. [http://www.rwjf.org/images/common/newsletters/spacer.gif] [http://www.rwjf.org/images/common/newsletters/spacer.gif] This message contains graphics. If you do not see the graphics, click here to view<http://click.rwjfmail.org/?qs=312be10e7f141c451d1e3433a9859f3ee515e3b8b7c363e0bdd04f67f876e979> [http://www.rwjf.org/images/common/newsletters/spacer.gif] [http://www.rwjf.org/images/common/newsletters/spacer.gif] [ChildhoodObesityWeeklyPolicyUpdate-header-1160x240] [http://www.rwjf.org/images/common/newsletters/spacer.gif] [http://www.rwjf.org/images/common/newsletters/spacer.gif] SHARE: [http://www.rwjf.org/images/email/twitter.png] <http://click.rwjfmail.org/?qs=312be10e7f141c455f8ef3a0b30a38efb90148f2b6e7726bbb1f3dabb2f404a3> [http://www.rwjf.org/images/email/facebook.png] <http://click.rwjfmail.org/?qs=b3bf22516628cea537082875dceebbd76c7f6755c1dcaf0b60b5f27d4892e90f> [http://www.rwjf.org/images/email/linkedin.png] <http://click.rwjfmail.org/?qs=b3bf22516628cea58677360151d6cc919f7f0b602b951ee49cc77da9d8028211> [http://www.rwjf.org/images/email/googleplus.png] <http://click.rwjfmail.org/?qs=b3bf22516628cea5704d2dc4dbd261c314ad7e0d873e9efdb1889f84bc0c0f99> [http://www.rwjf.org/images/email/email-share.png] <mailto:?subject=Childhood%20Obesity%20Weekly%20Policy%20Update&body=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.rwjf.org%2Fen%2Fnewsletters%2Fchildhood-obesity-weekly-policy-update%2F2015%2F09%2Fchildhood-obesity-weekly-policy-update-9-29-2015.html%3Fcid%3Dxsh_rwjf_em> [http://www.rwjf.org/images/common/newsletters/spacer.gif] [http://www.rwjf.org/images/common/newsletters/spacer.gif] Federal [http://www.rwjf.org/images/common/newsletters/spacer.gif] [http://www.rwjf.org/images/common/newsletters/spacer.gif] [http://www.rwjf.org/images/common/newsletters/spacer.gif] USDA: Government Shutdown would Suspend SNAP Benefits<http://click.rwjfmail.org/?qs=b3bf22516628cea5185df8ab974f4b69efb28f2f4a29b7088e781e807ee065dd> [http://www.rwjf.org/images/common/newsletters/spacer.gif] [http://www.rwjf.org/images/common/newsletters/spacer.gif] [http://www.rwjf.org/images/common/newsletters/spacer.gif] A spokesperson from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) said that in the event of a government shutdown on October 1, “USDA will not have the funding necessary for SNAP benefits in October and will be forced to stop providing benefits<http://click.rwjfmail.org/?qs=b3bf22516628cea5185df8ab974f4b69efb28f2f4a29b7088e781e807ee065dd> within the first several days of October.” SNAP funding was able to continue during the shutdown in 2013, but contingency funds used in that instance are no longer available to the department. [http://www.rwjf.org/images/common/newsletters/spacer.gif] [http://www.rwjf.org/images/common/newsletters/spacer.gif] [http://www.rwjf.org/images/common/newsletters/spacer.gif] [http://www.rwjf.org/images/common/newsletters/spacer.gif] State and Local [http://www.rwjf.org/images/common/newsletters/spacer.gif] [http://www.rwjf.org/images/common/newsletters/spacer.gif] [http://www.rwjf.org/images/common/newsletters/spacer.gif] NYC Bill Would Prohibit Free Toy Giveaways with Unhealthy Kids’ Meals<http://click.rwjfmail.org/?qs=b3bf22516628cea58175dc2a08edf955b86d187c31ef4d438f9df97644dfd6a9> [http://www.rwjf.org/images/common/newsletters/spacer.gif] [http://www.rwjf.org/images/common/newsletters/spacer.gif] [http://www.rwjf.org/images/common/newsletters/spacer.gif] New York City Councilmember Ben Kallos (D) has introduced legislation that would prohibit restaurants from including a free toy giveaway with any kids’ meal that has more than 500 calories or 600 milligrams of sodium<http://click.rwjfmail.org/?qs=b3bf22516628cea58175dc2a08edf955b86d187c31ef4d438f9df97644dfd6a9>. The bill would also require that meals eligible for a free toy giveaway include a half-cup serving of fruits or vegetables, or a whole serving of whole grains. [http://www.rwjf.org/images/common/newsletters/spacer.gif] [http://www.rwjf.org/images/common/newsletters/spacer.gif] [http://www.rwjf.org/images/common/newsletters/spacer.gif] [http://www.rwjf.org/images/common/newsletters/spacer.gif] From the Field [http://www.rwjf.org/images/common/newsletters/spacer.gif] [http://www.rwjf.org/images/common/newsletters/spacer.gif] [http://www.rwjf.org/images/common/newsletters/spacer.gif] TFAH, RWJF Release State of Obesity Report<http://click.rwjfmail.org/?qs=b3bf22516628cea5fb95187b8c008c97fe19b31eabd7ee930a9d6175dd9f084b> [http://www.rwjf.org/images/common/newsletters/spacer.gif] [http://www.rwjf.org/images/common/newsletters/spacer.gif] [http://www.rwjf.org/images/common/newsletters/spacer.gif] U.S. adult