What can be done?
Local Governments can:
· Have effective and active schools
· Safe neighborhoods
· Clean parks and public spaces
· Readily accessible services such as playgrounds, recreational facilities, libraries, and grocery stores
Local government plays a large role in change. “The places in which people live, work, study, and play have a strong influence on their ability to consume healthy foods and beverages and engage in regular physical activity. Local governments make decisions every day that affect these environments” (Parker, Burns, & Sanchez, 2009).
National Government:
The USDA MyPlate project promotes the dietary guidelines for all Americans. There is a large website that people can get on and learn all about portion sizes, calories, what food groups we should be eating a lot of and groups that we should not be eating a lot of. There is many facts about nutrition that is easy to get to and read.
Visit the website! http://www.choosemyplate.gov/
Although government policies and programs can do a lot, it depends on the individual to make the final change to choose to not be obese. It is the individual that decides to get healthy or stay healthy. Each of these individuals can help their families and those around them to be healthy as well.
Also the government as The Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010 authorizes funding for federal school meal and child nutrition programs and increases access to healthy food for low-income children.
Also the government as The Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010 authorizes funding for federal school meal and child nutrition programs and increases access to healthy food for low-income children.
Some
of the main things that this act does is:
· Gives USDA the authority to set nutritional standards for all foods regularly
sold in schools during the school day, including vending machines, the “a la
carte” lunch lines, and school stores.
· Provides additional funding to schools that meet updated nutritional
standards for
federally- subsidized lunches. This is an historic investment, the first real
reimbursement rate increase in over 30 years.
· Helps communities establish local farm to school networks, create school
gardens,
and ensures that more local foods are used in the school setting.
· Builds on USDA work to improve nutritional quality of commodity foods that schools receive
from USDA and use in their breakfast and lunch programs.
· Expands access to drinking water in schools, particularly during meal times.
· Sets basic standards for school wellness policies including goals for
nutrition promotion and education and physical activity, while still permitting
local flexibility to tailor the policies to their particular needs.
· Promotes nutrition and wellness in child care settings through the
federally-subsidized Child and Adult Care Food Program.
http://www.fns.usda.gov/cnd/governance/legislation/CNR_2010.htm
Why Parents?
Parents can have a big impact on their children. Their children look up to them as models for what they should think and do. There are two things that parents can do:
· Make smart eating choices
· Be physically active
If parents do this they will set good examples for their children.
Why Families?
It is hard to make changes by yourself. If you have the help and support of a family you will be much more likely to make lasting changes. Eating right and exercising, as a family will make it easier to stay on track.
Example: plan activities as a family that involves physical activity. The family members can support and encourage each other during that activity. Also put a bowl of fruit or veggies on the counter for snacks instead of chips.
