childhood-obesity-weekly-policy-update-2016-05-23
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Federal
FDA Releases Final Rules for Nutrition Facts Panel, Serving Sizes
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) released final rules updating the Nutrition Facts panel found on packaged foods and beverages, along with corresponding serving sizes. Changes include a more prominent listing of total calories; a line to reflect “added sugar” totals and associated percent daily value; and new mandatory listings for the amount of potassium and Vitamin D. Companies with more than $10 million in sales will have until June 26, 2018 to implement the changes; companies under that threshold have until June 26, 2019.
Summer EBT Reduces Food Insecurity, Improves Nutrition: USDA
Families participating in the Summer Electronic Benefits Transfer for Children (Summer EBT) program—which provides nutrition benefits during summer months to families whose children get free or reduced-price school meals—experienced less food insecurity and improved nutritional intake, according to a report from the United States Department of Agriculture. The report found that providing low-income families with a $30 or $60 per month per child benefit reduced severe food insecurity among children by one-third during the summer months.
State and Local
Tennessee to Increase Physical Activity Requirements for Elementary Schools
Beginning July 1, Tennessee will implement a law requiring 225 minutes of physical activity per week for students in grades K-1, and 160 minutes per week for students in grades 2-6, up from the current requirement 90 minutes per week for all grades. High schools will maintain a 90-minute requirement, which is currently met by 85 percent of districts in the state.
From the Field
Report: Food Insecurity Exists in All United States Counties
Food insecurity exists in every county and congressional district in the country, ranging from a high of 38 percent in Jefferson County, Miss., to a low of four percent in Loudoun Country, Va., according to the Map the Meal Gap 2016 report from Feeding America. The highest rate of child food insecurity is 42 percent in Apache County, Ariz.
Articles of Interest
5 Reasons to Be Excited for the Changes Coming to Menus and Food Labels
RWJF Culture of Health Blog, Jasmine Hall Ratliff, 5/20/16
Soon, people will have more information than ever to help them decide what food to purchase for themselves and their families—whether in a grocery store, restaurant or other food retail establishment.
Childhood Obesity Rates Fall in Canada for the First Time in Years: Study
Global News, Carmen Chai, 5/9/16
New research suggests that in Canada, for the first time in years, the numbers of overweight and obese kids have decreased.
Upcoming Events
2016 Healthy Retail Webinar Series: Snacking
May 25th, 2016
2:00 - 3:00 p.m. ETSponsored by Center for Science in the Public Interest and the Produce for Better Health Foundation, this webinar will focus on snacking trends and snack food marketing to children. Register for the webinar.
Creating New Opportunities for Active Communities: Shared-Use & Parks Policies in New York State
May 26th, 2016
12:30 - 1:30 p.m. ETSponsored by DASH-NY, this webinar will discuss how communities can build equitable access to physical exercise opportunities through the adoption of shared use and parks policies. Register for the webinar.