Public Health Departments: Changing Nutrition Policies and Environments

Purpose: To share the methods and findings of an assessment conducted in health departments to document foods and beverages sold internally and the existence of any policies affecting these sales. The assessments were conducted as part of an evaluation of The California Endowments Healthy Eating Active Communities (HEAC) and Central California Regional Obesity Prevention (CCROPP) programs, which were funded to improve access to healthy foods and beverages and physical activity opportunities in California communities through policy and environmental change.

Methods: The assessment was conducted by Samuels & Associates in ten California public health departments. An original survey tool was developed and tested for use in health department facilities. The data collection methods included site visits to health departments, cafeteria and vending machine observations, and interviews with key stakeholders such as food service, facilities managers, and health department staff.

Findings: Although internal health department environments were not always supportive of obesity prevention efforts, new policies and nutrition standards were being adopted to improve the nutrition environment. The results for this assessment will inform health department administrators, policymakers, and program staff about: 1) the prevalence of foods and beverages in health department facilities 2) the types and nutritional quality of foods and beverages available, and 3) the adherence of food and beverages to nutrient standards included in written policies.