How Research Shapes Vital Nutrition Programs

USDA Blog Post:

Posted by Melissa Abelev, (Acting) Assistant Deputy Administrator for Policy Support, on April 25, 2014 at 4:00 PM

Nutritional research is key to helping millions of Americans achieve healthier lifestyles.

During the month of April we will take a closer look at USDA’s Groundbreaking Research for a Revitalized Rural America, highlighting ways USDA researchers are improving the lives of Americans in ways you might never imagine, such as using research to inform policy decisions about our nutrition assistance programs, which reach 1 in 4 Americans.

America’s nutrition safety net has a broad reach.  SNAP serves millions of hardworking American families, WIC benefits about half of the nation’s infants each year, and the National School Lunch Program touches the lives of about 31 million children every school day, including 21 million low-income children.  Because these and other Federal nutrition assistance programs are a critical resource for families seeking a healthy diet with limited resources, USDA’s Food and Nutrition Service knows the importance of shaping them with evidence gathered from rigorous research.

Several flagship studies illustrate how FNS uses research to build the knowledge base about our programs and make continuous improvements to meet the highest nutrition standards:

• The School Nutrition and Dietary Assessment (SNDA) series goes into schools every five years to determine how well school meals are meeting the Dietary Guidelines for Americans.  We use rigorous, validated measures, including 24-hour dietary recalls and menu nutrient analyses, on a nationally-representative sample of schools to build our knowledge base and analyze the nutritional quality of schools meals.  Information from these studies helps FNS shape the technical assistance we provide to states and school districts to ensure their meals meet the highest dietary standards.  The fifth SNDA study will begin data collection in schools next school year and will provide FNS with a detailed picture of how well schools are meeting updated meal patterns required by the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act.

• Our partnership with the Institute of Medicine ensures that the food packages prescribed in WIC reflect the state of the science for nutrition standards.  The latest IOM recommendations form the basis for recently-finalized standards that ensure that nearly 8.6 million women, infants, and children receive supplemental foods each day that directly address their health needs.  And we are already launching the next review to keep the packages up-to-date.

• Because the WIC packages are designed in part to support breastfeeding – the medically-preferred feeding practice for most infants – FNS launched a study to determine the impact of the packages on that outcome.  The findings helped inform nutrition education efforts that align with the food packages to increase breastfeeding rates.  And we are currently conducting a nationally-representative study of WIC nutrition education.  This will help identify aspects of the program where we could focus additional resources or technical assistance, as well as highlight opportunities for information sharing among states or regions.

• We are also seeking innovative approaches to help SNAP participants make healthy choices.  The Healthy Incentives Pilot tested the effect of incentives at the point of sale to encourage fruit and vegetable purchases and increase consumption of these healthful foods.  Initial findings found that such incentives increased consumption by about 25 percent.

• A study we conducted on the effect of SNAP participation looked at SNAP’s role in helping families cope with food insecurity. We found that those who received SNAP for six months reported significantly lower rates of food insecurity.  These results were true for households with and without children, and for households in both rural and urban areas, highlighting SNAP’s broad effectiveness. Through research, we were able to confirm that SNAP is working to reduce food insecurity.

These are just a few of the many studies FNS conducts to build the knowledge base to inform and shape these vital programs.  Research is essential in achieving FNS’ goals of reducing childhood hunger and improving nutrition in programs with high integrity every day.  After all, if a healthier next generation is our aim, knowledge is an important part of that path.

Grandparents Help Kids Develop Good Eating Habits

USDA Blog Post:

Posted by Trish (Oma) Britten, Nutritionist, Center for Nutrition Policy and Promotion, on March 31, 2014 at 10:00 AM

Grandchildren are a treasure.

Grandkids are a grandparent’s greatest treasure.  From time to time during grandchildren’s young lives, grandparents may have the pleasure of being their caregiver.  Show them how to be healthy, including how to make healthy food choices–an important way grandparents show how much they love and care about their grandchildren.

