Homework Question on Public Nutrition Programs
- Traditionally, nutrition programs were targeted to the indigent and poor populations in developing countries. Many of today’s Americans are malnourished also, but they are inundated with unhealthy foods and require a multidisciplinary approach to nutrition education.
- What would be the three most important points to include in a public nutrition program?
- Provide current literature to support your answer and include two nutritional education community resources.
Homework Answer on Public Nutrition Programs
Over the last decade, the American population has faced obesity, poor nutrition, and limited physical exercise as its major concerns. This situation has prompted the shift on the role of public nutrition programs in shaping the eating habits of Americans. There are several nutritional education community resources such as the Food, Research and Action Center and the Community Nutrition Education (Hartwig & Hartwig, 2012).
The most three important points to include in a public nutrition program include: Equity in accessing healthy foods by both economic classes; Creation of awareness among parents and children on the importance of eating healthy foods and exercise; and Promoting nutrition programs both at workplace and in schools through healthy food policies.Scientific research has connected school food policies with healthy food policies.
For instance, policies that restrict students from eating away from campus have significantly reduced the possibility of buying junky foods from fast food restaurants. In addition, these policies have also seen the improvement in vegetables and fruits consumption (Shils, 2005). The maternity care services in hospitals have enhanced the rates of breastfeeding among mothers. Even though more schools offer students healthy food choices, some schools have not implemented the policies.