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Session Descriptions, Speaker Biographies
& Hand Outs:
Plenary Sessions
Day Two: SNAP-Ed to NEOP
Peggy Agron, Chief, California Department of Public Health
Track 1:
Decrease Consumption of Sugary Beverages & Increase Consumption of Water The decrease sugary beverage and increase water consumption explores best practices regarding nutrition education about the contents of sugary beverages as well as the benefits of water consumption. Tracks will explore best practices from throughout the state of underserved communities who have sought to increase water consumption and create environments that are supportive of a decrease in sugary beverage consumption.
Blazing Trails: The Network's first-ever ReThink Your Drink: The Statewide Campaign
This session will provide a sneak preview of the first ever, full-scale, Statewide ReThink Your Drink Campaign! Because of the strong nutrition education activities supported by Network Regions, Local Projects and Collaborative partners, the USDA approved significant funding to expand the campaign statewide. Let’s Celebrate! Get a behind the scenes sneak-preview of formative research and evaluation activities, media and public relations, and nutrition education elements and then get ready to help SNAP-Ed eligible Californians ReThink Your Drink.
This session will provide a sneak preview of the first ever, full-scale, Statewide ReThink Your Drink Campaign! Because of the strong nutrition education activities supported by Network Regions, Local Projects and Collaborative partners, the USDA approved significant funding to expand the campaign statewide. Let’s Celebrate! Get a behind the scenes sneak-preview of formative research and evaluation activities, media and public relations, and nutrition education elements and then get ready to help SNAP-Ed eligible Californians ReThink Your Drink.
Victoria Berends, Marketing Director, California Project LEAN & the California Obesity Prevention Program
Larry Bye, Vice President/Senior Research Director, Field Research Corporation
Mike Miller, President, Brown, Miller Communications
Jackie Richardson, Public Health Nutrition Consultant III, Department of Public Health
Moderator: Mike Miller, President, BrownMiller Communications
Collaborating to Create a Statewide Media Campaign: Promoting Healthy Drink Choices
Center for Disease Control and Prevention’s Communities Putting Prevention to Work (CPPW) initiative funded the California Department of Public Health (CDPH), Los Angeles County, and the Santa Clara Department of Public Health to promote healthy beverage environments in low-income communities. Learn creative strategies utilized to reach consumers and policymakers through social marketing efforts, including Los Angeles County’s sugar-loaded drink campaign that was designed to be shareable with other communities; CDPH’s adaption, branding and launch of LA’s materials as ReThink Your Drink in the Central Valley, and Santa Clara County’s innovative partnerships, formative research and materials.
Center for Disease Control and Prevention’s Communities Putting Prevention to Work (CPPW) initiative funded the California Department of Public Health (CDPH), Los Angeles County, and the Santa Clara Department of Public Health to promote healthy beverage environments in low-income communities. Learn creative strategies utilized to reach consumers and policymakers through social marketing efforts, including Los Angeles County’s sugar-loaded drink campaign that was designed to be shareable with other communities; CDPH’s adaption, branding and launch of LA’s materials as ReThink Your Drink in the Central Valley, and Santa Clara County’s innovative partnerships, formative research and materials.
Lori Martin, Nutrition & Wellness Manager, Santa Clara County Public Health Department- Center for Chronic Disease and Injury Prevention
Ali Noller, Communications Manager, Los Angeles County Department of Public Health's Choose Health LA initiative
Alma Torres-Nguyen, Project Coordinator II, Kaweah Delta Health Care District
Moderator: Jane Alvarado, Program Coordinator, Co-Chair Central Valley Health and Nutrition Collaborative and California Project LEAN
Making a Splash: Increasing Water Consumption by Young Children
The implementation of AB 2084 brings to the fore the issue of low water consumption by young children. A recent study by First 5 LA found that only 6% of young children are regularly drinking tap water. This alarmingly low rate of water consumption has implications both for children’s oral health and their nutrition and clearly helps define the challenge we face in helping low-income families make healthy choices for their children. This session will detail new partnerships focused on increasing water consumption – including First 5 county commissions, Child and Adult Care Food Program programs, child care providers, local water districts, and oral health professionals.
The implementation of AB 2084 brings to the fore the issue of low water consumption by young children. A recent study by First 5 LA found that only 6% of young children are regularly drinking tap water. This alarmingly low rate of water consumption has implications both for children’s oral health and their nutrition and clearly helps define the challenge we face in helping low-income families make healthy choices for their children. This session will detail new partnerships focused on increasing water consumption – including First 5 county commissions, Child and Adult Care Food Program programs, child care providers, local water districts, and oral health professionals.
Stefan Harvey, Assistant Director, California Center for Public Health Advocacy
Avo Makdessian, Associate Director, First 5 Santa Clara
Gayle Mathe, Director of Policy Developement, California Dental Association
Teresa C. Young, Communications & Public Outreach, San Francisco Water, Power and Sewer
Moderator: Moira Kenney, Statewide Program Director, First 5 Association of California
Promising Polices and Practices for Increasing Community Access to Healthy Beverages
Learn about policy options, organizational practices and statewide initiatives aimed at increasing access to healthier beverages. This session will provide attendees with an overview of the strategies a school district, public health department and city used to educate employees and community members about the importance of healthier beverages, and challenges encountered while developing and implementing healthier beverages policies.
