Local wellness policies : key barriers of implementation.

Over a decade after passing the Child Nutrition Reauthorization Act of 2004 and mandate of Local Wellness Policies, school districts are still facing barriers within implementing these policies. The success of these policies are based on strength of wording, appropriate resources and support from senior leadership. To determine possible barriers faced by school districts in McLennan County, Texas, a focus group was conducted with members from five independent school districts and members of each district’s school health advisory council and specifically food service managers. Themes derived from this focus group included: ownership of the local wellness policy, resources, and specific barriers for rural schools. These themes are perceived and potential barriers of implementation of local wellness policies.