 Public Health Policy Updates from Coalitions at Jefferson County Public Health
March 2019 // Volume 1, Issue 1
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Edgewater strengthens tobacco policiesOn March 5, 2019, the City of Edgewater voted to update their laws to further protect youth from harm and exposure to tobacco products and secondhand smoke/vapor. While 18- to 20-year-olds purchase less than 2% of tobacco products, they account for 90% of the supply to their underage peers. With minimal economic impact, Edgewater joined six states and more than 400 municipalities in reducing the burden of tobacco in their communities by raising the age to purchase all tobacco products from 18 to 21. Additionally, the council made all parks, outdoor recreation areas and public transit waiting areas smoke and vapor free.
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Lakewood passes non-cigarette tobacco retailer licensingOn Monday, January 28, 2019, the Lakewood City Council unanimously passed a non-cigarette tobacco retailer licensing ordinance to protect youth from tobacco. Licensing is a proven strategy used to ensure responsible retailing, prevent illegal sales and reduce youth initiation of tobacco. The ordinance requires that all Lakewood tobacco retailers purchase an annual license to sell non-cigarette tobacco (including vape) products. Lakewood is the 12th, and largest, community in Colorado to license tobacco retailers. The new ordinance went into effect on March 2, 2019. |
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Recap: Hunger Free CO at the CapitolMembers of the Jefferson County Food Policy Council joined the Hunger Free Colorado team and a broad coalition of anti-hunger organizations, faith-based groups, health care organizations, farmers, child advocates and residents for a dedicated day of lobbying at the Colorado State Capitol on Wednesday, February 20, 2019. Attendees met with representatives from across the state to educate state representatives about the importance of renewing funding for the Colorado Food Pantry Assistance Grant in the 2019-2020 Long Bill. The Colorado Food Pantry Assistance Grant enables food pantries to support local farmers and ranchers, as well as increase access to meat, dairy and fresh produce for pantry clients by providing dedicated funding to Colorado Grown products for food pantries across the state. For more information about future lobby days around food policy in Colorado, please e-mail [email protected].
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Jeffco Food Policy Council announces 2019 policy prioritiesAt the last Jefferson County Food Policy Council meeting, council members voted on policy priorities for the new year. Those selected include: Food Pantry Assistance Grants, extending the School Lunch Protection Program through 12th Grade and Paid Family Leave. While we are excited to be working on these policies, there were many others of significant interest to the Council, and we intend to focus on other policies when possible. If you are interested in learning more about these policies or would like to be added to the Jefferson County Food Policy Council e-mail list, please contact [email protected]. |
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Food Policy Council Meeting: Thursday 3/21/19 at 12:30 p.m.Kwon Atlas, Constituent Advocate and Community Liaison for Senator Michael Bennet, will be joining us at the next meeting of the Jefferson County Food Policy Council to discuss the housing crisis affecting Coloradans, particularly Senator Bennet’s recent proposals on tackling the eviction crisis. For more information prior to the conversation, please visit Senator Bennet’s website. Deyanira Zavala, Director of Programs at Mile High Connects, will also be presenting on state bills that have recently been introduced or that will be introduced this year, including updates to warranty of habitability for Coloradans.
To RSVP, please e-mail [email protected], as space is limited. |
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Canada makes water 'Beverage of Choice'Canada’s Food Guide was recently revised to encourage Canadians to make water their “beverage of choice.” This new guideline was created to both promote hydration and to limit the consumption of sugary or alcoholic beverages. According to the updated guide, “In 2015, sugary drinks were the main sources of total sugars in the diets of Canadians, with children and adolescents having the highest average daily intake.” While previous versions of Canada’s Food Guide had recommended 100 percent fruit juice as a healthy option equivalent to a serving of fruit, the new version reverses this equivalency. The new guide labels 100 percent fruit juice as a “sugary drink” associated with dental decay, obesity and type 2 diabetes.
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Join the Communities That Care CoalitionJefferson County Communities That Care is focused on youth in the communities of Lakewood, Wheat Ridge and Edgewater. Parents, volunteers, organizational representatives and elected officials are encouraged to become involved as we work toward creating a healthy environment for youth. For more information, please email [email protected] or visit www.jeffcoctc.com.
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New Healthy Kids Colorado Survey policyJeffco Schools recently passed a policy to have the Healthy Kids Colorado Survey as opt-out rather than opt-in. By allowing students and parents to opt out of the survey, but not requiring schools to collect permission slips from every student, Jeffco Schools will enable our community to understand physical and mental health effecting our young people, without placing undue burden on school personnel.
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