The Relationship between Written District Policies and School Practices among High‐Need Districts in New York State

This study tested the hypothesis that written district wellness policies are associated with higher rates of implementation of nutrition and physical activity practices. Overall, stronger written district policies significantly increase the likelihood of practice implementation in schools. This relationship is strongest for physical education and physical activity items, followed by nutrition standards for competitive foods in middle and high schools. Most elementary schools implemented nutrition practices with or without a policy and there were differences in implementation rates between elementary and middle/high schools. When examined separately, policies were for the most part not significantly associated with implementation of corresponding practices.