Learn about policy options, organizational practices and statewide initiatives aimed at increasing access to healthier beverages. This session will provide attendees with an overview of the strategies a school district, public health department and city used to educate employees and community members about the importance of healthier beverages, and challenges encountered while developing and implementing healthier beverages policies.
Kevin McCarty, Sacramento City Councilmember, Sacramento City Council
Tracey Rattray, Director, Community Wellness and Prevention Program, Contra Costa Health Services
Jill Wynns, Commissioner, Board of Education Office
Moderator: Harold Goldstein, Executive Director, California Center for Public Health Advocacy
Water, Water Everywhere! Providing Free, Fresh Drinking Water to Your Students
The session will include a panel representing CA Department of Education (CDE), CA Food Policy Advocates (CFPA), and 1-2 School District Food Service Directors. CDE will focus on the state and federal rules, CFPA will provide background on issue and benefits of providing free water and the Food Service Director(s) will highlight their best practices in their district(s). Presenters will review the state law (Senate Bill 1413, Leno), federal law (Section 203 of the Healthy, Hunger-free Kids Act of 2010), and newly proposed U.S. Department of Agriculture regulations on providing free drinking water to students. Background on the importance and best practices will be shared highlighting various school districts’ implementation strategies.
The session will include a panel representing CA Department of Education (CDE), CA Food Policy Advocates (CFPA), and 1-2 School District Food Service Directors. CDE will focus on the state and federal rules, CFPA will provide background on issue and benefits of providing free water and the Food Service Director(s) will highlight their best practices in their district(s). Presenters will review the state law (Senate Bill 1413, Leno), federal law (Section 203 of the Healthy, Hunger-free Kids Act of 2010), and newly proposed U.S. Department of Agriculture regulations on providing free drinking water to students. Background on the importance and best practices will be shared highlighting various school districts’ implementation strategies.
Ellen Braff-Guajardo, Senior Nutrition Policy Advocate, California Food Policy Advocates
Michael Danzik, Nutrition Education Specialist, Nutrition Services Division, California Department of Education
Joye McKetty, Director of Food & Nutrition Services, Folsom-Cordova Unified School District
Teresa Young , Communications & Public Outreach, San Francisco Water, Power and Sewer
Moderator: Linda Cowling, California Project LEAN
Track 2:
Increase Consumption of Healthier Foods The Healthy Foods Track provides useful, in-depth information for increasing access to and the consumption of healthy foods in under-resourced communities. Healthy food should be accessible and affordable to everyone, and ideally locally and sustainably grown. Sessions address a variety of strategies for increasing the consumption of healthier foods and explore best practices for how nutrition education can be utilized to drive community change.
A Win-Win-Win: Healthy Food Outlets, Healthy Store Profits: Healthy Communities
Where you live, work, and play has a major impact on health and living in a distressed neighborhood contributes to health inequities. This session will highlight tools to reduce environmental risk and build health-promoting neighborhoods and strategies to help food outlets (grocery stores, supermarkets, and small markets) provide customers with healthy food options while at the same time helping stores to increase customer loyalty and store profits.
Where you live, work, and play has a major impact on health and living in a distressed neighborhood contributes to health inequities. This session will highlight tools to reduce environmental risk and build health-promoting neighborhoods and strategies to help food outlets (grocery stores, supermarkets, and small markets) provide customers with healthy food options while at the same time helping stores to increase customer loyalty and store profits.
Allison Hagey, Program Associate, Policy Link
Dana Harvey, Executive Director, Mandela MarketPlace
Judi Larsen, Healthy California Program Manager, California Endowment
Anthony Taylor, Healthy Eating Active Living Coordinator, Sonoma County Department of Health Services
Moderator: Sue Foerster, Chief, Policy, Planning and Partnership Section, Network for a Healthy California, California Department of Public Health
CalFresh - Better Food for Better Living
It is now accepted that CalFresh, known federally as SNAP and formerly in California as Food Stamps, can ease the burden of recession on many low income families by helping them put healthy food on their tables. This session will provide an overview of Calfresh, including recent policy changes that remove finger printing, expand eligibility and rebrand the program. It will demonstrate the link between food insecurity and obesity. It will point to CalFresh as an underused resource to combat the obesity epidemic. Collaborative strategies in the Network’s CalFresh Promotion and CalFresh Outreach plans will be outlined and discussed.
It is now accepted that CalFresh, known federally as SNAP and formerly in California as Food Stamps, can ease the burden of recession on many low income families by helping them put healthy food on their tables. This session will provide an overview of Calfresh, including recent policy changes that remove finger printing, expand eligibility and rebrand the program. It will demonstrate the link between food insecurity and obesity. It will point to CalFresh as an underused resource to combat the obesity epidemic. Collaborative strategies in the Network’s CalFresh Promotion and CalFresh Outreach plans will be outlined and discussed.