As a proud grandmother, I can attest that grandkids learn by example!  They mimic everything you do, so be a healthy role model by taking care of yourself and they will learn to value healthy habits.  Use ChooseMyPlate.gov to guide your food choices and better understand the nutrition needs of young children in your life.  Take your grandchildren shopping at a farmer’s market and the grocery store.  Talk about the choices you are making—choosing the juicier oranges or the fresher vegetables.  Help them learn cooking skills, which will benefit them throughout their lives. Encourage them to be active throughout the day.

Take time to share and listen to your grandchild – the time you spend together offers wonderful opportunities to understand one another.  Discuss likes and dislikes of different foods and talk about what they eat at school or at home.  Involve grandkids in selecting and preparing foods for meals, and offer the same foods to everyone.  Avoid making different dishes to please young, fussy eaters.  Offer snack foods that help meet their daily food group needs such as applesauce, baby carrots, string cheese, or 100% whole grain crackers.  Reward them with your attention.  Hugs are much better than sweet treats.

Spend time walking in the neighborhood, planting a vegetable garden, or shooting a few hoops.  Dance, run, and play hopscotch or soccer with them when they’re full of energy—it’s fun and healthy for both of you!

Show your grandchild games, activity sheets and other fun ways to learn about good nutrition at MyPlate Kids’ Place.  For a bedtime story, read The Two Bite Club. 

The US Department of Agriculture offers food assistance, nutrition education resources, and nutrition guidance for older adults and their grandkids.  Use the following resources to learn more:

• Breastfeeding:  The Magical Bond of Love – WIC information for grandparents
• Eat Smart, Live Strong:  Nutrition Education for Older Adults – SNAP resource
• Eat Smart to Play Hard with MyPlate – Team Nutrition miniposter
• The Two Bite Club – Team Nutrition book for preschool children
• Recipes for Healthy Kids – Team Nutrition recipes for caregivers
• Grow It, Try It, Like It! – Team Nutrition gardening crafts and activities
• ChooseMyPlate.gov – MyPlate resources and online tools
• MyPlate Kids’ Place – MyPlate resources for kids 8-12 years old

On the Path to New Dietary Guidance Recommendations

USDA Blog Post:

Posted by Colette I. Rihane, MS, RD, Director, Office of Nutrition Guidance and Analysis, Co-Executive Secretary, 2015 Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee, Center for Nutrition Policy and Promotion, on March 27, 2014 at 4:00 PM

The process to review the science that will support the 2015 Dietary Guidelines for Americans is currently underway.

“Eat more fruits and vegetables.”

“Choose a variety of protein foods like lean meat and poultry, eggs, beans, peas and unsalted nuts and seeds.”

“Make at least half your grains whole grains.”

“Reduce Sodium intake to 2300 mg.”

These are just some of the nutrition recommendations that are the foundation of our current Federal nutrition guidance and policy. The process to review the science that supports these recommendations is currently underway.

Every five years, the Departments of Agriculture and Health and Human Services are required* to jointly develop and publish the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, which form the basis of Federal nutrition policy. The next edition is scheduled to be released in 2015. To ensure that the Dietary Guidelines are based on the most up-to-date scientific and medical knowledge, the 2015 Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee (governed by the Federal Advisory Committee Act) has been established to review the current policy and advise the government. This advice comes in the form of a Federal Advisory Committee Report, which includes evidenced-based recommendations and rationales. Officials within USDA and HHS utilize this report, along with comments from the public and other Federal Agencies to develop the updated Dietary Guidelines for Americans, policy document. In short, while the work of the DGAC is instrumental to the revision process, it is also solely advisory in nature.

The 2015 Committee includes 14 external expert advisors. These individuals are highly respected by their peers in the nutrition community for their scientific knowledge on how nutrition promotes health and reduces risk of disease, including overweight and obesity. Just like the American public, the membership of the 2015 DGAC is diverse, representing a range of expertise, ethnicities, ages, gender and regions of the country. This diversity is important, given that the work of this Advisory Committee impacts all Americans.

