To combat this growing epidemic, state legislatures have
mandated that every school district establish a wellness policy
that encourages healthy choices both inside and outside the
classroom. A committee composed of 13 parents, teachers, food
service directors and administrators developed Vermillion's
wellness policy, which was implemented this fall. The initiative
has a three-fold purpose, which is to give students access to
nutritious food, provide opportunities for physical activity and
equip students with accurate information related to these
topics. The policy was developed from a template provided by the
state. The committee members used the template as a guideline
for developing Vermillion's local policy. Committee chairperson
Chris Girard, a member of the Vermillion School Board, said
regardless of whether or not the mandate had been issued,
wellness in schools was something that needed to be inspected.
"Obesity is rapidly increasing in young children and adults,"
Girard said, "and they need to learn