Oral

The purpose of this session is to explore unique ways to impact the obesity epidemic through various approaches in states, communities and schools. The panel will examine state legislative efforts to increase fruit and vegetable intake; the National Policy and Legal Analysis Network aimed at increasing communities’ capacity to make healthier options more accessible to children; a training initiative for parents and community leaders on local school wellness policies to support implementation of these policies; and state- and district-level nutrition policies addressing junk food sales to students in school vending machines and school stores. Benefits and challenges of each approach will be presented.

Session Objectives: At the end of this session, participants will be able to: 1.Discuss state and national policy initiatives that address the obesity epidemic including fruit and vegetable state legislation and increasing communities’ capacity to make healthier options available. 2. Describe two unique policy-related approaches to promote healthy nutrition and/or physical activity environments in schools.

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