APHA: Winter 2004

Message from the Chair

This is my first “Message” to all section members as chair for 2004. First, we should all recognize that the Food and Nutrition (FN) Section had a banner year in 2003. Here are a few of the accomplishments under the leadership of our 2003 section chair, Mary Story of the University of Minnesota, made with significant contributions by many members of the Section Council:

Overweight Epidemic:

“Getting in Shape for the Future: Healthy Eating and Active Living”

http://www.apha.foodandnutrition.org

http://www.aphafoodandnutrition.org/overwt

Policy: Provided primary sponsorship for two APHA policy statements: “Support for WIC and Child Nutrition Programs” and “Food Marketing and Advertising Directed at Children and Adolescents.” Both of these were adopted by the organization at the 2003 Annual Meeting and are now official policy. The full texts are available on the Web at: <http://www.apha.org/legislative/policy/2003/> [Food Marketing = 2003-17; WIC and Child Nutrition Programs = 2003-19].

Science: Sponsored 18 highly popular scientific and poster sessions at the APHA Annual Meeting in San Francisco in November 2003. Even though APHA had provided larger rooms for our sessions based on the 2002 attendance, many FN Section-sponsored sessions were standing room only or overflowing into the hallway, especially those addressing the overweight & obesity epidemic. Sincere “thanks for a job well done” to the Section’s 2003 Program Planning co-chairs, Charlene Sanders (now our chair-elect) and Barbara Polhamus.

Organization: Adopted an updated Section Procedures Manual to clarify responsibilities and facilitate efficient functioning of the Section leadership. The full text is available at: <http://www.aphafoodandnutrition.org/ProceduresManual.pdf>

A more complete list of recent FN Section accomplishments can be found on the Section Web site at: <http://www.aphafoodandnutrition.org/FN%20SUMMARY10_30.htm>. As a result of exceptional effort by our Web site Committee Co–chairs, Dr. Paul Cotton and Dr. Dena Goldberg, the FN Section site has expanded and matured into a valuable resource for all section members and other visitors. I encourage you to add the link to your Web browser’s “favorites” list (“bookmarks” for Netscape users), and visit whenever you need information on FN section activities or contact information for our Section leadership. The link is: <http://www.aphafoodandnutrition.org/>. While you are there, check out the link to the 2003 FN Section awards program, <http://www.aphafoodandnutrition.org/03aph.htm>. The Awards Committee, chaired by Judy Wilson, did a phenomenal job in all aspects of the event. Bravo! to all of the awardees, and to Judy and her committee for making the event very special.

Beyond our Section business, we are at an interesting juncture in the field of food and nutrition. Data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys (NHANES) confirms the continued worsening of the epidemic of overweight and obesity among both adults and children in the United States. Food manufacturers are increasingly producing and marketing a range of “carbohydrate reduced” foods in response to the popularity of the Atkins diet. The domestic and export beef markets were shocked by a positive test for the “mad cow disease” (bovine spongiform encephalopathy [BSE]) marker in one U.S. animal whose meat had entered the market. The report at the November 2003 APHA Annual Meeting of high mercury levels in certain fish drew immediate media attention, and combined with the “mad cow” incident and more recent reports of high dioxin levels in farm-raised salmon have left some consumers confused and concerned. These situations are a challenge to the nation and an ongoing reminder of the importance of food and nutrition to the health of the American public and the interdependence of food safety with environmental and infectious disease concerns.

The Healthy People 2010 (HP2010) mid-course review for the area of nutrition and overweight was held on Jan. 21, 2004. HHS and USDA staff prepared data tables, briefing materials and presentations for review by high-level officials in both departments during the review session. The nutrition chapter of HP2010 is available on the Web at <http://www.healthypeople.gov/Document/HTML/Volume2/19Nutrition.htm#_Toc490383126>. The mid-course review for this chapter focuses on two critical components of the HP2010 nutrition objectives: 1) overweight, and 2) fruit and vegetable consumption. The HP2010 Nutrition and Overweight Work Group is co-chaired by Dr. Van Hubbard of HHS/NIH and Dr. Nancy Crane of HHS/FDA. Key components of the mid-course review briefing materials are now available on the Web at <http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/about/otheract/hpdata2010/fa19/nutrition.htm>.

