Healthy Eating Made EasierAmy Ellings, WA State DOH

Focus on policies…

Structures, Policies, SystemsLocal, state, federal policies and laws to

regulate/support healthy actions

InstitutionsRules, regulations, policies &

informal structures

CommunitySocial Networks, Norms, Standards

InterpersonalFamily, peers, social

networks, associations

IndividualKnowledge, attitudes,

beliefs

Institute of Medicine. Promoting Health: Intervention Strategies from Social and Behavioral Research. Washington D.C.: National Academy Press, 2000

“Health and well being are affected by a dynamic interaction between biology, behavior, and the environment, an interaction that unfolds over the life course of individuals, families, and communities.”

Health & Well Being BehaviorBiology

and environments.

Nutrition strategies

• Increase access to healthy foods

• Decrease access to unhealthy foods

• Increase support for breastfeeding

Activities from NPA State Plan

• Community gardens• Food bank • Farmers’ market• Dining out/

Restaurants• Retail• Community centers• After-school programs

• Childcare• Worksites• School Wellness

Policies• School gardens• Farm to school• Community

breastfeeding

Keep in mind…

• Low hanging fruit (at first)• Needs • Community support• Political support• Partners• Start small• Bang for the buck• Social justice

Ellensburg Food Bank

Moses Lake Community Gardens

Worksites

Thurston County Breastfeeding

Clark County Fit Pick

Delridge Healthy Corner Stores

After

Before

Mt. Vernon Farmers Market

Other

• Healthy choices at community centers

• Childcare screen time reduction

• Pierce County SMART menu

Partners in Action Websitewww.wapartnersinaction.org