So far, the 2015 Committee has held three successful public meetings. During these meetings the DGAC provides updates on work that is being conducted by its various Subcommittees.  From the meeting proceedings, it is clear that the 2015 DGAC is covering a wide array of topics, including current status and trends as it relates to the nutrient adequacy of the American diet, dietary patterns and health outcomes, the role of sedentary behavior on dietary intake and weight status, the role of the food environment on access to healthy and affordable food, and the effect of caffeine on various health outcomes, just to name a few.

Additional meetings will be held throughout 2014, and until its Advisory Committee Report is released later this year, we won’t know what the Committee’s final recommendations will be. While the DGAC is deliberating we encourage all Americans to get involved. You can provide your thoughts about nutrition and health in the form of public comments or watch the proceedings of the DGAC via webcast.

*The DGA is congressionally mandated under the 1990 National Nutrition Monitoring and Related Research Act (Public Law 101-445, Section 301[7 U.S.C. 5341], Title III).

USDA, Partners Gearing Up for Summer Meal Service

USDA Blog Post:

Posted by Kevin Concannon, USDA Under Secretary for Food, Nutrition and Consumer Services, on March 27, 2014 at 2:00 PM

Children enjoy lunch freshly prepared and served on-site at the Inter Metro Summer Recreation Program in San Juan, Puerto Rico.

Last week, about 250 Ohio lawmakers, educators, nonprofit directors, community leaders and others came together at the Mid-Ohio Foodbank for the third annual statewide Summer Food Service Summit. The focus of this summit was USDA’s Summer Food Service Program, as efforts are ramping up to ensure that all eligible children have access to healthy meals this summer.

In Ohio, over 630,000 children receive free or reduced-price school meals (based on family income) through the National School Lunch Program during the school year. Yet, only about 60,000—less than one in ten–participate in the Summer Food Service Program. This means that well over half a million children across the state may be at risk of food insecurity or hunger during the summer months, when they no longer have access to meals at school.

The Summer Food Service Program is designed to close this nutrition gap by providing free, healthy meals to children from low-income households during the summer months.  I am proud of the work going on in Ohio and the important commitments state partners have been making to ensure children in need can avoid hunger this summer.

The risk of food insecurity and hunger among children is not unique to Ohio.  Of the 21 million children nationwide who receive free and reduced-priced meals during the school year, only 3.5 million participate in summer meal programs. That is why USDA is focusing priority attention on summer meals.  Let’s roll up our sleeves and get our systems in place to reach more of these eligible children this summer.  Consider this a call to action!

Last year, USDA and partner efforts led to a historic increase of 7 million more meals served throughout the summer.  We are proud of this progress and hope to see an even bigger increase in 2014.  The summer hunger gap is still far too wide.

The key to success this year will be expanding the number of sites open for summer meals. We must spread the word to schools, parks and recreation departments, libraries, and faith and other community organizations across the nation; their participation is critical for the continued success of SFSP. The deadlines to become Summer Food Service Program sponsors vary by State, and begin as early as April 15. Program sponsors oversee and provide meals to summer sites.  In return, USDA, through the States, reimburses program sponsors for the meals served to children.

If you or your organization is interested in helping us reduce the risk of hunger among our nation’s youth, visit our website, www.summerfood.usda.gov. The summer meals outreach toolkit includes sample outreach plans, templates, customizable flyers, door hangers, letters to parents, examples of site activities, best practices, and more.  State representatives are also available to answer questions and facilitate sponsor enrollment and site registration.

Join us now in working together to make sure that this year every child has access to safe and healthy meals during the summer months.

Good News about Early Childhood Obesity Rates

USDA Blog Post:

Posted by Jackie Haven, Acting Executive Director, Center for Nutrition Policy and Promotion, on March 27, 2014 at 11:30 AM

Recent studies indicate that obesity rates among young children are finally starting to decline.

