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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMINUTES - 11241992 - S.2 NOV - 20 - 92 FR 11 : 54 SUPVSUN NE MCPEAK P . 02 BOARD OF SUPERVISORS C� FROM CONTRA COSTA COUNTY FOOD & NUTRITION POLICY CONSORTIUM Contra and PUBLIC AND ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH ADVISORY BOARD Costa DATE'. November 24, 1992 CIO^ SUBJECT: CONTRA COSTA COU1\-TY FOOD POLICY SPECIFIC REQUEST($) OR RECOMMENDATIONS) & BACKGROUND AND JUSTIFICATION RECQMMENDATION: ENDORSE the concept of adopting a Contra Costa County Food Policy and DIRECT the Internal Operations Committee to review the feasibility of implementing such a policy for all county facilities and social functions. FINANCIAL IMPACT: Chronic diseases account for more than 75% of all deaths in Contra Costa County. in 1989, Contra Costa health care costs for hospitalizations related to chronic diseases amounted to over $59 million. REASONS FQR RECOMMENDATIONIBACKGROUND: (See attached Contra Costa County Food Policy) On September 20, 1988, the Board of Supervisors asked the Health Services Department and the Public Health Prevention Program to undertake a community nutrition education program and referred the matter to the Internal Operations Committee for oversight. On November 28, 1988, the Internal Operations Committee recommended that the Board of Supervisors: 1)agree to jointly co-sponsor a Nutrition Education Planning Committee(since re-named the Contra Costa Food and Nutrition Policy Consortium), 2) encourage the Health Services Department to undertake a public education program emphasizing the vital importance of nutrition, 3) request the Health Services Director to identify possible legislative options to be pursued on ways to do public education on what is needed in the way of nutrition education, and 4) set a good example by insuring the County serve nutritious meals in the County's institutions, particularly Juvenile Hall, the Boy's Ranch, and the Sheriffs facilities. On March 21, 1989, the Contra Costa Food and Nutrition Policy Consortium sponsored cholesterol testing and a healthy breakfast for the Board of Supervisors. At that time, Supervisor Sunne McPeak challenged the BOS to develop a policy that all food served by county, facilities adhere to U.S. Dietary Guidelines. CONYINUMO ON ATTACHMENT: X YES SIGNATURE: RECOMMENDATION OF COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR RECOMMENDATION OF BOARD COMMITTEE APPROVE OTHER SIGNATURE(S), ACTION Or BOARD ON J-j&S�t� APPROVED AS RECOMMENDED OTHER VOTE or SUPERVISORS I HEREBY CERTIFY THAT THIS IS A TRUE UNANIMOUS (ABSENT AND CORRECT COPY OF AN ACTION TAKEN AYES*. NOESI. AND ENTERED ON THE MINUTES OF THE BOARD ASSENT: ABSTAIN- OF SUPERVISORS ON THE DATE SHOWN. I-) CCI County Administrator ATTESTED Internal Operations Cte via Van PHIL BATCHELOR, CLERK OF THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS AND COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR BY CONTRA COSTA COUNTY FOOD POLICY als of Food Poles; 1) Make healthy food choices readily available for Contra Costa government employees, 2) Educate Contra Costa employees on what the U.S. Dietary Guidelines are, and why they are important. Elements of a county-widefoor�acv: The Contra Costa Food and Nutrition Policy Consortium proposes that all functions supported by county funds offer sufficient food choices to be consistent with the U.S. Dietary Guidelines. This policy would include provisions that foods and beverages offered at meals and breaks.during the work day should represent variety, nutritional benefits, and choice to employees. Those foods and beverages which have moderate or reduced levels of fat, saturated fat, cholesterol, sodium, and sugar, and high levels of dietary fiber should be offered. Nutrient dense foods are the most appropriate. Additionally, lower calorie choices should be provided. This policy would specify that: * food provided at staff meetings, parties and other types of county social events include choices that meet dietary guidelines Wherever food is served to people or provided through food assistance programs, it should reflect the curent standards of good nutrition * vending machines in county government facilities offer at least one food selection (in each category of food vended) that meets dietary guidelines * caterers who can demonstrate competence in adhering to the U.S. dietary guidelines be given preference for contract services * there be a mechanism to train middle-level managers & supervisors in how to implement the guidelines * paint-of-purchase nutrition labeling be available at the worksite rround: For the two out of three adults who do not smoke or drink excessively, one personal choice seems to influence long-term health prospects more than any other - food intake. The types of foods eaten affect Contra Costan's risk of developing several of the leading causes of death, notably coronary heart disease, diabetes, and some types of cancer. Together these disorders now account for more than two-thirds of all deaths in Contra Costa. The Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors is on record supporting the need for nutrition education for the public. As one of the largest employers within the county, the county government system is in a prime position to model appropriate health behavior. Thus the County can promote the consumption and availability of foods that meet the U.S. Dietary guidelines, and set an example to others in the food it serves to staff and clients. All staff, no matter what position, have an important role as potential advisors on healthy eating through their interaction with clients and other staff. Therefore, it is important that they be provided with correct and consistent information on this issue, and the opportunity to practice behaviors conducive to good health. On September 29, 1990, the Contra Costa Food and Nutrition Policy Consortium sponsored a conference "In the Midst of Plenty," which drew together people in the community who have an impact on the food system. Since its inception, the Consortium has worked to reduce chronic disease and promote good health for all Contra Costa residents through ensuring access to adequate and nutritious food. From the 1990 conference, a subcommittee interested in developing a county-wide nutrition policy formed. The Contra Costa Food and Nutrition Policy Consortium realized that thousands of Contra Costa government employees eat at least one main meal and several snacks at their workplace each day. The Consortium decided that since the Contra Costa County government system is responsible for showing leadership in health care, and is one of the county's largest employers, it would be an ideal place to implement a county-wide food policy. In September 1992, the Public and Environmental Health Advisory Board identified nutrition as a key element in chronic disease prevention, and recommended that the Board of Supervisors embark'on a county-wide campaign to improve Contra Costans' nutritional habits.