USDA: 42 Percent of Nation’s School Districts Participate in Farm to School

More than 5,200 school districts comprising approximately 42,500 schools—42 percent of those surveyed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture – participated in farm to school activities in the 2013-2014 school year, according to the department’s 2015 Farm to School Census. The report also found that school districts purchased $789 million in local foods during that time, a 105 percent increase over the amount spent two years prior. A 2014 Bridging the Gap study found that fruit and vegetable availability in U.S. public elementary school lunchrooms was highest in states with laws and schools with farm to school programs.

California Lawmaker to Introduce Constitutional Amendment Taxing Snack Foods

California Assemblywoman Cristina Garcia, D, has announced plans to introduce an amendment to the state’s constitution that would subject snack food and candy to the state’s sales tax.  The amendment would require a two-thirds vote of both the state senate and assembly to be placed on a ballot, where it would then need approval from voters; it would raise an estimated $1 billion in annual revenue.

Study: Elementary School Lunches Getting Healthier, Though Disparities Persist

Elementary school lunches improved consistently between the 2006–07 and 2013-14 school years, with more schools offering healthier items and fewer schools offering unhealthier items—though disparities persist—according to a study from Bridging the Gap published in Preventing Chronic Disease . The study found that schools with low socioeconomic status were significantly less likely to offer salads regularly compared to schools with middle or high socioeconomic status, while majority-Black or majority-Latino schools were significantly less likely to offer fresh fruit than were predominantly White schools. 

Leading Candy Companies Announce Pledge to Not Market to Kids

Six leading candy companies, including Ghirardelli Chocolate Company and Jelly Belly Candy Company, have pledged to not market their products directly to children under the age of 12. The new Children’s Confection Advertising Initiative—created by Council of Better Business Bureaus and National Confectioners Association—is modeled after the Children's Food and Beverage Advertising Initiative, a self-regulatory initiative under which companies adhere to nutrition standards for food and beverage marketing efforts to children.

The Great FLOTUS Food Fight

Politico, Helena Bottemiller Evich, 3/17/16

Michelle Obama’s sophisticated and strategic campaign has transformed the American food landscape in ways considerably deeper than the public appreciates, even now.

Upcoming Events

Fundraising on the Move: Crowdfunding for Walkable Communities
March 24, 2016
2:00 p.m. ET

Hosted by America Walks, this webinar will explore how crowdfunding can be both an effective fundraising and community-engagement tool for walkable community advocates. Register for the webinar.

Surgeon General's Call to Action - Walking as a Practice
April 14, 2016
3:00 p.m. ET

Hosted by America Walks, this webinar will examine the Surgeon General's Call to Action on Walking & Walkable Communities. Register for the webinar.

Healthy Eating Research: Building Evidence to Prevent Childhood Obesity
May 11, 2016 (concept papers deadline)

Administered by Healthy Eating Research, this call for proposals (CFP) is for awards aimed at providing advocates, decision-makers, and policymakers with evidence to reverse the childhood obesity epidemic. Learn more about the CFP.