obesity rates remained mostly steady―but high―this past year, increasing in Kansas, Minnesota, New Mexico, Ohio and Utah and remaining stable elsewhere, according to The State of Obesity: Better Policies for a Healthier America<http://click.rwjfmail.org/?qs=b3bf22516628cea5fb95187b8c008c97fe19b31eabd7ee930a9d6175dd9f084b>, a report from the Trust for America’s Health (TFAH) and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF). The report also found persistent regional disparities, with higher rates in the South and Midwest, and racial and ethnic disparities, with elevated rates for Black and Latino populations. [http://www.rwjf.org/images/common/newsletters/spacer.gif] [http://www.rwjf.org/images/common/newsletters/spacer.gif] [http://www.rwjf.org/images/common/newsletters/spacer.gif] [http://www.rwjf.org/images/common/newsletters/spacer.gif] [http://www.rwjf.org/images/common/newsletters/spacer.gif] Study: No Increase in Fruit, Vegetable Waste Following School Meal Standards [http://www.rwjf.org/images/common/newsletters/spacer.gif] [http://www.rwjf.org/images/common/newsletters/spacer.gif] [http://www.rwjf.org/images/common/newsletters/spacer.gif] Implementation of updated school meal nutrition standards did not increase the amount of fruits or vegetables thrown away by students<http://click.rwjfmail.org/?qs=b3bf22516628cea5804777af8a0c1dbafa5634ed7eab238214a96ee3d2de50b8> in eight southeast Texas elementary schools, according to a study published in Preventive Medicine Reports. The findings follow a 2014 study from the Rudd Center on Food Policy and Obesity which determined that students in 12 New Haven, CT schools were more likely to take a fruit and ate more of their vegetables and entrees under the updated standards<http://click.rwjfmail.org/?qs=b3bf22516628cea5265afc3e5cad6fbd54cca648801ab65655ad149aed90a974>. [http://www.rwjf.org/images/common/newsletters/spacer.gif] [http://www.rwjf.org/images/common/newsletters/spacer.gif] [http://www.rwjf.org/images/common/newsletters/spacer.gif] [http://www.rwjf.org/images/common/newsletters/spacer.gif] [http://www.rwjf.org/images/common/newsletters/spacer.gif] Study: One Third of Children Eat Fast Food Daily<http://click.rwjfmail.org/?qs=b3bf22516628cea5b1c194550c9e8c37e34261dddf6fa7e2c96abf583f5c50ca> [http://www.rwjf.org/images/common/newsletters/spacer.gif] [http://www.rwjf.org/images/common/newsletters/spacer.gif] [http://www.rwjf.org/images/common/newsletters/spacer.gif] Approximately 34 percent of children eat fast food daily, and kids get 12 percent of their overall calories from fast food restaurants<http://click.rwjfmail.org/?qs=b3bf22516628cea5b1c194550c9e8c37e34261dddf6fa7e2c96abf583f5c50ca>, according to a report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s National Center for Health Statistics. Researchers also found that Asian children had significantly lower caloric intake from fast food compared with white, black, and Hispanic children. [http://www.rwjf.org/images/common/newsletters/spacer.gif] [http://www.rwjf.org/images/common/newsletters/spacer.gif] [http://www.rwjf.org/images/common/newsletters/spacer.gif] [http://www.rwjf.org/images/common/newsletters/spacer.gif] [http://www.rwjf.org/images/common/newsletters/spacer.gif] Research Brief: Promoting Active Living in Rural Communities<http://click.rwjfmail.org/?qs=b3bf22516628cea5d53f269afa37763434383e55a690305a0676a8c2f7d77546> [http://www.rwjf.org/images/common/newsletters/spacer.gif] [http://www.rwjf.org/images/common/newsletters/spacer.gif] [http://www.rwjf.org/images/common/newsletters/spacer.gif] Rural residents have higher rates of overweight and obesity, even after accounting for socioeconomic factors<http://click.rwjfmail.org/?qs=b3bf22516628cea5d53f269afa37763434383e55a690305a0676a8c2f7d77546>, according to a research brief from Active Living Research. Researchers recommend investing in centralized recreation facilities and programs, and improving transportation options to enhance access for residents with limited travel means. [http://www.rwjf.org/images/common/newsletters/spacer.gif] [http://www.rwjf.org/images/common/newsletters/spacer.gif] [http://www.rwjf.org/images/common/newsletters/spacer.gif] [http://www.rwjf.org/images/common/newsletters/spacer.gif] Articles of Interest [http://www.rwjf.org/images/common/newsletters/spacer.gif] [http://www.rwjf.org/images/common/newsletters/spacer.gif] [http://www.rwjf.org/images/common/newsletters/spacer.gif] Schools, Parents and Kids Are Onboard With New School Meals: Congress Should