USDA believes in giving children a foundation for life-long health through access to healthy food and quality nutrition education.  So, that’s why we are encouraged by a couple of recent studies that indicate that the rates of obesity among young children are declining.  One study, published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, found that rates of obesity among young children ages 2-5 years have declined in the last decade, while another found that obesity is declining in low-income preschoolers in 19 states.  These results suggest that we are making progress in our efforts to improve the health of our next generation!  These findings were noted by Dr. Bill Dietz, former Director of CDC’s Division of Nutrition, Physical Activity, and Obesity during his presentation at the 3rd meeting of the 2015 Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee on March 14, 2014.

Efforts to turn the tide of obesity, both within the Federal government and in communities across the country, are having an impact in the preschool population.  The USDA’s Food, Nutrition, and Consumer Services programs are an important part of these efforts.  Through the Healthy Hunger Free Kids Act, USDA is making critical changes to the foods available to children – even the picky eaters.

The WIC program provides low-income women and children access to healthy food through the WIC food package, along with information on healthy eating through educational programs and nutrition counseling. The Child and Adult Care Food Program serves 3.3 million U.S. children in child care by providing nutritious foods and encouraging physical activity, both of which contribute to their health and wellness.

USDA is also proud to partner with the First Lady and her Let’s Move initiative to ensure that our youngest children live and learn in environments where healthy habits are the norm instead of the exception. More than 10,000 child care centers across the country are benefiting from the Let’s Move Child Care program. USDA has been a major contributor to the Let’s Move Child Care Resource Center, providing easy-to-use resources and practical tips about healthy eating and physical activity to inspire parents and caregivers who are working with young children.

We still have more work to do – the childhood obesity epidemic remains a major concern. Even with the decline in rates, 1 out of 12 preschoolers in the U.S. are obese.  And, obesity in these early years of life can set the stage for serious health problems in the future.

The strides that have been made toward reducing obesity and improving the health of America’s next generation, is something that all Americans should be proud of, and we at USDA look forward to continuing to serve as a leader in the fight to end hunger and obesity. Learn more about USDA’s efforts to improve child nutrition or visit ChooseMyPlate.gov.

Secretary's Column: Continuing the Fight Against Childhood Obesity

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USDA Blog Post:

Posted by Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack, on August 23, 2013 at 12:00 PM

Ensuring the health and well-being of our nation’s children is a top priority for President Obama, and for all of us at USDA. We have focused in recent years on expanding access, affordability and availability of healthy foods for families and children.

Recently, we learned of some promising new results in the fight against obesity. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that the rate of obesity among young, low-income children appears to be declining. In 19 states, the obesity rate among low-income preschoolers has dropped for the first time in decades – and in many other states the obesity rate has leveled off.

This is encouraging for us at USDA, because we have made special efforts to help low-income families expand their access to healthier foods. In particular, we’ve provided healthier choices through the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children – the WIC program – while helping parents learn more about healthy nutrition.

We have helped expand local markets around the country – with more than 8,100 farmers markets around the country today – and in the last two years we’ve doubled the number of these markets that accept SNAP and WIC benefits.

We’re also increasing access to fresh produce during the school day. USDA has provided grants to help schools in low-income areas provide fruits and vegetables to children – and USDA Farm to School programs in nearly every state are helping school districts buy locally-produced food for school meals.

Unfortunately, some of these efforts cannot continue unless Congress passes a comprehensive Food, Farm and Jobs Bill this year.

We still face a challenge in the coming years, with one in eight preschoolers overweight or obese today. This has troubling implications for the health of our nation, our economy and our national security in years to come.

The fight against childhood obesity is winnable, but we can’t let up.  We must continue efforts that have already helped millions of parents and children with better access to healthy foods. We can create a generational shift to improve childhood nutrition and together, we can build on the promising results we’ve seen so far.