Abstract
Latino kids and families have limited spaces to be physically active. What are the best ways to improve Latino families’ access to “active spaces” like gyms, athletic fields, parks, and playgrounds? Many schools do not provide public access to physical activity facilities. Shared use agreements set up rules for public use of schoolyards after class. Repairing sidewalks, installing street lights, and improving parks can stimulate more physical activity. Creating safer streets can people to walk or cycle to schools, parks, and other family destinations. Also, using marketing and technology to change Latino kids’ physical activity patterns. Read the Issue Brief in English (PDF)
Read the Issue Brief in Spanish (PDF)
Contents
Introduction & Methods. This ...
The new year is a time of resolutions and for many, a time to think about health, and one's diet. Members and representatives of San Antonio's Healthy Beverage Coalition joined together on January 6, 2016, to hold an educational press conference on the importance of knowing how much sugar is in the average sugary beverage and to help San Antonio to think about what sugary beverages they are drinking this year. Dr. Robert Ferrer, Board Chairman of the Health Collaborative, started off the conference holding up a bag of sugar and eating it one spoon at a time, all the while stating that eating the sugar in the bag is about the same as drinking a soda. Speaking also at the conference were members of the Healthy Beverage Coalition, Bexar County Judge, Nelson Wolff. Wolff explained ...
Need for a quick, easy and less costly process to establish farmer's markets in Wyandotte County brought the KCK Farmers Market board to advocate for policy changes on December 10, 2015. The Unified Government Board of Commissioners passed the amendment in order for farmers markets to establish themselves within the city with less confusion and cost. Changes include lower special use permit fees, as well as fewer steps to renew annual agreements with the Department of Urban Planning and Land Use. To find out more, click ...
What is popping up all around San Antonio? Fresh fruits and vegetables! New categories for zoning are allowing urban farms and local city gardeners to grow and sell food throughout San Antonio. Many of the local city restaurants and urban areas that grew food were limited to sitting in a legal "grey zone" according to a recent article. Now urban farms and small businesses that are even using techniques like hydroponic growing are able to legally grow and sell fresh fruits and vegetables without concern. These new zoning codes under the City's Unified Development Code are called, "urban farms" or "residential market gardens." Single-family residential zoned areas are still limited within the new amendments, as this zoning pertains to the homeowners association and the state. To ...
The Active Living Council (ALC) of San Antonio was formed in 2010 with funding from the Communities Putting Prevention to Work grant. The ALC developed and promoted the Active Living Plan for a Healthier San Antonio as a living document to promote active living, to reduce sedentary behaviors, and to increase physical activity in San Antonio (63.2% Latino). Active Living Plan for a Healthier San Antonio shares the vision of the National Physical Activity Plan and is the result of a public and private sector collaboration to increase physical activity in all segments of the San Antonio Area population. The ALC is now supported by the San Antonio Mayor's Fitness Council. ALC members use this platform to further support and promote the plan's strategies and tactics across the ...
Mom was right when she said to eat your veggies, the new federal dietary guidelines encourage Americans to eat more vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins like seafood while lowering consumption of sugars, high-sodium and high-cholesterol foods. The guidelines suggest: A variety of vegetables, focusing on leafy greens and legumes
Whole fruits and grains daily
Low-fat or fat-free dairy products
Variety of lean proteins
Natural oils like, safflower, canola, and avocado oils. Studies show that diet and nutrition play a large part towards healthier outcomes. Encouraging less sugar-sweetened beverages and more fresh foods is beneficial to a long healthy lifestyle for Latinos and lowers risk of obesity and diabetes, studies suggest. Healthier food access is also ...
The push for statewide healthier vending options has now grown to be a focus within the state's legislation. A new bill called the "Maryland Healthy Vending Act" is being proposed during the 2016 Maryland State Legislative Session. Sugar Free Kids Maryland will propose the bill to encourage healthier food and beverage options with certain guidelines for all vending machines statewide. The plan is to have 75 percent of all vending machines on state property to: Meet healthy food and drink standards
Have bottled water sold in every vending machine on state property
Meet trans fat and sodium standards
Display healthier options in a noticeable way for the highest selling potential
Require calorie labels on or around machines In 2015, a healthy vending initiative was passed, ...
The Tennessee Clean Water Network (TCWN) is working on goals to help enforce state and federal anti-pollution laws towards clean water, but also encouraging the state to drink less sugary beverages and instead opt for free, clean tap water. The state is currently dealing with high rates of obesity, at 31.2%, according to a 2014 report, with Latinos at a high rate of obesity at 31.7%. The movement towards drinking more tap water will also help reduce large numbers of plastic beverage bottles being disposed of in the state's landfills, explains a recent article. Efforts have been taken by TCWN to install water fountains in local community areas with messages, such as "Water first for thirst' and decorations of local art on the fountains. The drive to encourage the community to ...
Chef Ann Cooper founder of the Chef Ann Foundation (CAF) has created an online resource called The Lunch Box, to help support schools who want to change their food environment. In a recent interview Emily Miller, from CAF told Food Tank that they want to help create a healthier food system for kids in today's world, where kids can learn the importance of nourishing their bodies and where their food comes from. Miller explains that the best way to teach kids about healthier foods is through school, where kids are already in a learning environment. The Lunch Box resource is an in-depth school food resource, where school food professionals can use free tools to help transition from processed foods to scratch-made plates, that are sustainable. Including over 200 recipes that are ...
