Vision
All Los Angeles County residents have access to nutritious,
affordable foods and have adopted healthy eating habits
Mission
To assure conditions in which all residents in Los Angeles
County can have healthy eating habits
About
Us
The Nutrition Program,
part of the Division of Chronic Disease and Injury
Prevention, is dedicated to improving the nutrition
of Los Angeles (LA) County residents and promoting
healthy ways to eat and enjoy food through nutrition
assessments and surveillance, nutrition policy and
program development, and assurance of nutrition
services that protect and promote the public's
health. The Nutrition Program enthusiastically works
with community partners and with state and federal
agencies to provide quality resources and referrals
for anyone searching for nutrition-related
information.
County Food Policy – Updates 2009
On August 18, 2009 the Board of Supervisors
unanimously approved to update the Los Angeles County
Food Policy, which provides LA County employees with a
work environment that is supportive of healthy eating.
100% of all choices in County vending machines will now
comply with the food policy guidelines. The food policy
campaign, Smart Snackers, puts the policy into action by
providing educational materials that encourage employees
to choose the new, healthier snacks in the workplace.
Learn more about Smart Snackers!
Tools for Vending Machine Vendors
Smart Snacking at Vending Machines, Fundraisers, and Meetings
Become a Site Champion
You may be thinking…
Why is the County telling me what to eat? Smart
Snackers is not about restricting what you eat; it’s
about giving you choices. Healthier choices. You’ll
still be able to bring your favorite snack to work as
you have always done. But, you’ll also have the option
to choose a healthier snack.
County Food Policy
-
(Click here to access)
Highlights
California’s Trans Fat Bill-AB 97
In July 2008, Governor Schwarzenegger approved
the trans fat bill. This bill affects all food
facilities except public school cafeterias.
•
July 25, 2008- requires all food
facilities (except public school cafeterias) to keep
all food labels for fats, oils and shortenings
•
January 1, 2010- prohibits use of
artificial trans fat* containing oils, shortenings
and margarines in the use of spreads or frying
–
Frying of yeast dough & cake batter still
permitted
•
January 1, 2011- prohibits
all
food containing artificial trans fats
–
Permits foods sold in manufacturer’s
original, sealed packaging
*Artificial trans fat: ≥ 0.5 g
trans fat /serving
CA’s Menu Labeling Bill-SB
1420
In
September 2008, Arnold Schwarzenegger signed the
menu labeling bill into action. Below is a chart
detailing phase 1 and phase 2 of implementation.
|
|
July 1, 2009: Phase 1 |
January 1, 2011: Phase
2 |
|
Menu Board |
Provide brochure with
calorie, unsaturated fat, carbohydrate and
sodium |
Post calorie
information next to menu item on the board |
|
Sit-Down |
Provide calorie,
unsaturated fat, carbohydrate and sodium
content |
Post calorie
information next to item on the menu |
|
Drive-thru |
Notify at point of
sales that nutrition information is
available via a brochure |
Continue as before |
|
Food Tag |
N/A |
Post calorie
information on the food tag |
•
This bill applies to restaurant chains with
20 or more
•
EXCLUDES: school cafeterias, grocery stores,
convenience stores, and farmers markets
For more information about the
menu labeling bill,
please click here.
|
|
Eat More Fruits and Vegetables
Fruits and vegetables are an important part of a healthy diet. Eat at least
two cups of fruit and 2 ½ cups of vegetables everyday for a lifestyle choice
that helps you maintain better health. Here are some helpful tips for a healthy start in
2010.
