Unit 3 : Public Policy and Nutrition

What is policy?

“A framework that directs the actions to be followed by an individual, organization, government, or community to meet the needs of society and individuals” OR “a set of rules to solve a problem”

What is required for a policy to be considered a “public” policy?

The policy must be created by the government

What is the main goal of nutrition policy?

To assure conditions in which people can be healthy through dietary needs

What are the four key components of US Nutrition Policy?

• Nutrition Assistance

• Nutrition Education

• Nutrition Information (labelling)

• Nutrition Research

What is nutrition assistance?

Providing food for individuals who cant afford it

What government organization oversees proper nutrition labeling?

The FDA (Food and Drug Administration)

What is the main US Nutrition Policy that influences a lot of other policies and programs?

Dietary Guidelines for Americans

What does the Dietary Guidelines for Americans do?

It establishes a set of dietary recommendations that are based on the latest science

“_____ _____ ultimately influences what ends up in our dietary guidelines”

Political pressures

What does agricultural policy influence?

It influences the food supply and food costs

What does health policy influence?

It influences healthcare access and cost

What does environmental policy influence?

It influences exposure to pollutants, water, air quality, and biodiversity

What does science policy influence?

It influences how much money is given to research

What does socioeconomic policy influence?

It influences the social safety net, including nutrition assistance programs

What does educational policy influence?

It influences how nutrition/wellness is integrated into schools, the capability of consumers to make educated choices

True/False : Policy decisions are only influenced by scientific evidence

False

What are policies formed in response to?

Existing or emerging problems

“Our nutrition policies are often ________ and ________”

Conflicting, inconsistent

What is the Checkoff Program?

A program that works to strengthen markets and develop new markets for commodity foods (ex. milk, eggs, cheese, etc…)

What do “Health In All Policies” do?

An effort think about health outcomes in every type of policy that we set

Who influences public policy?

• Legislators

• Federal Agencies

• Political Parties

• Professional Organizations

• Private Companies

• Nonprofits

• Special Interest Groups

• The media

• Scientists and professionals

• Constituents

Is nutrition policy controversial?

Yes

What does policy require a balance of?

Autonomy and beneficence

What is autonomy in this sense?

Preserving personal freedoms

What is beneficence in this sense?

Taking action for the benefit of others/society as a whole

How many broad steps are there for creating policy?

Four

What is the first broad step in creating policy?

Agenda Setting

What is agenda setting?

identify the problem and potential solutions, convince others of the need to act

What is the second step in creating policy?

Policy Formulaiton

What is policy formulation?

Create a policy to address the issue, decelop alternatives, debate and modify the policy as needed, attempt to pass into law

What is the third step in creating policy?

Policy Implementation

What is policy implementation?

Translate law into rules and regulations, ensure adequate funding

What is the fourth step in creating policy?

Policy Evaluation

What is Policy Evaluation?

Determine whether the policy was successful, make changes as necessary

What is needed to make sure the policy is effective?

Enforcement

What are some ways a policy can be enforced?

• Loss of funding

• Fines

• Seizure of non compliant goods

• Civil liability

• Criminal charges

What is the US Department of Health and Human Services

They are the US Gov'.’s primary agency for protecting and advancing the health of all Americans, providing health services, and helping vulnerable populations

What do the USDHHS issue?

The Dietary Guidelines for Americans

What is the US Food and Drug Administration?

They area. scientific, regulatory, and public health agency; part of HHS

What is the FDA responsible for?

Ensuring the food supply is safe and wholesome

What is the National Institute of Health?

They are the nation’s medical research agency; part of HHS

What is the NIH’s mission

To see fundamental knowledge about the nature and behavior of living systems and the application of the knowledge to enhance health, lengthen life, and reduce illness and disability

What does the USDA do?

Provides leadership on food, agriculture, natural resources, and related issues based on good public policy, the best available science, and efficient management

What does the USDA issue (hint, done with USHHS)

DGA