In the News: Nutrition Standards for School Snacks

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) recently proposed updated nutrition standards for snack foods and beverages sold in schools, the first update in more than 30 years.

The guidelines would ensure that when kids make choices about snacks and drinks at school—whether in the cafeteria à la carte line, school stores, or at vending machines—the options they have are healthy.

More than 200,000 people showed their support during USDA's public comment period.

Risa Lavizzo-Mourey, MD, president and CEO of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, provided input on the standards, noting that “with more than 23.5 million children and adolescents in the United States overweight or obese, we need strong nutrition standards for all foods and beverages sold in schools.”

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RWJF Childhood Obesity Work in the News

NBC Latino: Unhealthy Ads Dominate Spanish Children’s Television Shows

"Latinos have some of the highest rates of obesity in the nation, and the results of a new study show that advertisers may be contributing to the problem. A new study out by the Journal of Health Communication is showing that the vast majority of food advertisements on Spanish language television shows are unhealthy."

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James S. Marks in Huffington Post: Devaluing Our Children

"The medical cost of adult obesity in the United States is difficult to calculate, but estimates range from $147 billion to nearly $210 billion per year. Lost productivity could cost many billions more. But a recent report shows us we don't have to bear such high costs."

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Reuters: Strict School Lunch Standards Tied to Healthy Weight

"Strict school lunch standards that are similar to new regulations from the U.S. government may be tied to healthier body weights among students, according to a new study."

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USA Today: Kids Need to Step Up Physical Activity, Report Says

"In 2008, the government released physical activity guidelines for Americans, which recommended that kids and teens should do an hour or more of moderate-intensity to vigorous aerobic physical activity each day... Now, five years after the release of those guidelines, the expert committee concluded that the recommendations still offer people solid exercise advice based on the latest research. But the group identified strategies to increase physical activity, especially among children."

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Wall Street Journal: Low-Cal Items Fuel Restaurant Sales

"People are placing fewer orders for french fries and sugary drinks at restaurants, giving a boost to establishments that sell more low-calorie items... An analysis of 21 fast-food and sit-down restaurant chains between 2006 and 2011 found that lower-calorie food and beverages fueled the chains' growth.

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From the President

President and CEO Risa Lavizzo-Mourey reflects on the mission, goal, and programs of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation.

See news and commentary from Risa Lavizzo-Mourey

Media Contacts

Christine Clayton

Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (609) 627-5937

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