In the arena of food and nutrition assistance programs serving children and our nation’s low-income populations, the Sept. 30, 2003 expiration date for the authorization for WIC and many of the Child Nutrition Programs came and went without either full reauthorization or disaster. The programs continue to function under continuing resolutions law, with WIC participation reaching an all-time high of 7.87 million women, infants and children in October 2003 (the most recent month for which data are available as of this writing). On Nov. 22, 2003, President Bush signed into law P.L. 108-134 (formerly H.R. 3232) extending expiring provisions of the Child Nutrition Programs through March 31, 2004. Some of the key controversial issues in the reauthorization debate have focused on how much, if any, new funding should be devoted to these programs (some have suggested adding $1 to 2 billion), and whether certification procedures for the National School Lunch Program should be modified. Although the Senate has held a series of hearings and a number of bills have been introduced (search Thomas, <http://thomas.loc.gov/home/thomas2.html>, for “child nutrition” or for “WIC”), we may not see a full four- to five-year reauthorization this year. Speculation in Washington is that the programs will simply be extended for a short while to avoid controversy close to the Presidential election. This situation will require ongoing attention as the organization seeks opportunities to educate Congress, the Administration, advocates and the public on the recommendations contained in the official APHA policy statement on WIC and Child Nutrition (APHA Policy Statement Number 2003-19). Further, having reached record WIC participation levels at a time of fiscal imbalance, we will need to closely monitor debate on the appropriations levels for WIC, a program funded through discretionary funds (i.e., it is not an entitlement like the Food Stamp Program and the National School Lunch Program).

The Food and Nutrition Section Council will meet at APHA headquarters on Feb. 20-21, 2004 to work on Section priorities and discuss issues with APHA Executive Director Dr. Georges Benjamin and other APHA staff. We have an exceptionally talented Council and encourage all section members to take an active role by volunteering to work on committees. Please see the listing of committee chairs at <http://www.aphafoodandnutrition.org/officers.htm>, and contact me or the chair of the committee you wish to work on. One great way to become involved is to participate in the planning and staffing of the section booth at the Nov. 6 – 10, 2004 Annual Meeting in Washington, D.C. This is an excellent opportunity to build your network with the top people in the field of public health nutrition. One last note—when you plan your travel for the Annual meeting this year, remember that we hold key section business meetings on the Saturday the meeting begins, i.e., this year on Saturday, Nov. 6, 2004. Please plan your travel to attend the Nov. 6 business meetings.

Jay Hirschman, MPH, CNS
Chair, APHA Food and Nutrition Section

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APHA Annual Meeting and Exposition

Food and Nutrition Section Exhibit Summary

Submitted by Elvira Jarka 1/15/2004

Judy Wilson

Sheryl Lee

Charlene Sanders

Tracy Hillard

Dena Goldberg

Christopher Wirth

Deborah Sica

Katrina Holt

Estella West

Ellen Harris

Annie Carr

Paul Cotton

Charlene Sanders

Jay Hirschman

Patricia Risica

The 2004 Annual Meeting and Exposition

Access to fruits and vegetables through community based food systems;

Breastfeeding as a predictor of future health;

Changing the food environment through nutrition labeling of commercial/restaurant foods;

Changing the nutrition and physical activity environment through faith-based initiatives;

Effects of biotechnology on food, health and the environment;

Environmental contaminants in the food supply;

Environmental factors in the obesity crisis;

Federal, state or local policies and their implications for environmental issues affecting food safety and food security (e.g. intentional contamination of the food supply);

Food insecurity, federal food program participation, and health;

Impact of nutrition and physical activity on the social environment of older adults;

Influencing policy makers on nutrition and physical activity : state examples;
Interactive technology: applications related to nutrition, food security, food systems;

Issues in measuring dietary intake: DRIs, FFQs and portion size;

Policies affecting food choices in the school environment; and

Youth obesity epidemic: public health approaches that work.

