Assessing population sodium intake in New York City and using that information to establish targets for reducing salt in processed and prepared foods

The Foundation's initiative, Supporting Advocacy to Reduce Tobacco Use and Direct Tobacco-Related State Revenue to Health Priorities, was designed to support state and local advocacy efforts and educate policy-makers and other key audiences in up to 15 states about the need for tobacco control and other public health measures.Consuming less salt is one of the best ways to prevent and control high blood pressure--the major risk factor for stroke and heart disease. Unfortunately, individuals have difficulty reducing salt intake because most of the salt in the diet comes from processed and prepared foods, not from salt added at the table or while cooking. This project will allow the New York City (NYC) Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) to establish a baseline to assess the NYC population's sodium intake, using the gold-standard measurement of 24-hour urine collection. This baseline is a component of a larger initiative to reduce sodium intake nationwide through voluntary reductions of sodium in processed foods. The initiative is being coordinated by Mayor Michael Bloomberg and DOHMH in partnership with more than 35 cities, states and health organizations, including the American Public Health Association, the Association of State and Territorial Health Officials and the National Association of County and City Health Officials. Its overall goal is to reduce population sodium intake by 20 percent over five years.

Grant Details

Amount Awarded $599,999.00

Awarded on: 7/27/2009

Time frame: 8/1/2009 - 11/30/2010

Grant Number: 65934