Our Vision
To ensure access to nourishing food and active play in public schools.
Our Mission
Wellness in the Schools is a national nonprofit that teaches public school students healthy habits to learn, live, and thrive.
How
Wellness in the Schools (WITS) partners with public schools, chefs, and coaches to expand access to nourishing food and active play. WITS is unique in that we change both what’s on the lunch tray and what students learn about food—pairing real, scratch-cooked meals in the cafeteria with hands-on food education in the classroom. We concentrate this work in the communities where access to it is most essential. Our collaborative approach and programming aim to shift school culture to prioritize well-being. Founded in 2005 by Nancy Easton and Chef Bill Telepan, Wellness in the Schools reaches over one million students in public schools every school day.
Why
Because diet-related illness has multiple root causes, we work to increase access to both healthier food and daily movement breaks in schools. Over one-third of children under the age of 18 in the United States are affected by chronic lifestyle illnesses. Children spend about 12,000 hours in school between kindergarten and high school graduation, making school the ideal and most equitable environment to shape their wellness behavior.