Wellness Policy
PURPOSE:
The Children’s Home Network (CHN) Kids Village program, is a licensed child caring facility that
provides for children that promotes child wellness.
OPERATIONAL PROCEDURES:
1. The facility is regulated by state agencies, including the FL Department of Children child and
Families, and is operated according to standards of the Council on Accreditation.
2. The facility participates in the National School Breakfast and lunch programs and follows USDA
guidelines as administered by the FL Department of Agriculture.
3. CHN does not use food as either reward or punishment in its motivation or discipline.
4. Children’s Home Network Kids Village Program promotes child safety and well- being, the
organization supports residents’ efforts to care for and nurture their children, and :
a. Offers age-appropriate programming that meet children’s social, emotional, cognitive and
physical needs; or
b. Links children with appropriate services offered by other community providers.
A. School Wellness Leadership:
The CHN Chef Manager and Director of Campus Operations shall ensure overall compliance with the
CHN wellness policy.
B. Nutrition Promotion:
CHN will utilize tools and strategies in the café as well as each cottage that promote and reinforce
healthy eating in the campus environment, and ensuring that messages are clear and consistent.
C. Nutrition Education Goals:
Youth of Kids Village attend public schools; therefore, the various schools our youth attend provide
formal nutrition education.
Goals:
1. Nutrition information designed for youth will be available in each cottage.
2. Training in the use of nutrition information will be given to Cottage staff.
D. Physical Activity Goals:
Planned daily physical activities are available to all youth residing in Kids Village.
Goals:
1. The Cottage Staff and/or Activities Coordinator plans and coordinates activities that give
opportunities for all youth to improve their physical well-being including at least 20 minutes of
physical activity each day.
2. The Cottage Staff and/or Activities Coordinator provide a weekly after school Recreation
Schedule to all direct care staff members and time is made available for youth to participate on a
daily basis.
3. Youth will be encouraged to use the facilities available, including the gymnasium, the swimming
pool and the extensive grounds.
E. Goals Other School-Based Activities Designed to Promote Student Wellness:
Foods and beverages served during CHN sponsored special events are consistent with current Dietary
Guidelines for Americans. CHN’s guidelines for reimbursable school meals shall not be less
restrictive than regulations and guidance issued by USDA.
1. Youth will be provided an adequate amount of time to consume their meals each day.
2. CHN will provide nutritious, locally grown food whenever available.
F. Nutrition Standards for All Foods Available on Campus during the School Day:
CHN follows USDA guidelines for healthy Americans in all its menus and food preparation.
Goals:
1. A cycle menu that includes details such as portion sizes is followed for all meals served in the
Dining Hall and/or Cottages.
2. Access to food in the cottage is available.
3. CHN does not hold fundraising events that involve food or beverage items with the youth.
4. No food or beverages are sold to youth, all food is provided.
5. Nutritious snacks which meet the requirements of the United States Department of Agriculture,
Food and Nutrition Service shall be provided.
a. Food is not used for rewards as punishment or withheld from a youth
b. Free, potable water will be made available to all youth during each meal service.
G. Food and Beverage Marketing:
No food or beverage marketing occurs in the program. If food/beverage marketing ever does occur it
will meet the competitive food (smart snacks standards).
H. Goals for Measurement and Evaluation:
Updates and modifications of the wellness policy will be based on the results of the annual review
and triennial assessments and/or as local priorities change, community needs change, wellness goals
are met, new health information and technology emerges and new federal or state guidance or
standards are issued.
The wellness policy will be assessed at least every three years and will include:
a. The extent to which CHJN is in compliance with the policy
b. The extent to which the policy compares to model local school wellness policies
c. A description of the progress made in attaining the goals of the school wellness
policy
I. Informing the Public:
1. CHN will ensure that the most updated version of the wellness policy and triennial
assessment are always available to the public when requested.
2. Updates will be provided to community stakeholders as applicable in the form of
handouts and articles in the newsletter.
3. CHN will provide legal guardian a copy of the school wellness policy at time of
admission upon request.
J. Community Involvement:
1. CHN will consider youth needs in planning for a healthy nutrition environment and youth
are asked for their feedback on quarterly surveys.
2. CHN shall permit participation and feedback from the community on the wellness policy.
