Local wellness policies are unique in that they are intended to reflect the community served. They require action, cooperation, and implementation by a number of stakeholders: administration, educators, food services department, parents, and the broader community.

A number of excellent resources are available to begin and continue the community effort required by a substantive wellness policy. The USDA website and the CDC website offer a collection of resources for all stakeholders. This excellent overview document by the CDC can be used for communications and establishing direction in collaborative efforts. Additionally, the Rudd Center for Food Policy & Obesity updated their wellness policy assessment tool WellSAT 3.0, which includes the newest wellness policy requirements as a result of the HHFKA. This tool helps districts evaluate their current policies and identify ways to improve and amend them. The WellSAT website includes FAQs and detailed breakdowns of the assessment tool, which was originally developed by the Rudd Center in collaboration with the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation.