USDA Announces 97 Percent Compliance with School Meal Nutrition Standards

More than 97 percent of schools nationwide are meeting the updated meal standards required by the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act, according to new data released by the United States Department of Agriculture. According to the data, which is current as of June 2015, 27 states have been certified with at least 99 percent compliance, including 19 states at 100 percent compliance. 

House Bill Would Set National Childhood Obesity Reduction Strategy

Rep. Nita Lowey, D-N.Y., has introduced the “Stop Obesity in Schools Act of 2015” (H.R. 3772), a bill that would direct the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to work with state and local governments to develop a national strategy to reduce childhood obesity rates by 10 percent by 2020. It would also direct the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to issue grants aimed at improving school foods, nutrition education, and opportunities for physical activity.

Large Urban School Districts Announce Plan to Leverage School Meal Purchase Power

Great Idea!!

A nonprofit coalition of the largest school districts in the United States—including New York City, Los Angeles, and Chicago, among others—have partnered with the Alliance for a Healthier Generation to leverage more than $3 billion in school meal budgets to improve the nutrition content of school meals. The Urban School Food Alliance, whose districts serve nearly three million students across 4,500 schools, pledged to work with vendors and manufacturers to create meal options that meet or exceed current school meal nutrition guidelines.  

Arkansas Releases 10-Year Plan to Promote Access to Healthy Food, Physical Activity

another great idea!!

Arkansas Governor Asa Hutchinson (R) has announced the launch of Healthy Active Arkansas, a ten-year plan to reduce childhood obesity that calls on businesses, schools, policymakers, nonprofits, and other sectors to promote healthy lifestyles. The plan’s priority areas include promoting physical activity in schools and communities; implementing nutrition standards in childcare settings, schools, workplaces, businesses, and government institutions; reducing consumption of sugary-sweetened beverages; and supporting breastfeeding. 

Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Awards Eight Communities the RWJF Culture of Health Prize   One of them in the Bronx !

The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF) today announced the eight winners of the 2015 RWJF Culture of Health Prize, honored for working to ensure that everyone in their community has the opportunity to live a longer, healthier, and more productive life. Selected from more than 340 applicants, the winning communities are Bridgeport, Connecticut; Bronx, New York; Everett, Massachusetts; Kansas City, Missouri; Lawrence, Massachusetts; Menominee Nation in northeastern Wisconsin; Spartanburg County, South Carolina, and Waaswaaganing Anishinaabeg (Lac du Flambeau Tribe) in northern Wisconsin. The winners will each receive a $25,000 cash prize. Healthy eating and active living initiatives across the eight communities included free exercise and nutrition classes, bike lanes, access to and purchase incentives for healthy foods, and community gardens.

Study: Both Weight and Physical Activity Levels May Affect Kids’ Cognition

Among children, both lower body mass indexes (BMI) and higher levels of regular physical activity are linked with higher scores on cognitive tests, according to a study published in the journal Pediatric Exercise Science. Physically active, healthy weight children scored highest with respect to attention span and planning ability.

5 Schools Changing the Future of Healthy School Lunches

Cameron Wells, U.S. News & World Report “Eat + Run,” 10/15/2015

These programs aren't just doing well, they continue to flourish. Want the secret to creating demand for healthful options in K through 12 cafeterias?

Upcoming Events

2015 RWJF Culture of Health Prize Announcement Ceremony
October 28, 2015
12:00 pm ET

Hosted by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, this event will feature the winners of the 2015 RWJF Culture of Health Prize. Watch the ceremony live at noon.

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.