Partners of the Plan

In 2001, the Washington State Department of Health was awarded funding from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to develop a program aimed at the promotion of nutrition and physical activity for the prevention of chronic disease and obesity.

To build and enhance statewide capacity building efforts, DOH formed the Nutrition and Physical Activity Advisory Group (NPAAG). This group consisted of nutrition and physical activity professionals and representatives from potential collaborating agencies, organizations, and health systems. Together, the NPAAG conducted formative research, identified target populations, defined data sources, and identified specific strategies in the process of developing the Washington State Nutrition and Physical Activity Plan. The State Plan, takes an environment and policy approach to the prevention of obesity and chronic disease using nutrition and physical activity.

In 2003, Washington State was one of three states to receive additional funding from the CDC for Basic Implementation. More information about State-based nutrition and physical activity programs can be found on the CDC web site. The framework of the Washington State Plan is described below.

Purpose of the Plan
To provide a framework in which policy makers at the state, local, and institutional levels can work together to support and build environments that make it easier for Washington residents to choose healthy foods and to be physically active in order to:

• Slow the increase in the proportion of adults and children who are obese
  Reduce the rates of chronic diseases that are associated with obesity
  
• Improve quality of life

Overarching Goals

• Increase the proportion of adults and children who have diets that reflect the Dietary Guidelines for Americans
• Increase the proportion of adults and children who meet physical activity recommendations

Nutrition Objectives

• To increase access to health promoting foods
• To reduce hunger and food insecurity in Washington State
• To increase the proportion of mothers who breastfeed their infants and toddlers

• Increase the consumption of vegetables and fruits
• Assure that worksites provide healthful foods and beverages
• Assure that schools K-12 provide healthful foods and beverages
• Provide adequate support for nutrition and food programs
• Improve access to nutrition programs
  
• Assure that health care settings, childcare facilities, and worksite environments are breastfeeding friendly
  

Physical Activity Objectives

• To increase the number of people who have access to free or low cost recreational opportunities for physical activity
• To increase the number of physical activity opportunities available to children
• To increase the number of active community environments in Washington State

Physical Activity Priority Recommendations

• Provide adequate funding for state and local recreation sites and facilities
  
• Develop model policies to increase access to public facilities for physical activity
  
• Increase the number of worksites that have policies that enhance physical activity opportunities
  
• Adopt school-based curricula and policies that provide quality, daily, physical education for all students
  
• Encourage policies that provide K-12 students with opportunities for physical activity outside of formal PE classes
  
• Provide opportunities to replace sedentary behaviors such as watching TV with physical activity
  
• Utilize urban planning approaches -- zoning and land use -- that promote physical activity
  
• Incorporate transportation policy and infrastructure changes that promote non-motorized transit
• Enhance safety and perceived safety to improve community walkability and bikeability