Multi-component school-based obesity prevention programs
Local governments can invest in this strategy using State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (SLFRF) from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA).
- This strategy can help promote healthy childhood environments. The U.S. Department of Treasury has indicated that strategies that help achieve this outcome are eligible for the use of Fiscal Recovery Funds.
- Investments in this strategy are SLFRF-eligible as long as they are made in qualified census tracts or are designed to assist populations or communities disproportionately impacted by COVID-19.
Program overview
- Involves educational, environmental, and behavioral activities and typically addresses both physical activity and nutrition before, during, and/or after school
- Typically includes healthy living and nutrition education classes, enhanced physical education and increased physical activity opportunities, and school-wide promotion of healthy food options and food environment improvements
- Capacity building and professional support for teachers and staff, along with family education and support
- Cost per Participant
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Not available
Evidence and impacts
Ranked as having the highest level of evidence by County Health Rankings and Roadmaps
- Increased physical activity and improved dietary habits
- Improved weight status when implemented with high intensity for long durations
- More successful than single-component programs
Best practices in implementation
- Note: This content is under review
- Fostering community and parent participation is critical to maintaining the multifaceted nature of such programs.
- Trained staff members and teachers who model good health habits for their students are an important component of these programs.
- Partnerships with childhood health and obesity non-profits, child nutritionists, community gardens, and farmers markets can increase longer term engagement.
- Ensuring that program staff model good health habits strengthens program learnings.