Understanding Nutrition: A Primer on Programs and Policies in California

This primer — consisting of 4 sections with 19 modules — aims to orient policymakers, advocates, program directors, parents and students to the federal and state agencies, programs, and laws established to address nutrition-related issues.   The primer is one in a series of policy primers published by the California Center for Research on Women and Families (CCRWF) and provides a basic orientation to nutrition, food assistance, and physical activity programs, with a special focus on those serving low-income Californians. The primer also summarizes key public policies and provides statistical profiles.

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USDA’s Food and Nutrition Information Center

Contains over 1600 links to current and reliable nutrition information and links to several USDA sites, including: the Childcare Nutrition Resource System, which contains recipes, resources and information on preparing nutritious and safe meals for child care professionals, and the Healthy School Meals Resource System, which hosts a searchable web site, providing information to persons working in USDA’s Child Nutrition Programs.

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UC Berkeley Center for Weight and Health

Conducts independent and community-based research on the prevention of childhood obesity and develops science-based solutions to weight-related health problems. Their website includes links to organizations, data and research related to weight and health.

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The Strategic Alliance for Healthy Food and Activity Environments

The Alliance’s goal is to benefit the health and wellness of all California residents by promoting environmental solutions and institutional and government policies and practices that support healthy eating and activity. Their website provides recent research and policy briefs, advocacy tools, and information about Alliance partners.

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Project LEAN

Hosts an interactive internet-based Geographic Information System that allows viewers to view and query mapped nutrition data. Also offers educational materials (some in Spanish and targeting multicultural populations). Provides information about nutrition programs, Food on the Run and California Nutrition Network, in California. A link to an interactive site designed specifically for teens http://www.caprojectlean.org is also provided.

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Physical Activity and Health: A Report of the Surgeon General

This site provides access to the 1996 Surgeon General’s Report. Links include population-specific fact sheets, information about exercise and general health behaviors, and strategies for promoting physical activity.

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NHANES

Maintains statistical reports gathered from the National Health and Nutritional Survey that include data specific to adolescents on health behaviors and national and state-specific data.

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Maternal and Child Health Library Knowledge Path

This knowledge path about physical activity and children and adolescents offers a selection of recent, high-quality resources that analyze data, describe public health campaigns and other promotion programs, and report on research aimed at identifying promising strategies for improving physical activity levels within families, schools, and communities.

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Center for Science in the Public Interest – Nutrition Policy

CSPI seeks to educate the public, advocate government policies that are consistent with scientific evidence on health and environmental issues, and counter industry’s powerful influence on public opinion and public policies. They provide information about policy and advocacy to improve school food and increase physical activity and prevent marketing of junk food to kids.

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CDC’s School Health Physical Activity Guidelines

Outlines national school health strategies. Provides reports on risk behaviors and research and evaluation. Offers school health nutrition guidelines and physical activity recommendations. Also includes a list of announcements of new reports and conferences.

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