HOST HEPA Roundup, May 2, 2016

The latest in our regular roundups of healthy eating and physical activity news from HOST members and others.

Policy

The Alliance for a Healthier Generation looks at what the new National Physical Activity Plan means for afterschool providers, and how the tactics outlined in the plan relate to the National AfterSchool Association Healthy Eating and Physical Activity Standards that were developed by HOST.
The Food Research and Action Center (FRAC) praised the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) for issuing rules on new meal nutrition standards for the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP). They are holding a webinar on May 9, 1-2:30 pm EDT, to discuss these standards. Register here.
The Afterschool Alliance also plans to hold webinars for afterschool program providers participating in the CACFP At-Risk Afterschool Meals program who will be impacted by the new meal pattern requirements.
With the weather warming up, the Afterschool Alliance looks ahead to summer to remind us that the USDA Summer Meals Program can help young people get free, healthy meals this summer.
The Food Research and Action Center's Jim Weill spoke with USDA Secretary Vilsack about the importance of federal nutrition programs, including school breakfasts. Here's the transcript.

Success Stories

Inland Leaders Charter School in California used a grant from Action for Healthy Kids to partner with a nearby farm and have fresh fruits and vegetables delivered monthly for taste testings with students. Students also got to test new recipes and were encouraged to bring the recipes home to their parents.
After-School All-Stars (ASAS) has launched a new chapter in Cleveland with the support of the New York Life Foundation.
No Kid Hungry announced they have reached their goal of adding one million kids to the school breakfast program by 2016.

Research

Alliance for a Healthier Generation looks at new and existing research on obesity trends for young children.
A new annual report on the nation’s health, from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, found that Hispanic children and teens are still more likely to be obese than their black, white and Asian counterparts.
The Kids' Safe and Healthful Foods Project tells us that the snacks schools sell to students in cafeteria a la carte lines, vending machines, or stores can have important consequences for kids' health.

Tips and Ideas