DC Voices for Meal Choices

It's National Public Health Week!

2010-04-09T18:15:00.000-07:00

This week we celebrate National Public Health Week, an annual observance led by the American Public Health Association. The theme for 2010 is “A Healthier America: One Community at a Time.” Our nation’s health is in poor shape. Even though we spend more money on healthcare than any other country, about 46 million Americans do not have health insurance. Providing health insurance to all Americans is just one step to becoming a healthier nation. Nearly 900,000 people die from preventable deaths each year. If we truly want to become the healthiest nation in one generation, we must invest in a long-term and comprehensive approach to prevention both at the clinical and community level.

We all must to commit to promoting good health in our communities to create the wave effect across the country. It starts with small changes in our neighborhoods, schools, work places, and cities, but can create momentum to inspire others to take action until it spreads from coast to coast. Start small, but think BIG. DC Voices for MEAL Choices is committed to educating the people of the Washington, DC metro area about making healthy food choices both within and outside of the home. We are committed to ensuring the community is aware of our right to know what is contained in the food we consume and the effects of proper nutrition on our long-term health.

Even though Congress recently passed national menu labeling within the health reform bill, this is just one small change in stopping the obesity epidemic and helping our nation become the healthiest in one generation. DVMC will continue to advocate for comprehensive nutrition policies and community programs, including those promoting nutrition education, access to healthy food in schools and communities, and food safety. We encourage you to join the Metropolitan Washington Public Health Association and DVMC as we work to make our community safe and healthy for all.

Why not start by doing something easy? Urge congress to improve the nutrition and wellness policies in our nation’s schools by visiting https://secure3.convio.net/apha/site/Advocacy?cmd=display&page=UserAction&id=279. Tell your friends and family to do the same and share these videos to promote good health!

http://generationpublichealth.org/

DC Voices presents at MWPHA Annual Meeting

2010-04-06T07:44:00.000-07:00

The DC Voices for MEAL Choices team had an opportunity to table and present about our work at the 2010 Metropolitan Washington Public Health Association's Annual Meeting- The Future of Public Health Leadership: Where Passion Meets Action. We were on a panel with George Washington University School of Public Health and Health Services Professor and Chair of the Health Promotion department Dr. Caroline Sparks, and members from other MWPHA advocacy teams Positive Places, Save Lives Free the Condoms, and Campuses for Clean Air.

During the panel we discussed the history of the DC MEAL Act and advocacy activities of DVMC over the past three years. We also had the chance to answer questions and talk about the national menu labeling mandate contained in the health reform bill. It was exciting to see the energy around nutrition and obesity related issues, including menu labeling!

Check out the pictures from this successful and inspiring meeting!

DC Voices for Meal Choices hits the streets

2010-04-01T09:08:00.000-07:00

On Saturday, March 27, 2010, DC Voices accompanied other MWPHA members to do monthly health education outreach in Anacostia and neighboring Prince George’s County. We had the opportunity to speak to local residents about the health reform bill, menu labeling and nutrition. In addition to asking questions about nutrition and fast food, people played our “Guess the Calories” quiz game, and were surprised with some of the answers about the calorie content of menu items at popular chain restaurants.

Everyone we spoke with was familiar with and excited about the recent health reform bill President Obama signed into law. While many people weren’t sure about the exact provisions within the bill, everyone felt positive about it. Not everyone knew about the menu-labeling mandate, so we were able to engage in a casual discussion about what this would mean in terms of health. Through our conversations, we discovered some people were not quite sure what a calorie was, or how many they should be consuming in a day. Of the people who had basic nutrition knowledge, only a few people said listing the calories did not matter to them personally because they would eat what they want. One man said he could eat the whole menu and not gain a pound, which prompted us to talk with him about some chronic diseases that can result from poor nutrition. When we asked if he would let his young son order something high in calories, he responded, that he would not. He would choose the food item lowest in calories. Most of the people were enthusiastic about knowing the caloric content of their food, and are hopeful it will help improve health.