Barbara MkNelly, Research Scientist I, Network for a Healthy California, California Department of Public Health
Michael Papin, Chief, CalFresh Policy Bureau, California Department of Social Services
Rosanne K. Stephenson, Chief, Program Development Section, Network for a Healthy California, California Department of Public Health
Moderator: Maria Leech, CalFresh Outreach Development Specialist, Network for a Healthy California
Champion Moms Join the Movement
This session will demonstrate how California’s Champion Mom campaign is used to drive a community mobilization initiative by inspiring moms to be role models for their family and community. Presenters will share their ‘Search for Champion Mom’ recruitment strategy; showcase one region’s success engaging local Champion Moms to advocate for improved access to nutritious, affordable food and active neighborhoods; and hear from a Champion Mom about the positive changes she has made in addressing obesity prevention in her child’s school and community. The session will be both informative and inspirational on how to keep the movement alive.
This session will demonstrate how California’s Champion Mom campaign is used to drive a community mobilization initiative by inspiring moms to be role models for their family and community. Presenters will share their ‘Search for Champion Mom’ recruitment strategy; showcase one region’s success engaging local Champion Moms to advocate for improved access to nutritious, affordable food and active neighborhoods; and hear from a Champion Mom about the positive changes she has made in addressing obesity prevention in her child’s school and community. The session will be both informative and inspirational on how to keep the movement alive.
Andrea Caivano-Reed, Network Program Coordinator, Anaheim City School District, Network for a Healthy California
Rosario Galeana, Champion Mom, TBD
Mary Rousseve, Communications Manager, Network for a Healthy California, California Department of Public Health
Moderator: Mary N. Rousseve, Communications Manager, Network for a Healthy California, California Department of Public Health
Ensuring a Healthy Media Environment for Children
This session will inform attendees about the history of past and current efforts to address the role of media in childhood obesity, which disproportionately affects low income communities, including the recent process to establish uniform nutrition marketing standards for food and beverage products targeted to children. Attendees will learn about the role of federal agencies to monitor advertising practices and results of recent self-regulatory and government efforts to promote a healthier media environment for children.
This session will inform attendees about the history of past and current efforts to address the role of media in childhood obesity, which disproportionately affects low income communities, including the recent process to establish uniform nutrition marketing standards for food and beverage products targeted to children. Attendees will learn about the role of federal agencies to monitor advertising practices and results of recent self-regulatory and government efforts to promote a healthier media environment for children.
Lori Dorfman, Director, Berkeley Media Studies Group
Eileen Espejo, Associate Director, Media & Health Policy, Children Now
Ted Mermin, Legal Research, Public Health Law & Policy
Moderator: Eileen Espejo, Director, Media & Health Policy, Children Now
Farm to School and Beyond: Creating Healthy Food Service in Public Institutions
Session will provide overview and brief history of farm/local procurement in institutions. Speakers will showcase best practices and how they can apply to a qualified census track, highlighting healthy food procurement in school food service and how it affects schools with 50% free or reduced lunch and healthy food procurement at a public hospital.
Session will provide overview and brief history of farm/local procurement in institutions. Speakers will showcase best practices and how they can apply to a qualified census track, highlighting healthy food procurement in school food service and how it affects schools with 50% free or reduced lunch and healthy food procurement at a public hospital.
Steven KoneffKlatt, B.S., M.B.A., Assistant Administrator, Laguna Honda Hospital
Brenda Lightfoot-Handy, Food Service Director, Cutler-Orosi JUSD
Michelle Schneidermann, MD, Associate Clinical Professor of Medicine, UCSF, San Francisco General Hospital
Moderator: Michael Dimock, President, Roots of Change
Fresh Fruits and Vegetables: The Centerpiece of a Healthy School Environment
Come learn from three child nutrition directors how school meal programs are being transformed with exciting farm to school efforts, salad bars programs, engaging nutrition education, and fresh and vegetable snack programs. Discover state and national initiatives that are assisting schools serving Snap-Ed eligible populations to create healthier school environments, including: Let’s Move! Salad Bars to School Campaign, the HealthierUS School Challenge Initiative, the Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program, Harvest of the Month, and more!
Come learn from three child nutrition directors how school meal programs are being transformed with exciting farm to school efforts, salad bars programs, engaging nutrition education, and fresh and vegetable snack programs. Discover state and national initiatives that are assisting schools serving Snap-Ed eligible populations to create healthier school environments, including: Let’s Move! Salad Bars to School Campaign, the HealthierUS School Challenge Initiative, the Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program, Harvest of the Month, and more!
Sandy Curwood, Food Service Director, Ventura Unified School District
Patty Page, Director of Nutrition Services, Manteca Unified School District
Rodney Taylor, Food Service Director, Riverside Unified School District
Moderator: Elizabeth Moreno, Nutrition Education Consultant, California Department of Education
Increasing Access, Improving Health: EBT at Farmers' Markets
This workshop will examine the nationwide movement to add CalFresh EBT access (formerly known as Food Stamps) to farmers’ markets. This win-win program leverages federal farm bill funding to support community food security—helping address diet-related diseases, disproportionately affecting communities of color—and generating more take-home revenue for small farmers. The session will focus on the state of the farmers’ market EBT program and will showcase a diversity of approaches to creatively implement EBT at farmers markets using incentive programs and other methods, increasing the amount of CalFresh benefits spent on healthy foods at direct marketing outlets like farmers’ markets.
