Toward a Healthy, Sustainable Food System: Activities at the APHA Annual Meeting and Beyond
Submitted by Rebecca Klein, MS
The APHA Food and Environment Working Group has been hard at work planning events for the Annual Meeting. Stay tuned for information about how to register for the following events:
Saturday, Nov. 7: Day tour of Philadelphia Food System Projects Including: a farmer’s market, a healthy corner store, youth gardening and education programs, an urban farm, and an overview of from the Mayor’s office on the city’s plans for sustainability.
Tuesday, Nov. 10: A delicious and delightful social and networking event featuring locally and sustainably sourced foods on Tuesday evening 6:30-8:00. The event will be walking distance from the convention Center.
The Food and Environment Working Group (FEWG) is comprised of nearly 100 members from several sections, primarily Environment and Food and Nutrition. We are working together to protect public health by promoting and cultivating a safe, healthy, just and sustainable food system. The FEWG includes many of the nation’s public health leaders in child nutrition, child obesity, sustainability and health and food systems.
Food System Sessions
Keep your eyes out for our guide to scientific sessions relevant to the food system. It will be posted on the Environment Section website in October.
A Special Session submitted by FEWG members, “Public Health in an Era of Resource Depletion,” is scheduled for Monday.
Water Bottles
In keeping with the theme of Water and Public Health, attendees are encouraged to bring their own reusable water bottles and plan on using water fountains and tap water at the Annual Meeting. The APHA PubMart (Booth 1425) will also have metal water bottles for sale. By reducing the use of disposable water bottles at the Annual Meeting, attendees can help reduce the environmental impact [carbon footprint] of the meeting and highlight the importance of maintaining and supporting safe drinkable water in all communities.
There are numerous public health and justice issues associated with bottled water, especially plastic bottles. The Food and Environment Working Group will have more information about these issues at the Food and Nutrition and the Environment Section Booths. Stop by to learn more!
NOTICE: If you own a SIGG bottle, please see this recall notice and have yours replaced. http://www.mysigg.com/bulletin/exchange_program.html
If you are interested in becoming involved in the Food and Environment Working Group, please contact Rebecca Klein, rklein@jhsph.edu, (410) 502-7578.