Based on our experience talking with people in the metro DC community, we feel there should be a nutrition education campaign that accompanies this legislation. If people do not have understanding of what a calorie is, the provision will not be as effective as it could be. Everyone should have access not only to nutrition information of everything they are consuming, but also access to basic nutrition education so they can understand what it means to their health.

Coming soon: A DC Voices for MEAL Choices video featuring interviews with some of the people we spoke with at Eastover Plaza!

Yes we can! National menu labeling in health reform bill

2010-03-25T18:10:00.000-07:00

What an exciting week this has been for America! On Tuesday, March 23, 2010, President Obama signed the Affordable Health Care for America Act into law. Nestled in the hefty legislation, is Section 2572, which mandates chain restaurants with 20 or more locations display calories on menus, menu boards, and drive-through displays, as well as on vending machines. Temporary specials appearing on the menu for less than 60 days, condiments and test market foods are exempt. The Food and Drug Administration will establish the specific regulations and determine exactly when these changes go into effect.

Menus will display calories in the context of a total daily diet (which is an average of 2,000 calories per day), so people will be able to make better assessments of their choices. Many people do not understand what 500 calories means in their daily diet, so including some context with this calorie statement will be extremely helpful. A study by the Yale University Rudd Center for Food Policy and Obesity found that people choose lower calorie food when their menus contained caloric information and a statement that explained the average person consumes 2,000 calories daily.

Unfortunately, the legislation only requires restaurants to post caloric content, when other information such as sodium and fat content, are critical information for preventing chronic diseases such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease. However, the bill states that restaurants will have to provide additional nutrition information to consumers upon request.

Additionally, the bill will preempt any local menu-labeling legislation, making the national bill the standard for the entire country. While this is generally a win, it is concerning to DVMC because many of the laws already in place are more stringent and public health conscious. The DVMC team will be investigating what the national law means for all of us in the nation’s capital, who want more specific nutrition information displayed on menus and menu boards. Stay tuned for updates!

MWPHA hosts a panel on food policy

2010-03-13T14:10:00.000-08:00

On March 3, 2010, the Metropolitan Washington Public Health Association (MWPHA) hosted a panel discussion to raise awareness about nutrition and access to healthy and safe food. Tambra Stevenson, Chair of the MWPHA’s Food & the Environment Committee, convened the panel which included Carl Rollins of Common Good City Farm, and DC Voices for MEAL Choices own advocate Aileen Orlino.

The panel explored a wide range of issues, including the many aspects of our broken factory farm-focused food and the issues around the high supply of low-cost food that is lacking in nutritional value and high in sodium and sugar. Carl Rollins described the conditions in which chickens and cattle are raised, the overuse of antibiotics and hormones and their impact on public health, and the effects of all of these elements on the environment. Rollins supported the use of school garden programs and eventually large-scale urban agriculture as part of a multi-pronged solution to these health and food problems. Aileen urged a paradigm shift in our culture where people spend a little bit greater proportion of their incomes on food (of higher quality) and become less accustomed to cheap food (and its allure, e.g. convenience). There are ways to check our addiction to sugar and unhealthy foods. Once we have information, such as nutrition contents of food items on restaurant menus, we can start small and begin to make incremental changes in our diets.

Philly proves it’s a public health leader with menu-labeling policy

2010-02-07T12:51:00.000-08:00

In early February, Philadelphia’s menu-labeling law went into effect, requiring chain restaurants to list caloric content of all food items on the menu boards. Starting April 1, in addition to calories, both chain and sit-down restaurants will have to list saturated fats, trans fats, sodium and carbohydrates.

The menu-labeling law is a step in the right direction for the city’s growing obesity problem. They City Council recognized the connection between listing extensive nutrition information and the city’s high obesity-related chronic disease rates. About 13 percent of residents are diabetic and 36 percent have high blood pressure- both of which are above national rates and linked to diet and exercise. Listing information about sodium and fat content, will help people at-risk for obesity-related chronic diseases choose healthier options when dining away from home.

