Goal Statement   

• To improve the health of all Americans by solving problems at the root of dietary issues.    

Policy Options / Model Programs   

A. Model Programs

• Model Program - Good Neighbor Program

B. Policy Options

• Improve access to healthy, affordable food in all communities

  • Farm to Cafeteria Programs

  • Healthy Cornerstore Initiatives

  • Community Kitchens

  • Community Gardens

• Make schools and workplaces models of healthy living
  • Policy Option - Farm to School Programs
  • Improve physical activity in school
  • Workplace Wellness Programs
• Ensure every adult and child has access to coverage for preventive medical services

Issue Briefs   

• Dietary-Related Illnesses - USA

• Dietary-Related Illnesses - Ohio

  • Dietary-Related Illnesses - Lorain County, Ohio

Glossary of Terms   key words or phrases that the layperson needs to know to understand this issue 

• Community Garden - Any piece of land gardened by a group of people. It can be urban or rural, grow flowers or vegetables, be at a school or in a neighborhood, but it always provides an opportunity to build community and more.^[1]

• Community Kitchen - A public place where members of the community can process fresh food by preserving it (canning, freezing, etc.) and by creating new foods (i.e. salsa from tomatoes and chilis). Can also serve as a place for people to learn about these methods and eat delicious, nutritious local food.

• Dietary-Related Illness - Any condition or disease that is caused by eating habits. Examples include obesity, heart disease, and anemia.

• Farm to Cafeteria Program - Initiatives to get more fresh local produce into a variety of eating places, including, but not limited to, schools, hospitals, universities, and soup kitchens.

• Farm to School Programs - A specific Farm to Cafeteria Program that aims to get more fresh local produce into schools. This can be done through a combination of policy work, community outreach, and education.

• Workplace Wellness Programs - Programs hosted by coporations to improve the health and wellbeing of their employees through measures like exercise, dietary advice, and healthy food in the workplace.

Bibliography    

•  

  Trust for America's Health (http://healthyamericans.org/)

  • F as in Fat 2009

  • Blueprint for a Healthier America