Thinking beyond the borders: Food 4 Thought policy to promote healthy eating habits among college students

Healthy food promotes quality of life, health, and increases longevity. Beyond that, it improves energy and productivity. Promotion of healthy eating is also important because research has shown that adhering to a healthy diet prevents obesity and other related health issues such as type II diabetes, heart disease, and cancer. In fact, recent years show a tremendous rise in obesity among individuals, which has been associated with eating increased amounts of fast food. In relation to this, we have the first generation of individuals who may have diminished quality of life and shorter life spans than their parents.

In particular, the Long Beach/Los Angeles area has the third highest prevalence of diabetes in the United States. To counter these rising trends in obesity and diabetes, our healthy eating policy, Food 4 Thought, is directed at students of a large urban university in Southern California. This University has an enrollment of over 30,000 students who primarily commute to school. Challenges such as limited parking, and time constraints between classes, necessitate staying on campus to eat. The current food choices at this campus are predominantly of fast food variations. Therefore, implementing a policy that would bring partnership with chains that provide wholesome food options on campus would make nutritious food more accessible to students and promote good health. At this session we will present the steps necessary to make healthy food policy changes at a college campus and some of the challenges with its implementation.