Setting: Communities & Government

Coffee Chat: State & Local Policies for Incorporating Added-Sugar Warning Labels on Restaurant Menus

Posted on March 28, 2024

In this coffee chat hosted by the CHOICES Community of Practice, DeAnna Nara, Senior Policy Associate at the Center for Science in the Public Interest, explored strategies to incorporate added-sugar warning labels into restaurant menus to reduce added sugar consumption and shared resources to support practitioners at the state and local levels with this work.

View the resource round-up from this coffee chat

Download the March 2024 coffee chat presentation slides

Disclaimer: Our guest speakers share their own perspectives and do not speak for Harvard.

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Coffee Chat: Engaging Community Partners in Health Improvement Planning

Posted on February 22, 2024

In this coffee chat hosted by the CHOICES Community of Practice, Anna Clayton, Senior Program Analyst from the National Association of County and City Health Officials explored resources available through the Mobilizing for Action through Planning and Partnerships (MAPP 2.0) framework that can support community engagement and partnerships in planning efforts.

View the resource round-up from this coffee chat

Download the February 2024 coffee chat presentation slides

Disclaimer: Our guest speakers share their own perspectives and do not speak for Harvard.

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Coffee Chat: Exploring the Health Equity Benefits of Sugary Drink Excise Taxes

Posted on January 25, 2024

In this coffee chat hosted by the CHOICES Community of Practice, Matthew Lee, PhD Candidate from the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health and California native who has researched sugary drink trends and the impacts of sugary drink excise taxes in the San Francisco Bay Area, discusses insights from his recent study published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine that he led along with other researchers from the CHOICES Team. Matt also focuses on the ways in which these taxes, and the potential revenue raised from them, can benefit communities by improving health equity.

View the resource round-up from this coffee chat

Download the January 2024 coffee chat presentation slides

Disclaimer: Our guest speakers share their own perspectives and do not speak for Harvard.

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Cost-effectiveness of Improved WIC Food Package for Preventing Childhood Obesity

Posted on January 23, 2024

This study determines the cost-effectiveness of changes to WIC’s nutrition standards in 2009 for preventing obesity and to estimate impacts on socioeconomic and racial/ethnic inequities.

Kenney EL, Lee MM, Barrett JL, Ward ZJ, Long MW, Cradock AL, Williams DR, Gortmaker SL. Cost-effectiveness of Improved WIC Food Package for Preventing Childhood Obesity. Pediatrics. 2024 Jan;153. doi: 10.1542/peds.2023-063182.

Abstract

Background & Objectives

The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) prevents food insecurity and supports nutrition for more than 3 million low-income young children. Our objectives were to determine the cost-effectiveness of changes to WIC’s nutrition standards in 2009 for preventing obesity and to estimate impacts on socioeconomic and racial/ethnic inequities.

Methods

We conducted a cost-effectiveness analysis to estimate impacts from 2010 through 2019 of the 2009 WIC food package change on obesity risk for children aged 2 to 4 years participating in WIC. Microsimulation models estimated the cases of obesity prevented in 2019 and costs per quality-adjusted-life year gained.

Results

An estimated 14.0 million 2- to 4-year old US children (95% uncertainty interval (UI), 13.7–14.2 million) were reached by the updated WIC nutrition standards from 2010 through 2019. In 2019, an estimated 62 700 (95% UI, 53 900–71 100) cases of childhood obesity were prevented, entirely among children from households with low incomes, leading to improved health equity. The update was estimated to cost $10 600 per quality-adjusted-life year gained (95% UI, $9760–$11 700). If WIC had reached all eligible children, more than twice as many cases of childhood obesity would have been prevented.

Conclusions

Updates to WIC’s nutrition standards for young children in 2009 were estimated to be highly cost-effective for preventing childhood obesity and contributed to reducing socioeconomic and racial/ethnic inequities in obesity prevalence. Improving nutrition policies for young children can be a sound public health investment; future research should explore how to improve access to them.

Funding

This study was supported by the National Institutes of Health (R01HL146625 and K01DK125278), The JPB Foundation, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (U48DP006376). The authors have indicated they have no potential conflicts of interest to disclose. The findings and conclusions are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official position of the National Institutes of Health, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, or other funders.

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Strategy Report: Fast-Food Restaurant Calorie Labeling (2018)

Posted on December 19, 2023

Fast-food restaurant menu board with calories labeled for each menu item

The information provided here is intended to be used for educational purposes. Links to other resources and websites are intended to provide additional information aligned with this educational purpose.

Overview

CHOICES uses cost-effectiveness analysis to compare the costs and outcomes of different policies and programs promoting improved nutrition or increased physical activity in schools, early care and education and out-of-school settings, communities, and clinics. This strategy report describes the projected national population reach, impact on health and health equity, implementation costs, and cost-effectiveness for an effective strategy to improve child health. This information can help inform decision-making around promoting healthy weight. To explore and compare additional strategies, visit the CHOICES National Action Kit 2.0.

