Online Program

Oral

Food Policy Councils (FPCs) are organizations that bring together diverse members of the community, such as food producers, retailers, policy-makers, concerned citizens, and health professionals, to inform food policy and systems change. FPCs seek to improve access and availability of healthy foods in their communities and therefore are a key player in our efforts to promote food security and to fight diet-related diseases. Furthermore, a 2011 CDC report recommended establishing Food Policy Councils as a way to “improve the food environment at state and local levels.” Over 270 FPCs exist in the US, Canada, and tribal nations, with more forming each year. This session focuses on the following four aspects of Food Policy Councils: 1) the latest information about the FPC landscape in the US and Canada, 2) research about modifiable organizational factors associated with perceptions of council success, 3) research about how scientists and technical experts can support FPCs, and 4) The role that FPCs can play in promoting healthy policies, and how lawyers can support the creating and implementation of councils and their policy efforts.

Session Objectives: Describe trends in food policy council activities over time and formulate ideas for how results from an annual FPC directory update could inform future research, programs, or policies Identify organizational factors associated with perceptions of food policy council impact and explain how those factors are related. 3. Discuss and define how researchers and public health professionals can serve as partners with FPCs in their efforts to establish healthy food policies in their communities. Explain how lawyers can provide support to emerging and evolving food policy councils.

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