Oral

There is growing interest in understanding the role of environmental and policy contexts in expanding opportunities for healthy eating, improving accessibility to healthy food options, and reducing the prevalence of childhood obesity. Examining national models to address barriers to healthy eating and childhood obesity prevention is essential to highlight exemplary approaches, as well as identify processes for dissemination. The purpose of this session is to describe five policy initiatives to expand, monitor, and promote greater access to fruit and vegetables, promote healthy behaviors in childcare settings, and address childhood obesity at the community-level. Speakers will discuss project design, findings, and lessons learned. These presentations underscore the need to develop policy and environmental strategies at the federal, state, city, and local level and engage multiple stakeholders including government agencies, non-profit organizations, and funders.

Session Objectives: 1. Identify policy and environmental approaches to expand opportunities for healthy eating, improve accessibility to healthy food options, and reduce the prevalence of childhood obesity 2. Describe exemplary approaches to policy development, promotion, monitoring, and dissemination, and 3. Discuss the stakeholders needed to support federal, state, city, and local policy initiatives.

CE Credits: Medical (CME), Health Education (CHES), Nursing (CNE), Public Health (CPH)