Local Policy: A tool for eliminating disparities in nutrition and activity-related chronic illnesses in Latino communities

Rates of chronic illnesses like type II diabetes, hypertension and heart disease are disproportionately high among Latinos and disproportionate numbers of Latinos live in low-income communities that lack the institutions, infrastructure and services essential for healthy living. Even with strong motivation, residents in low-income communities may find it challenging to eat nutritious foods if their neighborhood lacks a supermarket, while unsafe conditions and poor infrastructure for walking hinder efforts to be active. Recognizing that local decisions such as community design and product availability can influence eating and activity behaviors, many local jurisdictions are working to reshape their schools, communities and institutions to reduce disparities in health.

This presentation will highlight Prevention Institute's Environmental Nutrition and Activity Local Policy Database, an on-line searchable tool designed to support the work of policymakers, advocates, and health professionals. This presentation will highlight the most promising policies that have emerged in communities of color across the nation to reverse environmental barriers to proper nutrition and activity. Policy examples include land-use ordinances, complete streets, and business incentives. The presentation will demonstrate the breadth of nutrition and activity policy options and how practitioners can use the database to identify policies to implement in their own communities.