Local strategies for reducing the marketing of unhealthy foods and beverages to children

BACKGROUND: Food marketing to young children is associated with an increase in children’s total energy intake; overconsumption of fast food, sugar-sweetened beverages, sweet and salty snacks; and under-consumption of fruits and vegetables.  The childhood obesity crisis has prompted exploration of government action to curb the marketing of unhealthy foods and beverages to children.  Currently, the majority of food marketing regulation occurs at the federal level, and few local governments seek to parse their role in protecting young children. 

APPROACH: The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health partnered with ChangeLab Solutions to prepare a comprehensive report on strategies that can be implemented by local communities to reduce the marketing of unhealthy foods and beverages to children. Defining channels for action by communities and local governments lays the framework for change. To encourage community uptake and dialogue, the report encourages work at all levels of the socio-ecologic model, from the individual to the interpersonal, organizational, community, and public policy levels. 

RESULTS: This presentation will describe the strategies proposed in the report, preliminary results of local surveys assessing community support for these strategies, and progress on policy implementation and best practices among communities in Los Angeles County.  

DISCUSSION: Local communities are aptly positioned to lead in assessing need and building momentum to change the food and beverage marketing environment at multiple levels and settings. This report enumerates potential policy strategies that are legally defensible and publically supported to shape the places where children live, learn, and play.