Follow Suit (Op-Ed)<http://click.rwjfmail.org/?qs=b3bf22516628cea54545a6ce09f2348b5d4b42994b44a5b5cefdcf03ec5c9758> [http://www.rwjf.org/images/common/newsletters/spacer.gif] [http://www.rwjf.org/images/common/newsletters/spacer.gif] [http://www.rwjf.org/images/common/newsletters/spacer.gif] The Hill, Dan Glickman and Ann M. Veneman, 9/17/2015 Ninety-five percent of schools are successfully meeting the new standards and serving healthier meals. We encourage Congress to support the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and schools across the country in getting that number up to 100 percent so that healthy meals can help combat childhood obesity and the chronic conditions that come with it. [http://www.rwjf.org/images/common/newsletters/spacer.gif] [http://www.rwjf.org/images/common/newsletters/spacer.gif] [http://www.rwjf.org/images/common/newsletters/spacer.gif] [http://www.rwjf.org/images/common/newsletters/spacer.gif] [http://www.rwjf.org/images/common/newsletters/spacer.gif] 5-2-1-0: A Simple Formula for Fitness<http://click.rwjfmail.org/?qs=b3bf22516628cea5ba600ee3300c4300d7a609c69ee5f5bd547b1ee2e7ac8462> [http://www.rwjf.org/images/common/newsletters/spacer.gif] [http://www.rwjf.org/images/common/newsletters/spacer.gif] [http://www.rwjf.org/images/common/newsletters/spacer.gif] The Buffalo News, Scott Scanlon, 9/18/2015 The Buffalo Bills, working with elementary-age children, have created videos to inspire and encourage students to get on a better health and wellness path – and stay there. [http://www.rwjf.org/images/common/newsletters/spacer.gif] [http://www.rwjf.org/images/common/newsletters/spacer.gif] [http://www.rwjf.org/images/common/newsletters/spacer.gif] [http://www.rwjf.org/images/common/newsletters/spacer.gif] [http://www.rwjf.org/images/common/newsletters/spacer.gif] Upcoming Events [http://www.rwjf.org/images/common/newsletters/spacer.gif] [http://www.rwjf.org/images/common/newsletters/spacer.gif] [http://www.rwjf.org/images/common/newsletters/spacer.gif] Obesity in the Early Years: State of the Science and Implementation of Promising Solutions October 6, 2015 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. ET Washington, DC Hosted by the Institute of Medicine’s Roundtable on Obesity Solutions, this workshop will highlight the science and recent developments in the understanding of early childhood obesity and cover strategies that hold the greatest promise for progress in reducing obesity prevalence, especially in populations at greatest risk. Register for the workshop<http://click.rwjfmail.org/?qs=b3bf22516628cea59e4e17f2d5f1c677435ddc25ecd4f104c098dbb3bc22f3fb>. Towards Evidence-based Nutrition and Obesity Policy: Methods, Implementation, and Political Reality October 16, 2015 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. ET New York City Hosted by the National Academy of Sciences, this conference will focus on the latest methods in nutrition research and how nutrition research can be used to inform policy. Register for the conference<http://click.rwjfmail.org/?qs=b3bf22516628cea5874c82ba692e562f83d280b7df1a479f639d966b9fb1ea1d>. 2016 RWJF Culture of Health Prize: Phase I Applications November 12, 2015 (deadline for Phase I applications) Sponsored by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, the RWJF Culture of Health Prize recognizes and celebrates communities that have placed a priority on health and are creating powerful partnerships and deep commitments to make change. Up to 10 winning communities will each receive a $25,000 cash prize and have their success stories celebrated and shared broadly to inspire locally-driven change across the nation. Phase I applications for all applicant communities are due on November 12, 2015; winners will be announced in the fall of 2016. Learn more and apply online<http://click.rwjfmail.org/?qs=b3bf22516628cea5e03c9f343cedac10b145fbf255b8768eda897c634498a5cc>. [http://www.rwjf.org/images/common/newsletters/spacer.gif] [http://www.rwjf.org/images/common/newsletters/spacer.gif] [http://www.rwjf.org/images/common/newsletters/spacer.gif] [http://www.rwjf.org/images/common/newsletters/spacer.gif] [http://www.rwjf.org/images/common/newsletters/spacer.gif] [http://www.rwjf.org/images/common/newsletters/spacer.gif] [http://www.rwjf.org/images/common/newsletters/spacer.gif] You are receiving this email because you are subscribed to the Childhood Obesity Weekly Policy Update. ©2015 Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Route 1 and College Road East Princeton, NJ 08543, US [http://www.rwjf.org/images/common/newsletters/spacer.gif]