Illinois Childhood Obesity Prevention Consensus Agenda
Childhood obesity prevention requires a comprehensive approach that includes policy change across many sectors of government, industry and society. The Illinois Childhood Obesity Prevention Consensus Agenda was developed with the participation of over 80 organizations and agencies and reflects the need for a multifaceted approach.
The Consensus Agenda consists of 5 policy priorities. Sample legislative language for each was presented to lawmakers and the public in December of 2004. As of June 1st, 4 policy priorities successfully passed through Illinois Legislature and have since been signed by the Governor. The 5th, an appropriations measure remains a priority. The Consensus Agenda items are summarized below by sector:
Agriculture and Commerce
Create an Illinois Food Policy Council. Inequalities and inefficiencies in food systems contribute to the spread of obesity and are a root cause of health disparities among Illinoisans. This council will develop and test policies intended to increase the production, distribution, access and consumption of healthy food.
Education
Reform the physical education waiver process. There is a need to allow for greater advocacy on behalf of parents, organizations and lawmakers increasingly concerned about the trend to cut physical education out of the school day.
Health and Human Services
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Appropriate $3 Million to the ‘Illinois Obesity Study and Prevention Fund’. This fund was established by the State of Illinois in 2003 as Public Act 93-0060, and remains an unfunded fund. This $3 Million in funds would allow for the efficacious development of State-wide infrastructure required for decades of evidence-based childhood obesity prevention. The testing and institution of Illinois’ Pediatric Health Surveillance System is a high priority.
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Include Nutrition and Physical Activity Standards in the mandate of the Illinois Early Learning Council. Early childhood, specifically ages 3-5, is recognized as a ‘critical period’ in the prevention of obesity. Further, physical activity and good nutrition contribute to positive academic outcomes. All children need to have daily opportunities for healthful eating and active play, and State administered early learning programs must recognize this with a consistent emphasis in programming and policies.
Transportation and Recreation
Establish a Statewide ‘Safe Routes to Schools and Parks’ program. Between $15 and $34 Million in federal transportation funds will soon be available to Illinois to enhance pedestrian and bicycling infrastructure. There is a need to establish guidelines to ensure optimal use of these funds.
Thank you for your continued support!
Fund the OBESITY STUDY AND PREVENTION FUND in 2005!
Status of Consensus Agenda Policy Priorities
Food Systems Policy Council
HB 211
House Sponsors:
Representatives Delgado, Lindner, Dugan, Graham, Soto, Berrios, and Chavez.Senate Sponsors:
Senators Hunter, Lightford, Demuzio, Martinez, Raoul, Sullivan, Clayborne Jr., Collins and WilhelmiProgress/Status:
Passed through both Houses of the Illinois Legislature. Signed by Governor.
Physical Education Waiver Reform
SB 88
House Sponsor:
Representatives Delgado, Cross, Davis, and YoungeSenate Sponsor:
Senator HunterProgress/Status:
Passed through both Houses of the Illinois Legislature. Signed by Governor.
Early Childhood Standards
HB 210
House Sponsors:
Representatives Delgado, Bellock, Coulson, Jakobsson, Chavez, Pihos, Berrios, Soto, Bradley and ColvinSenate Sponsors:
Senators Hunter, Lightford, Crotty, Wilhelmi, Halvorson and ForbyProgress/Status:
Passed through both Houses of the Illinois Legislature. Signed by Governor.
Safe Routes to Schools and Parks
HB 744
House Sponsors:
Representatives Wait, Mathias, Nekritz, Jenisch, Pihos, Tryon, Eddy, Ryg, May, Jakobsson and Berrios.Senate Sponsors:
Senators Martinez, Winkel Jr., del Valle, Collins, Halvorson, Radogno, Sandoval Clayborne Jr., Link, Silverstein and HunterProgress/Status:
Passed through both Houses of the Illinois Legislature. Signed by Governor.
Thank you for your support of the Consensus Agenda!
