Energizing Meetings at the Washington State Department of Health

Washington State Department of Health (DOH) is making it easier to eat healthy at agency-sponsored meetings and events. DOH recently updated procedures in two food-procurement policies. The new procedures state that meetings and events must be planned using "Washington State Guidelines to Help Energize Your Meetings." Energize Your Meetings (pdf) uses a rating system (from one to five stars) to help meeting planners and caterers select foods to offer for a healthy meeting. The document includes food and beverage standards, sample menus, a list of recommended foods and beverages, and suggestions for physical activity. After sharing Energize with caterers, at least one incorporated the food and beverage standards into per diem menu choices.

Target Audience: Adults who attend meetings sponsored by Washington State Department of Health

Evaluation: Questions related to food at meetings will be added to the department's annual wellness survey to see if people think food served at meetings has changed since the procedures were updated. The Procurement Office will also track changes in food purchases documented on the pre-approval form. An online survey will be used to assess training needs for meeting planners.

Partners: The Nutrition and Physical Activity Program at DOH developed Energize Your Meetings in partnership with event caterers and the department's Office of Health Promotion, administrative staff, Health and Productivity team, and policy committee.

For More Information:

• Energize Your Meetings (pdf)
• Amy Ellings, Washington State Department of Health
  Phone: 360-236-3754
  

Rainier Valley Healthy Restaurant Initiative

The Healthy Restaurant Initiative is a program working with sixteen restaurants in southeast Seattle to provide healthy menu options. Nutritionists analyzed the menus and helped each restaurant to identify at least one healthy option for adults and children. Healthy choices met the following guidelines:

• Less than 850 calories
• More than eight grams of fiber
• Less than 1,000 mg of sodium
• Less than 25% of calories from fat
• At least two servings of fruits and veggies.

Participating restaurants were publicized in a brochure (pdf) that was distributed in the community and made available at each restaurant. The brochure also encouraged biking to the restaurants by including a map of restaurant locations and bike friendly routes.

Target Audience: Rainier Valley residents and restaurant patrons

Evaluation: University of Washington students are conducting in person interviews with participating restaurants. Questions address perceptions of the program, changes in food preparation techniques, marketing strategies, and consumer awareness of the program and healthy options. Interview Guide (pdf)

Partners: Healthy & Active Rainier Valley Coalition, Steps to Health King County, Public Health Seattle & King County, Swedish, Cascade Bicycle Club Education Foundation, and participating restaurants (please see brochure for list).

For More Information:

• Rainier Valley Healthy Restaurant Initiative Brochure (pdf)
• Healthy and Active Rainier Valley Coalition
• Diana Vinh, Public Health Seattle and King County

"Local Farms - Healthy Kids and Communities Act" Considered by Washington State Legislature

The Washington State Legislature is considering legislation that aims to increase access to healthy foods and expand the market for local agricultural products. The proposed "Local Farms - Healthy Kids and Communities Act" creates a Farm-to-School Program to increase procurement of Washington grown foods by connecting schools with farmers and providing technical assistance to school districts and farms. A Washington Grown Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Grants program would be established to allow schools to purchase locally-produced, nutritious snacks. The Act reduces barriers that limit the procurement of local products by state agencies and institutions including schools and institutions of higher learning.

The proposed legislation also aims to make it easier for low income families to obtain locally-grown food. A Farmers Market Technology Improvement Pilot Program would be established to enable farmers markets to accept electronic payment cards, including electronic benefits transfers to increase usage food stamp benefits at farmers markets.The Act also expands funding for the WIC and Seniors Farmers Market Nutrition Programs and creates pilot projects for food banks to purchase fresh food directly from Washington farms.

For More Information:

• Bill Status and Documents: HB 2798 | SB 6483
• Public hearing in the House Committee on Agriculture & Natural Resources, January 24, 2008: Audio Recording

Eat Local Thanksgiving Increases Awareness of Local Food Policy

Eat Local Thanksgiving was launched to increase awareness of the importance of the local food system and local food policy in creating equal access to healthy food, minimizing food system impacts on climate change, and supporting the local economy. As part of the campaign, nearly 2,400 people pledged to include at least one locally grown food on their table during the 2007 holiday season. The King County Council issued formal recognition of the campaign and more than 40 supporting organizations, businesses, and civic leaders offered their support.

Opportunities to improve healthy food access through policy change were highlighted on the campaign's Web site. Examples of policy changes included:

• Procurement policies in schools or other large Institutions to increase purchase of local food for school meals
• Transportation policies that link low income residents with grocery stores
• Land use planning that sets standards for equitable distribution of community gardens
• Providing the necessary technology for residents to redeem food stamps at farmers markets
  

Target Audience: Residents of twelve counties in the Puget Sound Area (See map)

Evaluation: Surveys were sent to all participants who submitted a pledge. Nearly 600 responses were received and are currently being analyzed. Community partners were also asked to provide feedback through a survey.

Partners: Seattle-King County Acting Food Policy Council, King County, the Cascade Harvest Coalition, Good Food Strategies, Department of Neighborhoods — Climate Protection Fund, King County's Agriculture Program, Please see campaign Web site for complete list of partners and supporters.

For More Information:

• Eat Local Thanksgiving Web Site | Local Food Policy Page
• King County Council Recognition (pdf)
• Karen Kinney, King County Agriculture Program

Apple Corps: Fostering Healthy School Environments

Apple Corps works to create healthful environments and positive nutrition and physical activity experiences for low-income youth and families. The program’s AmeriCorps VISTA volunteers currently works with five Seattle schools, four after school programs, and other agencies in Seattle and King County.

In its school-based efforts, Apple Corps uses a coordinated approach that targets different school health program components in order to reinforce learning and healthful behaviors. Apple Corps works to:

• Increase access and exposure to fruits and vegetables by offering engaging nutrition activities, supporting gardening programs, and participating in local farm-to-school initiatives
• Encourage participation in free and reduced-price school meals
• Integrate nutrition and fitness education into the core curriculum
• Provide wellness activities that encourage school staff to model healthy behaviors
• Increase physical activity through structured recess programs and implementing fitness-based fundraising efforts

Target Audience: Youth and families most at-risk of hunger, malnutrition, and obesity in Seattle and King County.

Partners: Public Health Seattle-King County-S.N.A.C., WSU Extension: Food $ense, STEPS to Health, Seattle Public Schools, Seattle Foundation, Gratia Ainsley Foundation, and the Washington State Department of Community Trade and Economic Development.

For More Information:

• Apple Corps Web site
• Aviva Vikstrom, Solid Ground

Featured Resource
Show Me the Money: A Guide to Selling Healthy Foods at School

Show Me the Money provides tools and resources to help Washington school districts develop healthy and profitable fundraising strategies. The guide builds on the successes from seven revenue replacement workshops held during 2005 and 2006. Resources include:

• A checklist and materials to coordinate a revenue replacement workshop
• Product selection and marketing strategies for school foodservice, stores, vending, and fundraising
• Healthy products guide including vendors in Washington
• Success stories from schools in Washington

For More Information:

• Show Me the Money: A Guide to Selling Healthy Foods at School (pdf)
• Amy Ellings, Washington State Department of Health