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Food and Nutrition Section News

Food and Nutrition Section Roster

Food and Nutrition Section Council and Committee Chairs

jay.hirschman@fns.usda.gov

jdhirschman@aol.com

Related Files:

SectionRoster2003_2004.doc

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APHA Advocacy and Policy News

APHA 2003 Governing Council Report

The Food and Nutrition Section representatives to the 2003 APHA Governing Council (GC) were returning Councilors Geraldine Perry-Allen and Noel Chavez and new Councilor Joan Trendell. Meetings of the GC were held Saturday, Nov. 15, Sunday, Nov. 16, and Tuesday, Nov. 18.

The Saturday session began with a report from APHA President Jay Glasser who reported Association highlights for 2003 as being the Strategic Planning activities of the past year and the report made by the Task Force for Association Improvement and Reorganization (TFAIR). In addition, he noted the successful mid-year meeting of the GC by conference call in September, a first for the Association outside its Annual Meeting. During that meeting, the GC voted to change the fiscal year from January-December to July-June, which will allow for the net fiscal impact from the Annual Meeting to become a manageable factor in the annual APHA budget since the Annual Meeting would occur earlier in the fiscal year. This change will go into effect July 1, 2004.

The Candidates Forum allowed GC members to hear statements and responses to questions from President-elect and Executive Board candidates. The nominees represented a variety of public health practice areas as well as geographic locations. For the first time, the six executive board candidates were presented as a slate for three positions, as opposed to pairing two candidates for each position (position A, B or C). This resulted in the top three candidates with the most votes winning the election for the three positions. The election took place during the Tuesday session of the GC with the following individuals elected:

President-Elect:
Walter Tsou

Executive Board:
Karen Valenzuela
Terri Wright
Oliver Fein

In his report, APHA Executive Director Georges Benjamin highlighted the work and accomplishments of the Association during the past year. An improved financial position (a balanced budget is expected for 2003), increased visibility and relevance, and efforts to improve internal infrastructure were noted. In addition, advocacy efforts have benefited from a focused and effective effort to address increasing health care access, eliminating disparities in health and rebuilding the public health infrastructure. Efforts to expand APHA's membership and improve Section communications (both between APHA and Sections and membership within Sections) were highlighted in a more detailed written report provided. In the coming year, Dr. Benjamin expects priorities to be 1) assuring a smooth transition to the new budgeting year, and 2) a technology needs assessment for the Association.

Also on Saturday, several reports from the Executive Board were made including that of APHA Executive Board Chairperson, Shelly Hearne, who noted that “APHA was at the peak of the 'perfect storm' last year, complete with three major fronts—a fiscal crisis, changing leadership and an aging association structure with a dwindling membership.” She went on to report that she believes that activities of the past year have assisted APHA in becoming a healthier organization. One item of note was the effort to develop an APHA policy manual, which will assist all organizational units in explaining administrative rules, practices and structures. This document is available to members on the APHA Web site.

APHA Treasurer Melvin Shipp reported that APHA closed 2002 with a small (less than 1 percent of annual operating costs) surplus of revenue, a first for the organization in five years. In addition, the Association received an unqualified opinion with no material weaknesses on it financial statements from its auditor. A six-month extension of the ’03 budget was approved to cover the transitional period of Jan. 1-June 30, 2004.

Strategic Planning Committee Chair Ed Marshall reported on progress on developing a Strategic Map and Strategic Profile. A planning retreat of the Executive Board was held in the summer. Feedback from the GC on the work thus far was gathered at a discussion session held Sunday morning. As the plan is implemented, APHA staff will develop a 6-12 month work plan focusing on strategic priorities and objective outlined in the Strategic Map. The strategic planning process will be incorporated into the Executive Board’s annual agenda.

