Spotlight on Healthy Eating
September is National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month
Childhood obesity is a major public health problem in the United States. To draw awareness to this issue, September has been designated National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month. One factor that influences childhood obesity is lack of access to healthy foods and beverages. Learn more about how nutrition affects childhood obesity by reading this report from the CDC on food environment indicators; by visiting the Choose My Plate website; and by learning more about the Let's Move Salad Bars to School initiative.
"Pour One Out" for Food Day
October 24 is Food Day. Celebrate with other communities across the nation by hosting a "Pour One Out" event by making a video of friends, coworkers, or students pouring out sugar-sweetened beverages in a fun, creative way. Videos will be uploaded on Facebook; view a sample video here. For more information, contact fewersugarydrinks@cspinet.org.
Healthy Vending Resources
ChangeLab Solutions (formerly Public Health Law and Policy) has published two new resources on healthier vending for municipalities. "Making Change: A Guide to Healthier Vending for Municipalities" highlights the necessary steps to develop and implement a healthy vending policy. "Model Healthy Municipal Snack and Beverage Vending Agreement" provides model contract language for drafting and negotiating municipal vending contracts. Access these resources here.
New Toolkit to Help Make School Lunches Healthier
The School Day Just Got Healthier Toolkit, from the USDA's Food and Nutrition Service, is a collection of resources to help schools provide healthier lunches. This toolkit includes brochures, fact sheets, FAQs, fliers, school lessons, templates, and more. Information targets parents, students, teachers, administrators, and food service workers. Access the toolkit here.
