SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 33

(By Senators Wells, Plymale, Beach, Browning, Edgell, Foster, Laird, Stollings, Barnes and Boley)

[Originating in the Committee on Education]

Requesting the Joint Committee on Government and Finance conduct a study of multiple topics all related to health, nutrition and wellness programs in public schools, including fitness requirements, nutrition in school meals and the inclusion of West Virginia food products in school meals.

    Whereas, The Legislature recognizes the rising burden on our citizens, society and health care system related to the current childhood obesity crisis; and

    Whereas, The Legislature recognizes the importance of fitness and nutrition to the health and well-being of our students; and

    Whereas, It is found that, currently, many West Virginia students eat two meals a day at school, constituting a large portion of their daily caloric intake; and

    Whereas, The Legislature further recognizes the crucial role that fresh produce plays in meeting the nutritional needs of our students; and

    Whereas, The Legislature recognizes the importance of strengthening our local food systems for regional economic development; therefore, be it

    Resolved by the Legislature of West Virginia:

    That the Legislature hereby requests the Joint Committee on Government and Finance to conduct a study of multiple topics all related to health, nutrition and wellness programs in public schools, including fitness requirements, nutrition in school meals and the inclusion of West Virginia food products in school meals; and, be it

    Further Resolved, That the Joint Committee on Government and Finance is hereby requested to study the following:

    (1) The success of Cabell County schools which have adopted an innovative approach to preparing school meals, and the possibility of adopting this approach statewide;

    (2) The current nutritional requirements and purchasing agreements in West Virginia’s school meal programs;

    (3) The current required levels of physical education in public schools; and

    (4) The current percentage of food sourced from West Virginia growers and producers in school meals, and the possibility of instituting a requirement with regard to this percentage; and, be it

    Further Resolved, That the Joint Committee on Government and Finance report to the regular session of the Legislature, 2013, on its findings, conclusions and recommendations, together with drafts of any legislation necessary to effectuate its recommendations; and, be it

    Further Resolved, That the expenses necessary to conduct this study, to prepare a report and to draft necessary legislation be paid from legislative appropriations to the Joint Committee on Government and Finance.