ARCHDIOCESE OF PHILADELPHIA

The Archdiocese of Philadelphia's Office of Catholic Education (OCE) and Nutritional Development Services (NDS) unveiled a new Wellness Policy for all Archdiocesan school students on Tuesday, September 26, 2006 at Drexelbrook Country Club.

The policy addresses the nutrient content of food at school, nutrient education, physical activity and other environmental factors that promote a healthy school environment. It is divided into four sections based on audience: students, staff, parents and school environment. The overall goal is to provide schools with a slow, systematic approach that builds on success.

All principals and vice principals of the parish and regional elementary schools in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia attended the September 26 event, as well as Tim Walsh from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Marsha Costello from Villanova University's School of Nursing, and Vonda Fechity from the Pennsylvania Department of Education, Food and Nutrition Bureau.

Mary Rochford, Assistant Superintendent for Elementary Educational Services of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, said, "The Wellness Program, adopted by our parish and regional elementary schools, is a real-life educational tool. It will empower our students, guided by the example of the adults in their lives, to live by these guidelines enabling them to be and remain physically healthy. God has given us the gift of life. We are all called to treat our bodies with the greatest of care."

For more information on the Archdiocese of Philadelphia's Wellness Program please visit, www.ndsarch.org.

Contact
Meredith Wilson
Communications Specialist
215-587-3747