Philly is the fourth city to implement menu-labeling legislation, making it a true leader in public health policy and the fight against obesity.

Menu labeling helps parents make healthier choices for their kids

2010-01-30T13:14:00.000-08:00

A new study from the American Academy of Pediatrics online journal reveals that listing nutritional information on fast-food restaurant menus increases the chances that parents will choose lower calorie meals for their children.

The study used McDonald’s menus to survey 99 parents of children age three to six about fast food selection for their children. Researchers found that when parents were provided with caloric information at the point of purchase, they chose about 100 calories less for their children than parents who did not have the caloric information. If you think about it, 100 calories over a long period of time is a lot! If kids could cut 100 calories off every fast food meal they eat, it would do major things for childhood obesity in the U.S.

According to the study report, the amount of food consumed by American children has tripled between1977 and 1996, while child obesity statistics have skyrocketed in recent decades. The study results suggest that if parents have nutrition information at the point they are purchasing fast food for their children they actually make lower calorie, healthier choices for their families. Let’s get on it DC! Our families deserve it!

Rationale and Evidence for Menu-Labeling Legislation - Great new Article in AJPM!

2009-12-01T11:07:00.000-08:00

This month's American Journal of Preventive Medicine has a great new article about the rationale behind menu-labeling legislation. The authors break down the issue arguement by argument, refuting the claims of opponents.

My personal favorite of the 6 arguments discussed is Argument 5: "Government regulation is not needed in a free-market economy. If people want healthier menu items, the market will respond to any increasing demand for these items."

The authors do a great job refuting this claim, saying, "A free market does not exist when consumers lack key information about the products they are puchasing and when there is an imbalance between what sellers know and what buyers know."

I couldn't agree more! Check out the article online at http://bit.ly/60vgeJ. It's only a few pages long, and after reading it you'll always have a great comeback when your friends and colleagues argue against menu labeling.

This is a must read for any menu-labeling advocate!

CSPI Flip Flops on Federal Preemption of State/Local Menu Labeling Laws!

2009-11-21T15:25:00.000-08:00

In April 2009, The Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI) sent out an e-mail to its supporters asking them to oppose the restaurant industry's Federal menu-labeling law, and support their stronger bill instead. Back then they said:

"The restaurant industry has its own restaurant labeling bill, the LEAN Act. That sham bill aims to distract members of Congress from meaningful menu labeling and would cancel out all existing state and local menu labeling policies."

Now it's November, and CSPI is pushing hard to pass federal menu labeling legislation once again. But this time the bill they're supporting contains the very policies that they were fighting against just 8 months ago.

The menu-labeling legislation currently in the House healthcare bill would cancel out all existing state and local menu labeling laws, and would prevent state and local government from passing stronger menu labeling legislation in the future. Only the federal government would have the power to amend the legislation.

This is exactly what the restaurant industry wants, but it's not what's best for us, the public! This bill would only require calories to be posted on menu boards and menus. Other information would be 'available on request'. If current restaurant nutrition policies are any indication, this means that information would be printed on a poster in a tiny font, and hidden in a far off corner of the restaurant, where customers are unlikely to venture. In order for menu-labeling to be effective all relevant nutrition information must be presented at the point of purchase!

While it's great that Congress is finally taking action to make restaurant menu-labeling mandatory nationwide, DC Voices for MEAL Choices feels that the federal bill should just be a minimum standard. State and local government should have the ability to implement and evaluate stronger policies to determine what works best for their communities. There's a lot more to nutrition than calories, and making consumers ask for that additional information is just not acceptable!

CSPI may feel that preemption is an acceptable compromise but we disagree. Tell CSPI and your representatives in Congress that you want preemption OUT of the federal bill. They knew preemption was wrong 8 months ago, ask them why they changed their minds.

CSPI can be contacted at nutritionpolicy@cspinet.org
E-mail your representative in the house here
E-mail your senator here

It just takes a minute to send an e-mail!

DCVMC Visits St. Teresa Avila Parish!

2009-11-09T17:40:00.000-08:00

This past Sunday, representatives from DC Voices for MEAL Choices partnered with the Metropolitan Washington Public Health Association (MWPHA) and the St. Teresa Avila Health Ministry to spread the word about good nutrition and menu labeling in Washington, DC.

Healthy foods such as roast chicken, raw kale salad and apple cobbler were served, and MWPHA Officers Tambra Stevenson and Aisha Moore discussed nutrition and healthy eating with a group of about 20 parishioners. After a short discussion of nutrition and healthy habits, DC Voices for MEAL Choices made a short presentation about the DC MEAL Act, and why menu labeling is important. LIke many other DC residents, the parishioners were shocked by the calorie information presented, and several signatures were gathered in support of the legislation!

St. Teresa Avila's Health Ministry is currently working to develop a parish food policy, which will outline the types of foods that should be served at church events. The parish members had lots of great ideas about promoting health eating, but were quick to point out that they're not willing to give up tasty treats like fried chicken completely.

It's this sense of moderation that we're trying to promote! We know that everyone likes to treat themselves to a not so healthy snack or meal every now and then. But by being able to see the nutrition information at the time of purchase you can not only make healthier options at the restaurant, but can also think about how a restaurant meal can fit into a full day's food intake.

We'd like to thank St. Teresa Avila Parish for inviting us to share in their delicious meal, and for their support for the DC MEAL Act!

Preliminary Data from NYC shows Menu Labeling IS Having an Impact!

2009-10-26T17:56:00.000-07:00

Over the past two weeks, news outlets throughout the U.S. have been reporting the data recently published in Health Affairs, showing that menu labeling in NYC isn't working¹. New data released today by the New York Department of Health at the Obesity Society's annual meeting in Washington, DC, showed that menu-labeling actually is having an impact!

The previous study, conducted by researchers from NYU and Yale, had a sample size of only 1,156 New Yorkers, from low-income neighborhoods. Data was collected immediately before and after the law went into effect, and found no significant difference in the number of calories purchased.

However the new data released today, was collected over two years, and included data from 10,000 New York City residents dining at 13 chain food and coffee chains in 275 locations throughout the city. The results showed that gradually, more and more consumers are learning about the nutrition information that is posted, and over one quarter of those who noticed the information used it to guide their food decisions².

Dr. Lynn Silver, who presented the data, discussed the findings saying, “Dietary change is likely to come gradually; it will start with consumers interested in making informed, healthy eating decisions and we hope industry will respond by offering more healthier choices and appropriate portion sizes³.” The sooner we get menu labeling legislation passed, the sooner consumers will accept menu labeling as normal, and will start using this information to improve their health.

But we can't get this legislation passed without your help! Put pressure on David Catania to call a public hearing on the issue of menu labeling in DC. The bill can't get voted on until this happens, so show him that you care! It just takes a minute to send an e-mail to dcatania@dccouncil.us

1Elbel B., Kersh R., Brescoll VL and Beth L. Calorie Labeling and Food Choices: A First Look at the Effect on Low-Income People in New York City. Health Affairs-Web Exclusive. October 6, 2009.

2 O'Riordas, M. Experts weigh in on calorie lists on menus, despite "mixed" science. http://www.theheart.org/article/1015787.do#bib_3

3Morgan, D. New York Study Says Menu Labeling Affects Behavior. Reuters. http://www.reuters.com/article/governmentFilingsNews/idUSN2620087120091026?sp=true

Foggy Bottom Block Party was a success!

2009-10-19T19:19:00.000-07:00

Thanks to all of you who turned out yesterday at the Foggy Bottom/West End Neighborhood Block Party! We had a ton of fun playing our menu game with everyone, and we gathered over 45 signatures in support of the DC MEAL Act.

If you weren't able to make it, don't worry, our petition is also online. Visit http://www.petitiononline.com/DVMC/petition-sign.html to pledge your support, and send an e-mail to your council member to make sure that they know about your support for the bill. Don't know who your council member is? You can find out online at http://www.dccouncil.washington.dc.us/findmycouncilmember , or just send an e-mail to one of the at-large members. Every e-mail and signature counts!

Not sure what to say? Check out our sample letter at http://www.dcvoicesformealchoices.org/howtogetinvolved.

We look forward to seeing you at our next event. In the meantime be sure to join our group on Facebook for regular updates on our efforts!

DC Council Members:

Vincent Gray, Chairman, vgray@dccouncil.us
David Catania, At-large, dcatania@dccouncil.us
Kwame Brown, At-large, kbrown@dccouncil.us
Phil Mendelson, At-large, pmendelson@dccouncil.us
Michael Brown, At-large, mbrown@dccouncil.us
Jim Graham, Ward 1, jgraham@dccouncil.us
Jack Evans, Ward 2,jackevans@dccouncil.us
Mary Cheh, Ward 3, mcheh@dccouncil.us
Muriel Bowser, Ward 4, mbowser@dccouncil.us
Harry Thomas Jr., Ward 5, hthomas@dccouncil.us
Tommy Wells, Ward 6, twells@dccouncil.us
Yvette Alexander, Ward 7, yalexander@dccouncil.us
Marion Barry, Ward 8, mbarry@dccouncil.us

DVMC asks commercial weight-loss programs about their positions on menu-labeling.

2009-03-26T19:59:00.000-07:00

DC Voices for Meal Choices asked the most popular weight loss programs, Weight Watchers, Jenny Craig, and NutriSystem about their position on menu-labeling in chain restaurants. You would think that such programs would be supportive of menu-labeling in chain restaurants. After all, we clearly agree that a critical step in helping individuals make healthier meal choices is for them to be aware of the nutritional content in the foods they are eating, right? So, we asked these programs if they had a position on menu-labeling in chain restaurants or if they were supportive of menu-labeling in chain restaurants. Here were their responses:

Weight Watchers responded with "our program depends upon members viewing nutritional labels provided on food products and calculating information with their program materials. Weight Watchers does not have a position on labeling."

NutriSystem responded with "NutriSystem is not interested in contacting on this."

Jenny Craig did not provide a response.

Does anyone find it strange that these programs, whose missions are to help people live healthier lifestyles through proper diet choices, aren't jumping up and down in support of menu-labeling enforcement in restaurants?

Flaws with National Menu-Labeling Legislation: The LEAN Act endorsed by National Restaurant Association!

2009-03-24T09:41:00.000-07:00

Senators Tom Carper, D-Delaware, and Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska re-introduced a federal menu-labeling bill called the Labeling Education and Nutrition Act (LEAN Act) in the Senate on March 10, 2009 along with Reps. Jim Matheson, D-Utah, and Fred Upton, R-Mich, who introduced their version of the bill in the House in the same week.

The bill would require restaurant chains with 20 or more outlets to make nutritional data available for customers at point of purchase instead of requiring restaurants to post caloric information directly next to menu items. Though the bill would be helpful for consumers who are already health-conscious it would fail to reach out to less-informed and less-educated consumers, which is what The DC MEAL Act (as well menu-labeling legislation in other localities around the nation) strives to accomplish.

The DC MEAL Act would require chain restaurants to post caloric information next to menu items to serve as a constant reminder to consumers of just how many calories are in menu items they are ordering. The LEAN Act fails to reach out to the most vulnerable population at risk for obesity- those who are less health-conscious and less-informed about how to make healthy choices.

Interestingly, the National Restaurant Association, which has strongly opposed menu-labeling legislation in the past, has been quick to voice its support for the LEAN Act. This is a weak bill that would preempt state and local menu-labeling laws. It seems to be more beneficial for other parties rather than consumers facing an obesity epidemic.

"Eat-In" Event: RECAP!

