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Illinois Physical Education and Transportation Policy Updates
With bills that would enhance Illinois' physical education standards and boost its transportation funding opportunities up for consideration in the 101st General Assembly, CLOCC's network mobilized on several recent occasions to demonstrate its support on behalf policies that would improve the lives of Illinois' children. More than a hundred witness slips and letters to legislators were filed in direct response to Consortium updates over the last several weeks. CLOCC is grateful to all those who took action.
As of Tuesday, April 16,
SB 1189
and
HB 2234,
Bills to Strengthen Physical Education (P.E.) had been designated to the Rules Committee and were not expected to advance further during this session (although a change in status is technically possible).
These bills would have updated the physical education requirements so that schools provide a minimum of 150 minutes of P.E. per week in elementary schools and 225 minutes of P.E. per week in secondary schools.
Similarly, SB 2016, the Complete Streets & Trails, Local Grant Program, was designated to Assignments, and is also unlikely to move forward this session.
This bill dedicates 2% of state funds within a transportation capital budget for local governments to implement complete streets walking and biking infrastructure improvements. It also
prioritizes funds for high-need communities by (1) eliminating the local match requirement for low-income communities (2) setting aside at least 25% of funds for high-need communities based upon median income and tax base.
Any further updates will be communicated to the Consortium network.
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Sign-on to Support CSPI Menu Labeling and Nutrition Facts Education Campaigns
From the Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI):
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has publicly committed its support for consumer-awareness education campaigns for menu labeling and the updated Nutrition Facts panel as part of its Nutrition Innovation Strategy. These campaigns would go a long way to help the public make informed choices about what they eat and encourage companies to provide healthier food options. In order to maximize the public's understanding and awareness of these policies, and therefore its effectiveness, we (CSPI) are requesting a total of $3,000,000 to support education efforts for menu labeling ($1,500,000) and the updated Nutrition Facts panel ($1,500,000). This funding would help the FDA undertake a broader and more powerful dissemination and education strategy.
These campaigns would be very timely. Menu labeling, which requires calorie labeling for menu items and prepared foods in chain restaurants, supermarkets, and convenience stores, is in effect but enforcement begins May 2019. The updated Nutrition Facts panel, which updates several aspects of the label and for the first time, allows consumers to know how much added sugars is in food and beverages, goes into effect in January 2020 for large manufacturers and in January 2021 for small manufacturers. Nutrition information is important to address the public health crises of obesity and diabetes. For instance, a recent Harvard study found restaurant menu calorie labeling could prevent up to 41,000 cases of childhood obesity and could save over $4.6 billion in healthcare costs over ten years.
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CSPI Case Study Looks at U.K. Grocery Chains That Adopted Healthy Checkout
Nine major grocery chains in the United Kingdom adopted checkout aisle policies to support healthier eating. A new case study published by the Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI) demonstrates how consumer advocacy prompted voluntary commitments that are paving the way for a national ban on junk food at checkout.
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Chicago Park District Begins Summer Hiring
Share With Your Networks and Help Grow Healthy Habits for Park District Summer Camp Kids
Seasonal work in a summer camp setting is an excellent opportunity for individuals looking to kick off a career working with kids, and the Chicago Park District is now hiring for a variety of summer program positions. Counselors and activity leaders can play a critical role in stopping the "
summer slide," when children's health and health behaviors can decline without access to the structured nutrition and physical activity available during the school year.
Applicants may apply for as many jobs for which they are qualified. Individuals must be at least 16 years of age by June of 2019 in order to work for the District (hiring ages for the District is 16-99).
Of note, CLOCC - with the support of Kohl's Cares
® - will again be teaming up with the Chicago Park District this summer to introduce
5-4-3-2-1 Go!® messaging to summer camp participants in Rogers Park (Loyola Park), Pilsen (Dvorak) and Englewood (Hamilton).
However, even if an individual is not working in one of these intervention parks, the opportunity to excite and inspire kids around health is exceptionally valuable. Contact info@clocc.net with questions.
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CHILDHOOD OBESITY IN THE NEWS
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T
he Consortium to Lower Obesity in Chicago Children (CLOCC) is a nationally recognized leader for community-based obesity prevention. We support, coordinate, and unite partners to promote healthy and active lifestyles for children and families. Our multi-sector approach emerged in Chicago and can be adapted for use anywhere.
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