Online Program

334628
Collaborative Approaches to Implementing Food Systems and Healthy Eating Policies in the Asian Pacific American Community of New York


Tuesday, November 3, 2015 : 1:10 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.

Ryan Natividad, BA, Coalition for Asian American Children and Families, New York, NY
Cardiovascular disease is linked to unhealthy eating in the growing Asian Pacific American (APA) community. In 2009, Asian Pacific Americans Health Eating and Active Living In our Neighborhoods (APA HEALIN') was formed to address food systems, healthy eating, active living, and built environment disparities in APA communities of New York City. Six community-based organizations (CBOs) provided culturally- and linguistically-tailored activities and education to their respective communities.

During the initial year, the coalition undertook a community needs assessment utilizing community surveys and a photovoice project. Building on the assessment, CBOs received capacity building and technical assistance to develop particular food systems and healthy eating improvements for their networks. Notable activities include a community gardens assessment; facilitating nutrition/food security and urban agriculture workshops; and partnering with restaurants to include healthy menu options. Collaborating with a national organization, APA HEALIN’ participated in a month-long, nationwide campaign to increase healthy eating participation and education in APA communities.

CBO partners reached the Cambodian, Chinese, Filipino, Indian, Indo-Caribbean, Korean, Nepali, Punjabi, Tibetan, and Vietnamese communities. While residents and local stakeholders benefited by participating in these community-led initiatives, many raised concerns regarding the lack of resources to address the food systems and healthy eating issues in their communities. Throughout the duration of the partnership, CBOs developed relations with local businesses, community institutions, and government entities.

As a pan-Asian group actively empowering ethnic communities, we will share best practices and lessons learned in education, collaboration, and multisectoral involvement to advocate for community- and policy-level food systems and changes.

Learning Areas:

Assessment of individual and community needs for health education
Chronic disease management and prevention
Diversity and culture
Implementation of health education strategies, interventions and programs
Public health or related laws, regulations, standards, or guidelines
Public health or related public policy

Learning Objectives:
Describe the impact of cardiovascular disease in the Asian Pacific American communities. Identify multisectoral community and policy approaches addressing healthy eating, active living, and the built environment in the Asian Pacific American population. Demonstrate culturally and linguistically competent methods in promoting programmatic and policy changes in underserved communities.

Keyword(s): Asian and Pacific Islanders, Community-Based Partnership & Collaboration

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: I have experience in health policy and community health programming, research, and evaluation. My research and policy foci encompass health equity and multisectoral involvement to address food systems and access; nutrition and healthy eating; active living and physical activity; and the built environment in the Asian American and Pacific Islander community.
Any relevant financial relationships? No

I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation.