kidsandfamilies

In January of 2012, for the first time in 15 years, the USDA issued new guidelines for school lunches which includes offering more fruits, vegetables and whole grain-rich foods. (AASDN) supports these new efforts through our National School Lunch Awareness Initiative (NSLAI). The NSLAI utilizes a newly developed star associated food rating system aimed at educating, inspiring and motivation children to eat more healthful foods.

AASDN is pleased to announce a partnership with the USDA / Center for Nutrition Policy and Promotion. As a community partner, AASDN is committed to establishing programs that promote physical fitness and the Dietary Guidelines for Americans.

The recommendations contained in the Dietary Guidelines for Americans traditionally have been intended for healthy Americans ages 2 years and older. However, Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2010 was released at a time of rising concern about the health of the American population. Its recommendations accommodate the reality that a large percentage of Americans are overweight or obese and/or at risk of various chronic diseases. Therefore, the Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2010 is intended for Americans ages 2 years and older, including those who are at increased risk of chronic disease.

Poor diet and physical inactivity are the most important factors contributing to an epidemic of overweight and obesity in this country. The most recent data indicate that 72 percent of men and 64 percent of women are overweight or obese, with about one-third of adults being obese.

Even in the absence of overweight, poor diet and physical inactivity are associated with major causes of morbidity and mortality. These include cardiovascular disease, hypertension, type 2 diabetes, osteoporosis, and some types of cancer. Some racial and ethnic population groups are disproportionately affected by the high rates of overweight, obesity, and associated chronic diseases. These diet and health associations make a focus on improved nutrition and physical activity choices ever more urgent. These associations also provide important opportunities to reduce health disparities through dietary and physical activity changes.

To further our commitment as a USDA/CNPP partner AASDN has developed several programs aimed at disseminating information contained in the Dietary Guidelines for Americans. AASDN also supports programs developed by organizations committed to promoting physical fitness and the Dietary Guidelines for Americans.