TCE Polls Shows Public Concern About Childhood Obesity

The results of a statewide survey released today found California residents consider unhealthy eating habits and a lack of physical activity to be the greatest health risk facing kids today, topping drug use and smoking. The study was conducted by Field Research Corporation and funded by The California Endowment and its release coincides with tomorrow’s state Senate Select Committee’s hearing on the Governor’s Obesity Plan on Feb. 20th from 9:00-12:00. According to Mark DiCamillo, Senior Vice President of Field Research Corporation, who directed the study. “The public wants and expects government to do something about the problem, and so far they have been disappointed with the progress being made.”

These poll results are likely to generate news coverage. Rapid Responders can use the news coverage to tell our government officials what we think should be done. Please monitor your local papers for any articles pertaining to the survey, then write a letter to the editor and let them know what you think government can do about Californian’s greatest health risk.

Use your letter to acknowledge and reinforce Californian’s concern. Then link this concern to the policy issue you are working on now. Here are a few samples you should feel free to adapt.

Sample #1: If you are working on menu labeling:

Dear Editor:

You reported today that Californian’s are concerned about childhood obesity. Of course they are. We are in the midst of an epidemic of diabetes like never before.

That is why we need menu labeling in California. Restaurant patrons will be shocked when they see that a McDonald’s Double Quarter Pounder with Cheese weighs in with a whopping 740 calories. Better yet, maybe McDonald’s will stop putting such monstrosities on the menu in the first place.

Sincerely,

YOUR NAME, PHONE NUMBER, ORGANIZATION

Sample #2: If you are working on physical activity in schools:

Dear editor:

You reported today that Californian’s are concerned about childhood obesity. Of course they are. We are in the midst of an epidemic of diabetes like never before.

That is why it is more important than ever to be sure children have time to run and play. In school, children can learn their ABCs, but they can also learn how to active for a lifetime. The bonus for the schools is that when children have ample time for activity they pay better attention in the classroom.

Sincerely,

YOUR NAME, PHONE NUMBER, ORGANIZATION

Sample #3: Fill in the blanks with your local issue:

Dear editor:

You reported today that Californian’s are concerned about childhood obesity. They should be. But Californians should know that there is something that we’re doing about it here.

In TOWN, we are supporting POLICY. This will make a difference.

When we get support for actions like this, Californians can be confident the problem can be fixed.

Sincerely,

YOUR NAME, PHONE NUMBER, ORGANIZATION

Let us know if you want help writing a letter or advice about where to send it. We’re happy to edit or give suggestions.

Access the survey at the Strategic Alliance website: http://www.preventioninstitute.org/sa/index.html

Please let us know. We welcome you to share any letters or op-eds that get published with the rest of the Strategic Alliance membership by sending them to linnea@preventioninstitute.org

WHAT IS THE STRATEGIC ALLIANCE?

The Strategic Alliance is reframing the debate on nutrition and physical activity away from a focus on individual choice and lifestyle towards one of environment and corporate and government responsibility. Current Steering Committee members are: California Adolescent Nutrition and Fitness Program (CANFit), California Center for Public Health Advocacy, California Food Policy Advocates, California Pan-Ethnic Health Network, California Parks and Recreation Society, California Project LEAN, California WIC Association, Child Care Food Program Roundtable, Latino Health Access, Prevention Institute, Samuels & Associates and YMCA of the East Bay.

HOW TO BECOME A MEMBER

The Strategic Alliance is currently engaged in building a broad and diverse statewide membership. To join or for more information, please visit us on the Web, www.eatbettermovemore.org, or contact Sana Chehimi at 510.444.7738 or Sana@preventioninstitute.org. And even if you're already a member, please forward this message on to your colleagues so we can continue to strengthen our coalition. Thank you!

The Strategic Alliance is supported by funding from The California Endowment.

The Strategic Alliance is reframing the debate on nutrition and physical activity--from a focus on individual choice and lifestyle, towards one of environment and corporate and government responsibility.

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