The local wellness plan is an important tool for parents, local education agencies and school districts in promoting student wellness, preventing and reducing childhood obesity, and providing assurance that school meal nutrition guidelines meet the minimum federal school meal standards Section 204 of the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010  Public Law 111-296, expands the scope of wellness plans; brings in additional stakeholders in its development, implementation and review; and requires public updates on the content and implementation of the wellness plans.

The healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2012 also required the USDA to develop new snack-food standards in schools that preserve flexibility for time-honored traditions like fundraisers and bake sales, and provide ample transition time for schools. Read more on the proposed changes below: