Childhood Obesity Weekly Policy Update


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Federal


	USDA Expedites Transition of WIC Benefits from Paper Vouchers to Electronic Cards



	Under a final rule announced by Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack, states are to transition Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC) program benefits from paper vouchers to Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) cards by 2020. According to USDA, the change to debit cards—similar to the way Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits now operate—will make it easier for WIC participants to spread benefits out over the course of the month and potentially reduce the stigma associated with food assistance.

State and Local


	Virginia Governor Signs Physical Activity Bill



	Virginia Governor Terry McAuliffe (D) signed legislation (HB 357/SB211) that will require 20 minutes per day, or an average of 100 minutes per week, of physical activity for all K-5 students. The law will take effect for the 2018-19 school year.


	Philadelphia to Consider Soda Tax in City Budget



	Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kenney (D) plans to propose a three cents-per-ounce tax on soda and other sugary drinks in his upcoming budget proposal that will be released later this week. The revenue, estimated at $400 million over five years, would be directed to universal pre-K, job creation, parks and recreation improvements, and payments to the city’s pension plans.


	Maryland Bill Would Require 150 Minutes of Weekly Physical Activity in Elementary Schools



	Maryland Delegate Jay Walker (D) has introduced the Student Health and Fitness Act, a bill that would require a minimum of 150 minutes per week of physical activity for elementary school students, with at least 90 minutes coming from physical education class. The bill is currently being considered by the Maryland House Ways and Means Committee.


	New Orleans Implements Healthy Vending Standards for City Property



	New Orleans has implemented updated nutrition standards for vending machines and food vendors in city-owned parks, departments, and other facilities that serve children. Under the new standards, at least 50 percent of items served must meet criteria limiting overall calories, calories from fat, saturated fat, sugar, and sodium.

From the Field


	Study: Obesity in Caregivers Linked with Obesity in Children



	When their caregivers are obese, boys are nearly seven times more likely to be obese themselves, while girls are about four times more likely to be obese, according to preliminary research findings from a study of nearly 1,500 children presented at a meeting of the American Heart Association. Researchers also found similarity between caregivers and children for body fat, blood pressure, and cholesterol.

Articles of Interest


	In Flint, Mich., Moving The Farmers Market Drew More Poor Shoppers



	NPR , Tracie McMillan, 2/19/2016 Making farmers markets more accessible to Americans in food deserts can boost the number of low-income customers who regularly shop there, and may even offer more promise for improving diets than bringing in traditional grocers. That's according to researchers who looked at what happened when the farmers market in Flint, Mich. — much of which qualifies as a food desert — moved downtown.


	Texas Schools Test Brain Benefits of Recess



	District Administration, Alison DeNisco Though it took some time to get used to the new schedule, teachers are reporting positive behavioral changes from students. And office referrals for bad behavior decreased.


	Upcoming Events



	Webinar: The Community Eligibility Provision and Alternative Breakfast Models March 9, 2016 1:00-2:15 p.m. ET Hosted by the United States Department of Agriculture, this webinar will discuss the Community Eligibility Provision (under which eligible low-income schools may offer meals free of charge to all students, regardless of family income), and other school breakfast models such as Breakfast in the Classroom. Register for the webinar. Meeting: A Conversation on Food and Nutrition featuring Secretary Vilsack March 9, 2016 1:00-2:30 p.m. ET Bipartisan Policy Center Washington, D.C. Hosted by the Bipartisan Policy Center, this event will feature a discussion of the current state of nutrition in America. Register for the event.

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