2008-11-25T07:51:00.000-08:00

DVMC held an "eat-in" event on 11.24.08 during lunch rush hours on the busy restaurant center of 19th Street between L and M Streets, NW DC. The event aimed to raise awareness and garner support of menu-labeling in DC. During the event, DVMC staff stirred up commotion on 19th Street by distributing postcards, flyers and related materials about menu-labeling; hosting calorie quizzes of sample food items from popular chain restaurants in the District, and canvassing for petition signatures to pass menu-labeling in DC. The signatures from the event and from previous events will be faxed to DC City Council to advocate for a hearing on the bill. Combating the cold weather, DVMC was able to spread awareness about menu-labeling, which was critical because many people seemed unaware of the bill and menu-labeling. In general, most people seemed favorable of menu-labeling after being informed. DC consumers should expect to see nutritional information on menus and menu boards in order to make informed food choices, if one chooses to! If you stopped by our table, please leave us any comments or suggestions for future events!

Menu-labeling is stirring-up political and media attention across the US due to similar laws passed in NYC, California, King County in Washington State and most recently, Philadelphia. Menu-labeling may be one tactic in a comprehensive approach to address the overweight and obesity epidemic across our nation.

Eating Healthy? Policy Priority

2008-11-23T12:12:00.000-08:00

Eating healthy can be done, but may be more difficult depending on where you live or to what you have access. Overweight and obesity rates in the District are high--but vary greatly geographically. Rates are low (7%) in upper NW DC, whereas SE DC sees very high rates (35%). Poorer areas in DC are hit hard, with many of them being children.

DC Voices for MEAL Choices announces an "eat-in" event to raise awareness and gain support of menu-labeling in DC!

2008-11-20T11:14:00.000-08:00

As consumers, you deserve to see nutritional information on menus in restaurants, just as you do on items in the grocery store. New York City, California, King County in Washington State, and most recently Philadelphia have passed similar menu-labeling laws. DVMC wants the District to be next on this list and needs your support!

Please stop by and join us in supporting the DC MEAL Act on Monday, November 24, 2008 from 11am-1pm on 19th Street, NW, between L Street and M Street, Washington D.C.

David Catania Needs to Hold a Public Hearing on the DC MEAL ACT! Contact your Councilmembers for Support.

2008-11-18T19:24:00.000-08:00

The DC MEAL Act was referred to the Health Committee but a vote cannot be taken (even within the Health Committee) until a public hearing on the bill is held. David Catania, chair of the Health Committee, has the POWER to call for a hearing on the bill. He is the DECIDER! Contact David Catania and your Ward councilmember to show support for the DC MEAL Act. Write a letter, send an email, make a phone call, or do all three! To figure out which Ward/ANC you are part of click here. Bonus points if your councilmember is also on the Health Committee! To get you started, here is some sample text for your letter/email.

Couting Calories? That's the 1st Step!

2008-11-16T15:23:00.000-08:00

DC Voices for MEAL Choices interviewed a local D.C. woman (referred to as Ms. A.M. for privacy) about the proposed menu-labeling bill to get a better perspective of what is going on in the minds of D.C. residents. Being overweight, Ms. A.M. worked to lose weight, and more importantly maintain her new weight. Tracking calories and following nutritional information for a few months were her main tactics. After losing weight, Ms. A.M. lowered her blood pressure and feels healthy overall. When asked about menu-labeling in D.C., Ms. A.M. is aware and very supportive of the DC MEAL Act. In her opinion, she believes the bill is important for all D.C. residents. No matter what choices people make concerning food, having the option to consider calorie or other nutritional information before purchasing food is one route that may help D.C. become a healthier place.

Sometimes the first steps in getting healthy, is simply, keeping in check with calories. I know, it’s easy to lose track, especially in restaurants—that’s why calorie information on menus may be the one extra drive to keep from falling off track! Check out the Mayo Clinic’s personalized and interactive Health Tools to take a step in the right direction.

