In order to address the rising trend of obesity in the state of Utah, public and private partners gathered to develop the Utah Nutrition and Physical Activity Plan. This 10-year strategic plan provides strategies and addresses environmental issues that may impede individuals from participating in physical activity. Those who participated in the development of the plan are listed. The plan outlines specific goals for specific settings along with short-term, medium-term, and long-term strategies to get there. Examples of settings where changes may occur include, the work place, schools, and community settings. The plan also addresses health equity and acknowledges that lower income and minority populations are less have access to fresh fruits and vegetables. Plans for ...
The Mind, Exercise, Nutrition, Do It! (MEND) Program offered through the YMCA in Austin, is a free 10 week program offered to children ages 7-13 and their families. MEND is a non-profit organization located in New York, which aims to develop behavioral changes for overweight and obese children. The MEND program is funded through grants from St. David's Foundation, and through annual Partner of Youth campaign donations. Elementary school locations in the Austin area including Galindo, Langford, Popham, Pillow, Sanchez, Science Hall (Hays County), and UT elementary, will host the MEND program beginning January 12, 2013. Families who complete the program will be eligible for a free 3-month membership at the YMCA of Austin. Read about the physical activity components developed by ...
On February 1st, USDA proposed national school nutrition standards for vending, a la carte, school stores, and other foods sold outside the school meal programs. Highlights include strong criteria for calories, fats, sugars, and sodium in foods sold outside the school meal plan. The comment period is 60 days, then the final plan will be instated. Competitive foods have hurt many schools' attempts at bringing in healthier food options, because these vending and a la carte options tend to be high fat and sugar and are not federally ...
In 2013, Arizona lawmakers introduced a bill that would require nutritional standards for all food and beverages sold in high schools. The proposed rules apply to vending machines, as well as a la carte lines in cafeterias, school stores and snack ...
A five year comprehensive action plan to reduce chronic disease & obesity in Arizona, was endorsed in 2005, by former governor, Janet Napolitano. The plan notes the importance of "Nutrition and Physical Activity in the Physical Environment" as well as "Nutrition and Physical Activity in the Community." Objectives and strategies along with action steps for improving the built environment and increasing recreation time are described. Some examples of planned objectives for the state include: Educate and promote healthy design of Arizona communities
Recommend that Arizona communities assess and plan for healthy designs or re-designs of urban and rural areas
Integrate a culture of physical activity throughout Arizona communities
Deliver a health marketing campaign about ...
Despite rules, regulations, and policies, junk food marketing can make it's way into schools. This issue became an problem in Maine when a study found that the marketing restrictions were not being completely followed. Maine's law prohibits "brand-specific advertising of certain unhealthy foods and beverages in schools," specifically foods that are not allowed to be sold in school. By doing this Maine hopes to keep unhealthy food or junk food brands out of sight of students, since they are already not allowed to purchase these foods during the school day. The foods not allowed to be served during the school day are considered "Foods of Minimum Nutritional Value," including soda, water ices, chewing gum, candies, and any food containing less than five percent of the Reference Daily ...
Latina girls are learning about fitness, nutrition, healthy body image and other valuable lessons at a new summer day camp called Adelante Chicas at Pacific University in Forest Grove, Ore. The camp, a three-week event for Latina girls from third grade to high school, is a youth development arm of Oregon nonprofit Adelante Mujeres, which provides holistic education, career development and support services for low-income Latinas and their families, OregonLive.com reports. Girls at the camp participate in yoga, historic walks, nutrition lessons and even get to transform Spinach into a fruit ...
The Center for Faith Based and Neighborhood Partnerships has launched an interactive toolkit in Spanish for faith-based and community leaders to learn about the various ways they can partner with the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). Designed specifically for the Latino Community, the La Mesa Completa Pastor’s Toolkit describes federal nutrition assistance programs from the lens of a pastor or community leader interacting with members of their community. The toolkit includes helpful links, best practices, stories, and even videos of personal testimonies of how federal programs are helping families get the nutrition they ...
Community leaders, here are two new tools to help improve access to healthy foods: Buy Fresh, Buy Local Can government agencies prioritize locally grown products when they’re buying food for places like schools, hospitals, jails, and other public facilities? It depends on state and local laws, funding restrictions, and other considerations. The Buy Fresh, Buy Local report looks at when and how agencies can give preference to locally grown food when they’re using tax dollars to purchase goods. Growing Change Debate is heating up on Capitol Hill over the Farm Bill, which is up for renewal this fall. This piece of federal legislation helps determine the types of food we eat and how much it costs — and local community leaders can play an important role in making sure it ...