Continue reading in the full report.

Contact choicesproject@hsph.harvard.edu for an accessible version of this report.

Suggested Citation

CHOICES National Action Kit: Fast-Food Restaurant Calorie Labeling (2018) Strategy Report. CHOICES Project Team at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA; December 2023.

Acknowledgments

We thank the following members of the CHOICES Project team for their contributions: Molly Garrone, Stephanie McCulloch, Matt Lee, Zach Ward. We thank Jason Block at the Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Institute, Harvard Medical School, for his guidance, leadership, and expertise on calorie labeling.

Funding

This work is supported by the National Institutes of Health (R01HL146625), The JPB Foundation, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (U48DP006376). The findings and conclusions are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official position of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention or other funders. The information provided here is intended to be used for educational purposes. Links to other resources and websites are intended to provide additional information aligned with this educational purpose

For further information, contact choicesproject@hsph.harvard.edu

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Strategy Report: Reducing Exposure to Unhealthy Food and Beverage Advertising

Posted on November 17, 2023

The information provided here is intended to be used for educational purposes. Links to other resources and websites are intended to provide additional information aligned with this educational purpose.

Overview

CHOICES uses cost-effectiveness analysis to compare the costs and outcomes of different policies and programs promoting improved nutrition or increased physical activity in schools, early care and education and out-of-school settings, communities, and clinics. This strategy report describes the projected national population reach, impact on health and health equity, implementation costs, and cost-effectiveness for an effective strategy to improve child health. This information can help inform decision-making around promoting healthy weight. To explore and compare additional strategies, visit the CHOICES National Action Kit 2.0.

Continue reading in the full report.

Contact choicesproject@hsph.harvard.edu for an accessible version of this report.

Suggested Citation

CHOICES National Action Kit: Reducing Exposure to Unhealthy Food and Beverage Advertising Strategy Report. CHOICES Project Team at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA; November 2023.

Acknowledgments

We thank the following members of the CHOICES Project team for their contributions: Molly Garrone, Banapsha Rahman, Ya Xuan Sun, Shilpi Agarwal, Ana Paula Bonner Septien, Jenny Reiner, Matt Lee, Zach Ward

Funding

This work is supported by the National Institutes of Health (R01HL146625), The JPB Foundation, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (U48DP006376). The findings and conclusions are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official position of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention or other funders. The information provided here is intended to be used for educational purposes. Links to other resources and websites are intended to provide additional information aligned with this educational purpose

For further information, contact choicesproject@hsph.harvard.edu

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Strategy Report: Counseling in WIC Visits to Reduce TV Viewing

Posted on November 17, 2023

Mom and daughter meeting with counselor at home, while daughter is looking at a handheld screen

The information provided here is intended to be used for educational purposes. Links to other resources and websites are intended to provide additional information aligned with this educational purpose.

Overview

CHOICES uses cost-effectiveness analysis to compare the costs and outcomes of different policies and programs promoting improved nutrition or increased physical activity in schools, early care and education and out-of-school settings, communities, and clinics. This strategy report describes the projected national population reach, impact on health and health equity, implementation costs, and cost-effectiveness for an effective strategy to improve child health. This information can help inform decision-making around promoting healthy weight. To explore and compare additional strategies, visit the CHOICES National Action Kit 2.0.

Continue reading in the full report.

Contact choicesproject@hsph.harvard.edu for an accessible version of this report.

Suggested Citation

CHOICES National Action Kit: Counseling in WIC Visits to Reduce TV Viewing Strategy Report. CHOICES Project Team at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA; November 2023.

Acknowledgments

We thank the following members of the CHOICES Project team for their contributions: Molly Garrone, Banapsha Rahman, Ya Xuan Sun, Amy Bolton, Jenny Reiner, Matt Lee, Zach Ward.

Funding

This work is supported by the National Institutes of Health (R01HL146625), The JPB Foundation, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (U48DP006376). The findings and conclusions are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official position of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention or other funders. The information provided here is intended to be used for educational purposes. Links to other resources and websites are intended to provide additional information aligned with this educational purpose

For further information, contact choicesproject@hsph.harvard.edu

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Strategy Report: Sugary Drink Excise Tax

Posted on November 17, 2023

The information provided here is intended to be used for educational purposes. Links to other resources and websites are intended to provide additional information aligned with this educational purpose.

Overview

CHOICES uses cost-effectiveness analysis to compare the costs and outcomes of different policies and programs promoting improved nutrition or increased physical activity in schools, early care and education and out-of-school settings, communities, and clinics. This strategy report describes the projected national population reach, impact on health and health equity, implementation costs, and cost-effectiveness for an effective strategy to improve child health. This information can help inform decision-making around promoting healthy weight. To explore and compare additional strategies, visit the CHOICES National Action Kit 2.0.

Continue reading in the full report.