Rave Reviews for Menu Labeling in NYC

2008-11-15T14:30:00.000-08:00

If you know someone who's traveled to NYC recently then you've heard all about the great new menu boards around New York. We've heard from many DC residents who come back saying, "Hey, that information is really useful. Why can't we get those?" Is DC just not "cool enough" for menu labeling? Check out this summary report of NYC residents reaction to menu labeling. The response has been overwhelmingly positive! The response in DC would be just as strong. Post a comment and let us know what you think.

DVMC Kicks off Fall Petition Campaign! Can you help collect signatures?

2008-11-12T18:30:00.000-08:00

DC Voices for Meal Choices is collecting petition signatures in support of the DC Menu Education and Labeling Act (MEAL ACT). Petitions will be faxed to Councilmember David Catania, Chair of the Health Committee. Time is running out on the DC MEAL ACT! Can you help by volunteering an hour to collect signatures from DC residents in front of your favorite healthy food store, farmer's market, chain restaurant, or communal gathering place? Contact dcvoicesformealchoices@gmail.com for more information or a copy of the petition form.

Sign this online petition to the DC City Council in support of Menu Labeling

2008-11-09T19:37:00.000-08:00

Click here to sign the petition: Menu Labeling in DC Petition

Breaking News! Philadelphia passes menu labeling legislation.

2008-11-06T14:01:00.000-08:00

Beginning on Jan. 1, 2010, chain restaurants with more than 15 outlets in Philadelphia will be required to disclose calories on menu boards, and calories, saturated and trans fat, sodium and carbohydrates on printed menus. According to the Center for Science in the Public Interest, the measure passed by the Philadelphia City Council is the strongest in the nation so far. We hope that the DC City Council will follow the lead of our neighbors to the north and act now in support of the DC MEAL ACT!

Background and Status of the DC MEAL ACT- Act Quickly to support the DC Meal Act

2008-11-05T13:32:00.000-08:00

The DC Menu Education and Labeling Act of 2007 was introduced by Councilmember Phil Mendelson (D-At Large) in March of 2007. The legislation would require chain restaurants with 10 or more locations nationwide to provide nutritional infromation (calories, carbohydrates, sodium, and saturated plus trans fat) on their menus. The MEAL Act was referred to the Health Committee. David Catania, Chair of that committee needs to schedule a public hearing on the bill. If a hearing is not held, the legislation will expire at the end of 2008. Contact David Catania at 202-724-7772 or send an email though his web page http://www.davidcatania.com/ to express your support for the DC MEAL Act.

Golden State Gets a Gold Star

2008-10-30T19:20:00.000-07:00

Gov. Schwarzenegger signed legislation late September 2008 making California the first state to pass menu-labeling for restaurant chains. Finally realizing it is the right of consumers to make informed decisions about food consumed in chain restaurants. Hopefully, other states (err, DC) will play a little game of follow-the-leader and support menu-labeling in restaurants to promote a healthy environment for their residents. As more and more people expect to see this nutrition info in restaurants, we'll begin to see similar laws in other states. Making an informed choice about your meals is your right. California happens to be an early adopter and deserves a gold star. Who's next?

Calorie-Busting?

2008-10-30T19:08:00.001-07:00

Guessing calorie info accurately is not as simple as you think...go ahead, test your nutri-knowledge.

http://www.cspinet.org/nutritionpolicy/restaurant_quiz.html

Washington Post Health Column Discusses Menu Labeling Legislation: Readers Weigh In

2008-10-14T15:00:00.000-07:00

click here and scroll down to "Counting Calories" to read Washington Post reader testimonials and comments. As one anonymous commenter so clearly articulated the rationale "Obesity is a complex issue with multiple causes and drivers, and solving it will require an equally broad and multilevel response. No single initiative will achieve much by itself in terms of slimming down the nation, but when combined into a comprehensive and long-term action plan, it can very well lead to that downtick that we'd all like to see." That's what it's all about!