3440 Policy – Food, Food Education, Physical Education & Physical Activity

The Bellingham Promise commits to developing students who are “healthy and active individuals.” The food served in schools, food education for students, physical education classes and physical activity opportunities are all critical to honoring this commitment.

Food and Food Education

In Bellingham Public Schools, we encourage a lifetime of healthy eating by serving students nourishing, delicious, whole foods in a welcoming environment. Bellingham Food Services Vision Statement

Bellingham Public Schools recognizes the link between food served in schools, food education and students’ ability to learn effectively and learn to make healthy lifelong choices. Our schools model and actively promote good health and nutrition. When we offer food to students, we foster a healthy relationship with food.

We respect the human need to eat, to share meals, and to include food in our celebrations. Enjoying food together is a fundamental experience for all people and a primary way to nurture and celebrate our cultural diversity. These fundamental human experiences are vital bridges for building friendships, forming intergenerational bonds, strengthening core values, and promoting the general wellness of our community.

Physical Education

The Every Student Succeeds Act of 2015 recognizes physical education in the definition of a well-rounded education.

The goal of physical education is to develop physically literate individuals who have the knowledge, skills and confidence to enjoy a lifetime of healthful physical activity. (National Standards for K-12 Physical Education)

Physical Activity

Physically active children are healthier children, and have a better chance of a healthy adulthood. The US Department of Health & Human Services recommends that youth engage in a minimum of 60 minutes of physical activity every day.

Bellingham Public Schools has a comprehensive, school-based physical activity program (CSPAP) that includes these components: physical education, recess, classroom-based physical activity, walk and bicycle to school, and out-of-school time activities.

Cross References:

Policy 3530 - Solicitation of Funds

Policy 6102 - District Fundraising Activities

Legal References:

Public Law 108-265 Child Nutrition and WIC Reauthorization Act of 2004

Public Law 111-296 Healthy Hunger Free Kids Act of 2010

42 USC 1758b Richard B Russell National School Lunch Act

RCW 28A.230.040 Physical Education—Grades 1-8

RCW 28A.230.050 Physical Education in High School

WAC 392-410-135 Physical education—Grade school and high school requirement

Management Resources:

Every Student Succeeds Act