This workshop will examine the nationwide movement to add CalFresh EBT access (formerly known as Food Stamps) to farmers’ markets. This win-win program leverages federal farm bill funding to support community food security—helping address diet-related diseases, disproportionately affecting communities of color—and generating more take-home revenue for small farmers. The session will focus on the state of the farmers’ market EBT program and will showcase a diversity of approaches to creatively implement EBT at farmers markets using incentive programs and other methods, increasing the amount of CalFresh benefits spent on healthy foods at direct marketing outlets like farmers’ markets.
Carle Brinkman, Project Manager, Farmers' Market EBT Project, Ecology Center
Mallory Cochrane, Fresh Fund Outreach Coordinator, Food Security and Community Health, International Rescue Committee (IRC) & the City Heights Farmers’
Avtar Nijjer-Sidhu, Senior Health Educator, Kern County Environmental Health Services Division
Nicole Wires, Food System Change Coordinator, Collective Roots & the East Palo Alto Farmers' Market
Moderator: Carle Brinkman, the Ecology Center
Innovative Approaches for Impact and Outcome Evaluation
This session will highlight innovative approaches for assessing children's food choices and consumption featuring Network partners currently implementing evaluations of local programs nutrition education interventions targeting SNAP-Ed eligible populations. Session participants will learn ways to augment standard evaluation methods with novel methods such as a Food Party that provides data regarding participants' actual food choices. This session will help local partners determine the usefulness of these methods for their programs and provide recommendations for implementation.
This session will highlight innovative approaches for assessing children's food choices and consumption featuring Network partners currently implementing evaluations of local programs nutrition education interventions targeting SNAP-Ed eligible populations. Session participants will learn ways to augment standard evaluation methods with novel methods such as a Food Party that provides data regarding participants' actual food choices. This session will help local partners determine the usefulness of these methods for their programs and provide recommendations for implementation.
Kristin Gruneisen, MS, RD, Nutrition Education Specialist, CSUC Center for Nutrition and Activity Promotion
Robert G. LaChausse, PhD, Project Evaluator, Department of Health Science and Human Ecology, California State University, San Bernardino
Melodee R. Lopez, RD, Operations Manager and Project Coordinator, San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools
Cindy Wolff, PhD, Professor and Director, Center for Nutrition and Activity Promotion (CNAP), California State University, Chico
Moderator: Carolyn D. Rider, Research Associate, Network for a Healthy California, Research and Evaluation Section
Procuring Health: Establishing Nutrition Guidelines for City/County Agencies
This session will address how the establishment of healthy food procurement guidelines can lead to changes in food environments for the population as a whole, with special emphasis on low income populations. Presenters from New York City, Los Angeles County and San Diego County will highlight strategies used by these three communities to address healthy food procurement and how these models are currently being implemented, monitored and evaluated.
This session will address how the establishment of healthy food procurement guidelines can lead to changes in food environments for the population as a whole, with special emphasis on low income populations. Presenters from New York City, Los Angeles County and San Diego County will highlight strategies used by these three communities to address healthy food procurement and how these models are currently being implemented, monitored and evaluated.
Christine Johnson, Director of Nutrition Strategy, New York City Department of Health
Tony Kuo, Director of the Office of Senior Health, Los Angeles County Department of Public Health
Arpiné Shakhbandaryan, Community Wellness & Senior Services Coordinator, City of El Monte
Moderator: Ellen Wu, Executive Director, California Pan-Ethnic Health Network
Track 3:
Increase Physical Activity This track showcases best practices for increasing physical activity opportunities throughout the day in low-income communities. Panelists will share successes and lessons learned in engaging diverse stakeholders to create and sustain communities that are supportive of PA in a variety of settings including school and worksite.
Bet Your Bottom Dollar! Justifying Physical Activity Initiatives at the Worksite
This session presents success stories from low wage worksites to demonstrate the importance of incorporating physical activity that benefits both the employer and employee. Two companies in different industries will discuss how the implementation of physical activity initiatives at their worksites improved employee health and moral while positively affecting the company’s bottom line by reducing injuries and increasing productivity.
This session presents success stories from low wage worksites to demonstrate the importance of incorporating physical activity that benefits both the employer and employee. Two companies in different industries will discuss how the implementation of physical activity initiatives at their worksites improved employee health and moral while positively affecting the company’s bottom line by reducing injuries and increasing productivity.
Alice Carter, VCM Worker Compensation Coordinator, ValleyCrest Companies, Inc.
Valerie Comeaux, Worksite Coordinator, Riverside County Department of Public Health, Nutrition Services Branch, Network for a Healthy California-Worksite Program
Christopher Tompkins, Worksite Program Manager, Network for a Healthy California
Moderator: Christopher Tompkins, Worksite Program Manager, Network for a Healthy California, California Department of Public Health
How SB 375 will Increase Local Participation in Planning, Zoning, and Active Transportation
This dynamic session will provide an overview of SB 375, California’s landmark planning and greenhouse gas reduction legislation. Attendees will learn what it is, what is does, and how local health departments and allied health partners can ensure active transportation and healthy planning and zoning are considered in their region’s compliance efforts. Our expert speakers will discuss key SB 375 components related to sustainable community strategies and how local agencies can include low-income residents’ health impacts into these plans.
