Evaluating the Impact of Governmental Partners on School Nutrition and Physical Activity Policies: A Survey of Florida School Principals

For decades, U.S. schools have implemented policies aimed at improving student nutrition and physical activity. Governmental agencies have led these efforts with funding and regulation, and implementation supported by health and agriculture agencies and university extension services at state and local levels. To understand the roles of these agencies in school health, and other factors leading to the implementation of school health policies, we surveyed school principals in Florida in 2018 on topics related to school nutrition and physical activity policies. Depending on the wellness policy, prevalence varied from 6 percent (Safe Routes to School) to 66 percent (wellness coordinator). Poisson regression results indicated a significantly higher number of nutrition and physical activity policies for schools working with a partner, non-charter schools, and schools with higher principal engagement. These results highlight a need for greater resources (particularly governmental health and agricultural agencies and university extension services) to improve school health policy adoption in Florida