow marketing and advertising of only those foods and beverages that meet the Smart Snacks in Schools nutrition standards. 
• Description of public involvement, public updates, policy leadership, and evaluation plan. 

Use the table (next tab) to indicate the progress made with each goal included in the Wellness Policy. The table may be used for each school separately or the the district.

Tip: When developing a wellness plan, ensure activities are meeting goals by developing SMART objectives:

• Specific: Identify the exact area to improve.
• Measurable: Quantify the progress.
• Attainable: Determine what is achievable. 
• Realistic: Consider resources and determine what can reasonably be accomplished.
• Time bound: Identify deadlines for goals and related tactics.