This dynamic session will provide an overview of SB 375, California’s landmark planning and greenhouse gas reduction legislation. Attendees will learn what it is, what is does, and how local health departments and allied health partners can ensure active transportation and healthy planning and zoning are considered in their region’s compliance efforts. Our expert speakers will discuss key SB 375 components related to sustainable community strategies and how local agencies can include low-income residents’ health impacts into these plans.
Kathy Dervin, Health Program Specialist , Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, CDPH
Carey Knecht, Associate Director, ClimatePlan
Paul Zykofsky, Associate Director, Local Government Commission
Moderator: Jeffery Rosenhall, Program Manager, California Obesity Prevention Program, California Department of Public Health
Physical Activity in Schools-Taking Advantage of Every Opportunity
In this session Sacramento City Schools' Physical Education Coordinator will share practical strategies to increase physical activity opportunities to low income students in the school environment. Each participant will receive resources and examples of successful physical activity that is integrated into academic content. In addition, participants will learn how to implement a multilevel physical activity and nutrition program based on the experiences of Alameda County Office of Education’s Bridge to Health/ Puenta a la Salud funded by Carol M. White grant.
In this session Sacramento City Schools' Physical Education Coordinator will share practical strategies to increase physical activity opportunities to low income students in the school environment. Each participant will receive resources and examples of successful physical activity that is integrated into academic content. In addition, participants will learn how to implement a multilevel physical activity and nutrition program based on the experiences of Alameda County Office of Education’s Bridge to Health/ Puenta a la Salud funded by Carol M. White grant.
Chris Boynton, Director, Project EAT, Alameda County Office of Education
Heather Deckard, Physical Education Coordinator, Sacramento City Unified School District
Lauren Squaglia, Physical Education Specialist, Alameda County Office of Education
Moderator: Susan Magrann, Nutrition Education Coordinator, Orange County Department of Education
Public Health Through Active Transportation: Engaging Key Players to Create Change
Safe Routes to School and other active transportation programs offer a model of diverse, multidisciplinary, and collaborative planning, and can provide an opportunity to leverage additional resources and policy changes to support walking and bicycling in high need and low resources neighborhoods. In this session three expert panelists will share their program’s work and strategies for partnering with stakeholders from various professions and perspectives. Panelists will share successful projects that have enhanced opportunities for physical activity that are applicable across the state and will identify the key partners they have worked with in city and county departments of planning, transportation, education, and health.
Safe Routes to School and other active transportation programs offer a model of diverse, multidisciplinary, and collaborative planning, and can provide an opportunity to leverage additional resources and policy changes to support walking and bicycling in high need and low resources neighborhoods. In this session three expert panelists will share their program’s work and strategies for partnering with stakeholders from various professions and perspectives. Panelists will share successful projects that have enhanced opportunities for physical activity that are applicable across the state and will identify the key partners they have worked with in city and county departments of planning, transportation, education, and health.
Robin Cox, Health Education Manager, Health Promotion & Community Wellness Bureau
Marty Martinez, Bay Area Policy Manager, Safe Routes to School National Partnership
Sam Shelton, Project Manager, Solano Transportation Authority
Moderator: Teri Duarte, Executive Director, Walk Sacramento
Track 4:
Overarching Sessions This track includes sessions describing a wide array of successful strategies and topics utilized by schools, community, youth, pastors and promotoras to improve the health of low income communities, neighborhoods and schools. Community engagement, peer-to-peer learning and non-traditional partnerships will some of the topics be highlighted.
Beautiful Roots: Health and Hair Care Practices of African American Women
African American women suffer disproportionately from obesity and preventable chronic diseases. Unfortunately, many public health interventions do not adequately consider the unique culture of African American women. The cost and time associated with hair maintenance, often fundamental to body image, can be a barrier to physical activity. Beauty stylists are trusted confidants in the African American community and their salons have shown promise as sites for nutrition education and physical activity promotion. Pilot research is also exploring beauty supply stores, which may be more likely to reach low-income African American women who style their own hair.
African American women suffer disproportionately from obesity and preventable chronic diseases. Unfortunately, many public health interventions do not adequately consider the unique culture of African American women. The cost and time associated with hair maintenance, often fundamental to body image, can be a barrier to physical activity. Beauty stylists are trusted confidants in the African American community and their salons have shown promise as sites for nutrition education and physical activity promotion. Pilot research is also exploring beauty supply stores, which may be more likely to reach low-income African American women who style their own hair.
