FROM SNACKS TO SANDBOXES - BUILDING HEALTHIER CHILDCARE CENTERS
More than 20 percent of children ages 2 to 5 in the United States are already overweight or obese; subsequently, preschools and other care settings that can greatly influence early habits have recently received increased attention. Much of that attention focuses on coordination among childcare policies and the providers who deliver it.
This session will take a holistic look at innovative strategies to creating healthy childcare environments for children. Specifically, the session will survey the potential for vendors of food, play equipment, educational materials, and kitchen equipment; agencies providing professional development services to providers; organizations providing wellness services; and communications and technology agencies to play meaningful roles in supporting providers in creating healthier child care centers and homes.
Before the Building a Healthier Future Summit concludes, session participants will answer the following: If a childcare facility is to truly promote healthy choices among young children, how can we take a holistic systems approach to ensuring providers are fully supported in these efforts?
LESS COOKIES, MORE CARROTS - CREATING A HEALTHIER EATING EXPERIENCE
In any supermarket, corner store, convenience store or restaurant, location and visual appeal can make the difference between a wildly successful item and one that is left unnoticed. Food companies and restaurants spend substantial money on the “4 Ps”—product development, placement, pricing and promotion—but how could some of those same strategies be used to guide consumers toward purchasing and eating healthier and locally-grown products?
This session will examine marketing and pricing strategies to encourage shoppers to buy healthier and locally-grown foods and select healthier alternatives while dining out. Groups critical to the discussion include manufacturers, grocery chains, additional retailers, restaurants, and distributors of local produce interested in sharing their marketing acumen while making a profit.
Before the Building a Healthier Future Summit concludes, session participants will determine how store layout, displays, innovative pricing and menu development can inspire consumers to eat more fruits and vegetables and fewer cookies and chips.
NOT EVERY ENERGY CRISIS IS ABOUT OIL - GETTING OUR KIDS MOVING AGAIN
Energy in equals energy out; it is a fundamental equation in preventing childhood obesity. However, children in many neighborhoods have limited opportunities to expend energy and be physically active during the school day and after school hours. Physical education in schools has been streamlined extensively and recess has been cut out of some schools entirely. In some neighborhoods and communities, parks are unsafe, playgrounds are underdeveloped and sports programs are too costly or simply nonexistent.
Because the private sector can be instrumental in helping local communities overcome these barriers, this session will explore private sector partnerships and investments with the most sustainability and greatest potential to generate movement and play amongst our nation’s youth. Access and participation are crucial areas to explore and could indeed be improved upon with strategic collaboration among the private sector.
Before the Building a Healthier Future Summit concludes, session participants will define how the private sector can work to improve existing infrastructure to foster healthy and active communities. Are there opportunities for community representatives to build on existing physical activity programs in schools and during after school hours? What is the most effective method of outreach to tactically and successfully target youth physical activity?
THE PRIVATE SECTOR GOES TO SCHOOL - HELPING STUDENTS BECOME HEALTHY FUTURE WORKERS
Schools are optimal settings for influencing students’ healthy living behaviors, however, given the current fiscal environment, local and state education systems are challenged to provide even the most basic services. In these times, trying to offer healthier foods, provide healthier environments, and improving health education is difficult for many. Yet, are there innovative opportunities we can consider to improve health in schools?
Before the Building a Healthier Future Summit concludes, session participants will consider how they can support our nation’s schools to offer a healthier school environment. Participants will be tasked with listing opportunities in which the private sector can play a unique role in solving this critical problem in our nation’s schools - the place where millions of children spend so many of their waking hours.
