Statewide Evaluation of Local Wellness Policies in Georgia: An Examination of Policy Compliance, Policy Strength, and Associated Factors

ObjectiveTo analyze relationships between demographic characteristics of Georgia school systems and: (1) compliance with the Child Nutrition and WIC Reauthorization Act (CNRA); and (2) strength of wellness policy goals in nutrition, physical activity, and other school-based activities.DesignEach local school district submitted their school-board–approved wellness policy to researchers. Each policy was reviewed and coded for compliance with CNRA and evaluated on the strength of its goals.SettingPublic school districts.ParticipantsOne hundred seventy-six of 180 Georgia public school systems participated.Main Outcome MeasuresIndependent variables were demographic characteristics of Georgia school systems. Dependent variables were ratings from the policy evaluation instrument, grouped into composite indices to compare the strength (ie, ratings) of wellness policy goals.AnalysisPearson correlation, cross-tabulation.ResultsSignificant positive associations were found between academic performance and: strength of overall wellness policy goals (P < .05), goals in nutrition education (P < .01), and other school-based activities (P < .01). Economic status of the student population was found to be positively associated with strength of nutrition education goals (P < .05).Conclusions and ImplicationsDistricts with stronger academic performance had more comprehensive overall wellness policy goals and stronger goals in nutrition education and other school-based activities.