Macellina Amonoo, Community Health Leader, Health Education Council
Sukari Ivester, PhD, Research Coordinator, Davis Y. Ja & Associates
Moderator: Rebecca L Garrow, MPH, Health Educator IV, Network for a Healthy California - African American Campaign
Breakthrough! Using Community Engagement Strategies to Achieve Healthier Eating
During this session, participants will learn about the purpose and scope of the Network’s Local Food and Nutrition Education (LFNE) Channel. In addition, three LFNE contractors will share the innovative approaches, challenges, and accomplishments of their three year projects that successfully used community engagement strategies to serve low-income populations. The three featured projects include: the Health Education Council’s youth engagement efforts with Sacramento high school youth; the Community Services Planning Council’s collaborative efforts to educate food pantry clients; and Next Course’s program to engage community partners and peers in educating formerly incarcerated women.
During this session, participants will learn about the purpose and scope of the Network’s Local Food and Nutrition Education (LFNE) Channel. In addition, three LFNE contractors will share the innovative approaches, challenges, and accomplishments of their three year projects that successfully used community engagement strategies to serve low-income populations. The three featured projects include: the Health Education Council’s youth engagement efforts with Sacramento high school youth; the Community Services Planning Council’s collaborative efforts to educate food pantry clients; and Next Course’s program to engage community partners and peers in educating formerly incarcerated women.
Mark Harlan, Program Manager, Network for a Healthy California, California Department of Public Health
Alan Lange, Vice President, Community Link Capital Region
Fatima Malik, Program Cordinator, Health Education Council
Susie White, Executive Director, Nextcourse
Moderator: Mark Harlan, Program Manager, Network for a Healthy California, California Department of Public Health
Change Happens: The Promotora Approach
Promotores de salud and Community Health Workers play a key role in gaining access to underserved communities throughout California. They are local leaders who advocate for the communities where they live and serve. They are effective in achieving behavior change in underserved communities and in providing cost-effective services and linkages to resources. Promotores are uniquely positioned to promote the needs of their communities as leaders, coalition builders, and policy advocates. This session will present two promotores program models that use a peer-led approach to increase healthy eating and physical activity while promoting enrollment in CalFresh.
Promotores de salud and Community Health Workers play a key role in gaining access to underserved communities throughout California. They are local leaders who advocate for the communities where they live and serve. They are effective in achieving behavior change in underserved communities and in providing cost-effective services and linkages to resources. Promotores are uniquely positioned to promote the needs of their communities as leaders, coalition builders, and policy advocates. This session will present two promotores program models that use a peer-led approach to increase healthy eating and physical activity while promoting enrollment in CalFresh.
Carlicia Castro Lopez, Peer Leader, Mothers Taking Action
Angie Garcia, Promotora, Foodlink for Tulare County, Inc.
Silvia Lopez-Navarro, Director, Ventura County Public Health
Nestor Martinez, Health Program Specialist, California Project LEAN
Y. Armando Nieto, Executive Director, California Food & Justice Coalition
Moderator: Katherine Hawksworth, Health Educator, California Project LEAN
Growing Change: Youth in Action
Through the voices of youth leaders, participants will learn about local success stories and promising approaches to increase access to water, healthy foods, and opportunities to be physically active among low-income populations. Youth leaders in this session represent a diverse cross-section of California culture and geography. The highlighted projects are Network-funded as part of the Youth Engagement Initiative that support youth to be active change agents in their communities.
Through the voices of youth leaders, participants will learn about local success stories and promising approaches to increase access to water, healthy foods, and opportunities to be physically active among low-income populations. Youth leaders in this session represent a diverse cross-section of California culture and geography. The highlighted projects are Network-funded as part of the Youth Engagement Initiative that support youth to be active change agents in their communities.
Antonio Aguilera, Youth Leader, Stay Alive, Stay Healthy (S.A.S.H.) Team, Mountain View Middle School, Lamont School District
Alicia De León Mendoza, Youth Leader, Del Norte High School CHANGE Youth-Led Nutrition Education Project, Del Norte High School, Del Norte Unified School District
Jamelah Isaac, Youth Team Leader, Mandela MarketPlace
Concepcion (Connie) Ramos , Mom/Chaperone for Antonio Aguilera,
Moderator: Kamal Singh-Khaira, Youth Initiatives Consultant, Network for a Healthy California, California Department of Public Health
Healthy and Active Before 5 - Prevention of Early Childhood Obesity
The Institute of Medicine’s recent report on early childhood obesity highlighted the urgent need for early obesity prevention. In this session, partners in Contra Costa’s Healthy and Active Before 5 will present successful strategies to promote early intervention. A pediatrician working with low-income Latino children will outline proven methods to improve health care providers’ identification and obesity counseling during well child visits. The Initiative’s director will present materials that have motivated local organizations to adopt new policies: “Pledge the Practice, Pass the Policy”. A child care advocate will outline successful tools to create healthy environments for young children in child care.
The Institute of Medicine’s recent report on early childhood obesity highlighted the urgent need for early obesity prevention. In this session, partners in Contra Costa’s Healthy and Active Before 5 will present successful strategies to promote early intervention. A pediatrician working with low-income Latino children will outline proven methods to improve health care providers’ identification and obesity counseling during well child visits. The Initiative’s director will present materials that have motivated local organizations to adopt new policies: “Pledge the Practice, Pass the Policy”. A child care advocate will outline successful tools to create healthy environments for young children in child care.