Another report of note was that of TFAIR. During the past year, TFAIR solicited input from APHA members, and the findings were detailed. Improvement steps for consideration by the Executive Board and the GC were presented. In addition, TFAIR requested support to continue its work for at least another year, which was approved by the GC. Additional information on TFAIR is available on the APHA Web site.

The Joint Policy Committee archiving project that focused on a systematic review and archiving of APHA policies was discussed, and on Tuesday the process was approved by the GC. In addition, the GC passed a consent calendar listing policies to be archived.

The Nominating Committee Workgroup recommended changes that were approved by the GC, which expands the Nominating Committee from six to nine members.

The Committee on Constitution and Bylaws reported that a request to amend the bylaws so that the Chairpersons of the Committee on Affiliates, Intersectional Council and the Public Health Student Caucus be voting rather than non-voting members of the Executive Board had been reviewed, but that the Committee had voted not to bring the amendment to the GC. However, the amendment was brought up for action from the floor of the GC. The amendment was discussed during the Tuesday session, but the amendment failed as is did not receive the two-thirds vote required.

Other organizational units of APHA provided reports to the GC, including the Action Board, the Science Board, the Committee on Equal Health Opportunity, the Committee on Membership, the Committee on Affiliates, the Intersectional Council, the American Journal of Public Health Editorial Board, the Publications Board, and the Education Board.

Nominations for the 2004 Nominating Committee included Food and Nutrition Section Councilor, Joan Trendell. It was noted that since the slate of candidates did not include a minority, the Equal Health Opportunity Committee would have to appoint a minority member to the committee. The election was held on Tuesday and four new members were elected to the Nominating Committee by the GC with Joan not being one of them.

Two possible themes for the 2005 Annual Meeting were presented: 1) “Public Health Strategies and Methods for the 21st Century” and 2) “The Best Defense is Good Public Health.” After suggestions from the GC and discussion the theme chosen for 2005 will include the phrase Evidence-Based Policy and Practice. The program committee will finalize the theme.

As a result of round table discussions on Sunday, the GC identified three priority issues for action in the coming year: Access to Care; Public Health Infrastructure, and Health Disparities. These were the same priorities as the previous year.

As usual there were many Policy Statements under consideration at the 2003 GC, of which two were put forth by the Food and Nutrition Section and passed by the GC: Food Marketing and Advertising Directed at Children and Adolescents and Support for WIC and Child Nutrition Programs. Open hearings were held on Sunday with GC action taken on Tuesday. For a full listing of passed Policy Statements, go to <www.apha.org/legislative/policy/2003>.

Several items of New Business were considered prior to adjournment. The GC passed a motion for the use of electronic keypads for voting rather than paper ballots for elections during GC. A motion that all Late Breaking Policy Statements automatically go on the Joint Policy Committee’s agenda in March passed. There was discussion about making a hard copy of the American Journal of Public Health available to all student members (currently students must pay $30) but the issue was tabled for further study. In a discussion of the timely distribution of Executive Board minutes to the members of GC, it was decided that minutes would be distributed electronically within six weeks of their approval. In addition, GC minutes will be approved within 90 days of the meeting rather than waiting until the following Annual Meeting to do so. After the announcement of election results (see above), the GC adjourned. The GC at the 2004 Annual Meeting will begin on Nov. 6, 2004 in Washington, D.C. The 2004 Food and Nutrition Section Governing Councilors include Joan Trendell, L. Beth Dixon, and Anna-Maria Siega-Riz.

For additional information about the reports made to and action of the 2003 Governing Council, please contact one of the Food and Nutrition Sections Councilors listed above.

National Public Health Week 2004

The observance of National Public Health Week (NPHW) will be April 5-11, 2004. The tagline is, "Eliminating Health Disparities: Communities Moving from Statistics to Solutions."Last year's NPHW was a great success with events in every state including the District of Columbia. Our message on obesity was heard in 7.4 million households. With the sponsorship of The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, the Commonwealth Fund, and the Josiah Macy, Jr. Foundation, we anticipate this year to be the most successful yet. To find out more about National Public Health Week 2004, please visit <http://www.apha.org/nphw/>.

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