Contact choicesproject@hsph.harvard.edu for an accessible version of this report.

Suggested Citation

CHOICES National Action Kit: Sugary Drink Excise Tax Strategy Report. CHOICES Project Team at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA; November 2023.

Acknowledgments

We thank the following members of the CHOICES Project team for their contributions: Molly Garrone, Dar Alon, Banapsha Rahman, Ya Xuan Sun, Amy Bolton, Jenny Reiner, Matt Lee, Zach Ward.

Funding

This work is supported by the National Institutes of Health (R01HL146625), The JPB Foundation, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (U48DP006376). The findings and conclusions are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official position of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention or other funders. The information provided here is intended to be used for educational purposes. Links to other resources and websites are intended to provide additional information aligned with this educational purpose

For further information, contact choicesproject@hsph.harvard.edu

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Strategy Profile: Fast-Food Restaurant Calorie Labeling (2018)

Posted on September 21, 2023

The information in this resource is intended only to provide educational information. This profile describes the estimated benefits, activities, resources, and leadership needed to implement a strategy to improve child health. This information can be useful for planning and prioritization purposes.

  • Require fast-food chain restaurants with 20 or more locations nationally to list calories for standard menu items on in-store and drive-thru menu boards along with succinct statements concerning suggested daily caloric intake (implemented in 2018).

What population benefits?

All youth and adults ages 2 years and older.

What are the estimated benefits?

Relative to not implementing the strategy
Decrease daily energy intake and, in turn, promote healthy weight.

What activities and resources are needed?

Activities Resources Who Leads?
Manage rollout of restaurant calorie menu labeling and communicate policy change to restaurant chains • Time of Food and Drug Administration to manage rollout Food and Drug Administration
Review rule requirements • Time for legal analyst to review rule requirements

 

 Restaurant chain
Analyze nutrient content for each menu item • Cost of analyzing menu items by entering recipes in a nutrition database Restaurant chain
Replace menus and menu boards to comply with policy • Cost of designing new menus (if applicable)
• Cost of menu and menu board replacement		 Restaurant chain
Monitor compliance with menu labeling policy • Time of public health department inspectors to monitor compliance Local public health department

FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Dupuis R, Block JP, Barrett JL, Long MW, Petimar J, Ward ZJ, Kenney EL, Musicus AA, Cannuscio CC, Williams DR, Bleich SN, Gortmaker SL. Cost-Effectiveness of Calorie Labeling at Large Fast-Food Chains Across the U.S. Am J Prev Med. 2024 Jan 66(1):128-137. doi:10.1016/j.amepre.2023.08.012.

Suggested Citation

CHOICES Strategy Profile: Fast-Food Restaurant Calorie Labeling (2018). CHOICES Project Team at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA; September 2023.

Funding

This work is supported by The JPB Foundation and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (U48DP006376). The information provided here is intended to be used for educational purposes. Links to other resources and websites are intended to provide additional information aligned with this educational purpose. The findings and conclusions are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official position of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention or other funders.

Adapted from the TIDieR (Template for Intervention Description and Replication) Checklist

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Strategy Profile: Reducing Exposure to Unhealthy Food and Beverage Advertising

Posted on September 15, 2023

The information in this resource is intended only to provide educational information. This profile describes the estimated benefits, activities, resources, and leadership needed to implement a strategy to improve child health. This information can be useful for planning and prioritization purposes.

  • Reducing exposure to unhealthy food and beverage advertising is a strategy to eliminate the tax deductibility of television advertising costs for nutritionally poor foods and beverages advertised to children and adolescents ages 2-19.

What population benefits?

All youth and adolescents between the ages of 2 and 19.

What are the estimated benefits?

Relative to not implementing the strategy
Reduce exposure to unhealthy food and beverage advertising on television and, in turn, promote healthy weight.

What activities and resources are needed?

Activities Resources Who Leads?
Process tax statements and conduct audits • Time for the state tax administrator to process tax statements and conduct audits State tax administrator
Prepare tax statements and participate in audits • Time for a private company tax accountant to prepare tax statements and participate in audits Private company tax accountant

FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Kenney EL, Mozaffarian RS, Long MW, Barrett JL, Cradock AL, Giles CM, Ward ZJ, Gortmaker SL. Limiting television to reduce childhood obesity: cost-effectiveness of five population strategies. Child Obes. 2021 Oct;17(7):442-448. doi: 10.1089/chi.2021.0016.

Suggested Citation

CHOICES Strategy Profile: Reducing Exposure to Unhealthy Food and Beverage Advertising. CHOICES Project Team at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA; September 2023.

Funding

This work is supported by The JPB Foundation and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (U48DP006376). The information provided here is intended to be used for educational purposes. Links to other resources and websites are intended to provide additional information aligned with this educational purpose. The findings and conclusions are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official position of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention or other funders.

Adapted from the TIDieR (Template for Intervention Description and Replication) Checklist

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