Jennifer Balogh, Executive Director, Healthy and Active Before 5
Diane Dooley MD, Pediatrician, Contra Costa Regional Medical Center
Paula James, Director, Contra Costa Child Care Council
Moderator: Diane Dooley, Contra Costa Regional Medical Center
Healthy Kids Collaborating Across Programs
Breaking News! Agencies across California are collaborating on nutrition and health messages with the common goal of creating healthy kids. At this session find out how successful strategies across the state can be applied to low income families including how: statewide initiatives, campaigns and local strategies are aligned to support your obesity prevention efforts; the State Superintendent’s Team California for Healthy Kids Campaign aligns with Network for a Healthy California goals; Coordinated School Health and Shaping Health as a Partner in Education are supporting these messages; and a local school district has made these messages come to life in their community.
Breaking News! Agencies across California are collaborating on nutrition and health messages with the common goal of creating healthy kids. At this session find out how successful strategies across the state can be applied to low income families including how: statewide initiatives, campaigns and local strategies are aligned to support your obesity prevention efforts; the State Superintendent’s Team California for Healthy Kids Campaign aligns with Network for a Healthy California goals; Coordinated School Health and Shaping Health as a Partner in Education are supporting these messages; and a local school district has made these messages come to life in their community.
Helen Magnuson, Health Educator, Public Health Institute, Network for a Healthy California
Patty Page, Director of Nutrition Services, Manteca Unified School District
Jason Spencer, Senior Policy Advisor, California Department of Eduation, Office of State Superintendent
Moderator: Heather Reed, Nutrition Education Consultant, California Department of Education, Nutrition Services Division
If We Build it, Will They Come? Policy, Practice, Norms & Education to Promote Healthy Behaviors
Making healthy behavior changes depends on individual knowledge and motivation, community norms and support, and above all access to the things that support health. In this session an expert panel will draw from the HEAL (Healthy Eating Active Living) Zones Initiative to provide specific examples of community interventions currently underway that weave these behavior change facets together. Each presenter will explore a specific strategy to increase healthy eating and active living in a specific low income neighborhood, discussing how partnerships, collaboratives, and grassroots engagement are being leveraged to bring long term change and success.
Making healthy behavior changes depends on individual knowledge and motivation, community norms and support, and above all access to the things that support health. In this session an expert panel will draw from the HEAL (Healthy Eating Active Living) Zones Initiative to provide specific examples of community interventions currently underway that weave these behavior change facets together. Each presenter will explore a specific strategy to increase healthy eating and active living in a specific low income neighborhood, discussing how partnerships, collaboratives, and grassroots engagement are being leveraged to bring long term change and success.
Kathryn Boyle (Moderator), , Kaiser
Brandi Muro, Network Collaborative and HEAL Zone Program Coordinator, Central Valley Health Network
Tracey Patterson, Southeast Food Access (SEFA) Working Group , San Francisco Department of Public Health
Kathy Renfrow, HEAL Zone Coordinating Manager, Monument Community Partnership
Moderator: Kathryn Boyle, Kaiser Permanente
Innovative Partnerships to Address Healthy Eating & Active Living in Low Income Neighborhoods
Faced with a variety of challenges how can we leverage diverse partnerships to promote healthy eating active living in low income neighborhoods? Finding overarching common goals with a variety of organizations can be a powerful way to transform communities. This session will present collaboration between faith organizations, business improvement districts and Community Based Organizations to reduce violence and increase safe neighborhoods, low income housing resident engagement and physical activity.
Faced with a variety of challenges how can we leverage diverse partnerships to promote healthy eating active living in low income neighborhoods? Finding overarching common goals with a variety of organizations can be a powerful way to transform communities. This session will present collaboration between faith organizations, business improvement districts and Community Based Organizations to reduce violence and increase safe neighborhoods, low income housing resident engagement and physical activity.
Matthew Bryant, District Director for Council Member Bonnie Pannell,
Shaunda Johnson, Community Organizer, Sacramento ACT (Area Congregations Together)
Noah Painter, District Director, Sacramento City Council Member Darrell Fong's Office
Lesley Simmons, Pastor, South Sacramento Christian Center
Moderator: Debra S. Oto-Kent, Health Education Council
Leveraging the Movement: More Partners, More Success
This session will provide an overview and discussion of the exciting opportunities that exist to “Leverage the Movement” with three statewide obesity prevention initiatives that are working with low income communities: Center for Disease Control and Prevention’s Community Transformation Grants, Kaiser Permanente’s Healthy Eating and Active Living Initiative and The California Endowment’s Building Healthy Communities program. See how they connect with one another, the Network’s new Nutrition Education and Obesity Prevention Program and other efforts to create healthy communities.
This session will provide an overview and discussion of the exciting opportunities that exist to “Leverage the Movement” with three statewide obesity prevention initiatives that are working with low income communities: Center for Disease Control and Prevention’s Community Transformation Grants, Kaiser Permanente’s Healthy Eating and Active Living Initiative and The California Endowment’s Building Healthy Communities program. See how they connect with one another, the Network’s new Nutrition Education and Obesity Prevention Program and other efforts to create healthy communities.
