Oral

Purpose: To inform public health advocates involved in the food system and food justice around communications and framing theory and strategy Relevance: Framing and communication are essential for success in public health advocacy to change the food environment and other social determinants of health. Four of the six top causes of chronic disease and death are related to unhealthy food and diet. Public health research suggests an unhealthy, “obesogenic” food system is at least partly to blame, as well as being a critical factor in disparities seen in many of these diseases. Health and equity dimensions of the food system, however, are a challenge to convey – as is the concept of the food system itself. In addition, while change to the food system is essential, it rests on policy change. Advocacy campaigns will be necessary to effectively mobilize support for policy change when so many powerful economic interests benefit from the status quo. Today’s session will feature experts on what does and does not work in terms of framing health and the food system for the purpose of public health advocacy, including in social media. We also will hear from those who successfully embed key concepts like health disparities into food systems and food justice contexts.

Session Objectives: 1. Identify two important public health insights from existing framing research around food systems and equity; 2. Explain from a framing perspective why use of public health terminology around “social determinants of health” or health disparities may or may not motivate community members around advocacy to change their food system; and 3. List 2-3 lessons of success from Meatless Monday as a health based campaign to change food systems.

CE Credits: Medical (CME), Health Education (CHES), Nursing (CNE), Public Health (CPH) , Masters Certified Health Education Specialist (MCHES)