Judi Larsen, Program Manager, The California Endowment
Linda Rudolph, Deputy Director, California Department of Public Health
Loel Solomon, Vice President, Community Health, Kaiser Permanente
Moderator: Peggy Agron, Chief, California Department of Public Health
Obesity Prevention for California's Low Income School Children: Successful Programs from Around the State
Six panelists representing schools in five different regions of California will briefly outline their successful programs to increase fruit and vegetable consumption and prompt physical activity among students in low income schools. Following this introduction to the panelists, their worksites and regions, the six panelists will move to tables, to be joined by session attendees, for frank and informal discussion, networking and information sharing.
Six panelists representing schools in five different regions of California will briefly outline their successful programs to increase fruit and vegetable consumption and prompt physical activity among students in low income schools. Following this introduction to the panelists, their worksites and regions, the six panelists will move to tables, to be joined by session attendees, for frank and informal discussion, networking and information sharing.
Nancy Midlin, Nutrition Education Teacher, Oakland Unified School District
Kristen Mowers, Site Nutrition Coordinator, CalSERVES, Napa County Office of Education
Lizett Olivares, Assistant Coordinator, Network for a Healthy California, Monrovia Unified School District
Shené Onye, Executive Director, California Healthy Kids and After School Resource Centers
Jacquelyn Russum, Program Manager, Health, California After School and Healthy Kids Resource Centers
Corina Ulloa, Program Coordinator, Network for a Healthy California, El Monte City School District
Jenny Wang, Senior Program Specialist, Nutrition Services, Alameda County Health Care Services Agency
Moderator: Helen Magnuson, Nutrition Education Consultant, Nework for a Healthy California
Using Let's Move! Campaigns to Move Your Community to Action
First Lady Michelle Obama’s Let’s Move! Campaign can be a very effective catalyst for change in a variety of community settings. In this presentation you will hear how the Let’s Move! Chico initiative was part of a comprehensive community effort that lead to policy changes and how a Let’s Move! in Indian Country Proclamation is guiding the Sacramento Native American community to make significant changes in the areas of health and wellness.
First Lady Michelle Obama’s Let’s Move! Campaign can be a very effective catalyst for change in a variety of community settings. In this presentation you will hear how the Let’s Move! Chico initiative was part of a comprehensive community effort that lead to policy changes and how a Let’s Move! in Indian Country Proclamation is guiding the Sacramento Native American community to make significant changes in the areas of health and wellness.
Catherine Carmichael, MS, RD, Diabetes Program Manager, Sacramento Native American Health Center, Inc.
Carol Lams, Nutrition Education Specialist, CSUC Center for Nutrition & Activity Promotion, California State University, Chico
Eileen Robinson, Board Member, Chico Unified School District
Moderator: Stacey Kennedy, Deputy Director, Family & Community Health Services, California Rural Indian Health Board, Inc.
Working WITH Youth: Empowering the Next Generation
This interactive session will include stories of success when young people are actively involved in community health efforts. This session will expose participants to what it takes to authentically include young people in all levels of project planning, design, implementation and follow-up. When given the opportunity, young leaders are incredible advocates for our health and nutrition issues and concerns.
This interactive session will include stories of success when young people are actively involved in community health efforts. This session will expose participants to what it takes to authentically include young people in all levels of project planning, design, implementation and follow-up. When given the opportunity, young leaders are incredible advocates for our health and nutrition issues and concerns.
Daniel DaSilva, Youth Advocate, Jovenes SANOS
Lloyd Nadal, Program Director, CANFIT
Hai Vo, Youth Advocate and Organizer, Real Food Challenge / Live Real
Moderator: Lloyd Nadal, Program Director, CANFIT
You Too Can Work with Your City!
In this session participants will learn how the City of Rancho Cucamonga’s "hands on" partnership strategy has achieved individual, organizational, and policy changes to create a comprehensive approach to obesity prevention. The presentation will also focus on how the City has utilized a Community Based Participatory Approach as its partnership strategy. This panel presentation will provide attendees the opportunity to identify the value of collaborating with your local city to decrease obesity. Speakers include Rancho Cucamonga’s current mayor, “Healthy RC” Program Director and Management Analyst from the City Manager’s Office, and a key community partner that works directly in areas of the city at greatest risk for obesity.
In this session participants will learn how the City of Rancho Cucamonga’s "hands on" partnership strategy has achieved individual, organizational, and policy changes to create a comprehensive approach to obesity prevention. The presentation will also focus on how the City has utilized a Community Based Participatory Approach as its partnership strategy. This panel presentation will provide attendees the opportunity to identify the value of collaborating with your local city to decrease obesity. Speakers include Rancho Cucamonga’s current mayor, “Healthy RC” Program Director and Management Analyst from the City Manager’s Office, and a key community partner that works directly in areas of the city at greatest risk for obesity.
Erika Lewis-Huntley, Management Analyst, City of Rancho Cucamonga
L. Dennis Michael, Mayor, City of Rancho Cucamonga
Mary Rocha, Social Services Director, Northtown Housing Development Corporation
Moderator: Karen Black, Project Coordinator, California Obesity Prevention Program