Photo by Steve Whitsitt
Description and Activities
This committee’s intent is to provide a community-based approach to address the growing problem of overweight and obesity, factors that contribute to the development and complications associated with many chronic illnesses.
All Physical Activity, Nutrition, and Food Access committee meetings are open to the public. Partnership committee meetings have been held virtually using the Zoom platform since May 2020. Visit the Partnership calendar to view committee meeting dates, times and Zoom links.
Over 2022-2024, the committee plans to:
- Increase access to healthy foods
- Increase physical activity opportunities including Healthy Mile Trails
- Support the use of Durham Public Schools Nutrition meals
Read the 2022-2024 Physical Activity, Nutrition, and Food Access Community Health Improvement Plans
Leadership and Membership
Physical Activity, Nutrition, and Food Access Specialist
Current committee co-chairs:
Meetings
The Physical Activity, Nutrition, and Food Access committee meets on the Second Wednesday of each month from 9:00-10:00 am via Zoom. Meetings generally include updates from the various working groups, discussions on future collaborations, and opportunities to partner on grants.
Meetings are open to the public. Community members are encouraged to attend. You can find the meeting calendar here.
2022
2023
May no meeting
2024
Past accomplishments include:
- Development of School Meals Frequently Asked Questions documents in partnership with Durham Public Schools Nutrition Services
- Opening of a Healthy Checkout Aisle pilot in a grocery store in North East Central Durham (Los Primos)
- Development of Healthy Mile trails to bring exercise to the neighborhood
- Bull City Play Streets events close downtown Durham’s streets to motorized vehicles and open them to biking, walking, playing and physical activity
- Helped revise the Durham Public School Wellness Policy
Initiated a student-led School Wellness Committee at each high school with support from volunteer health professionals and school-based mentors - Creation of Durham Eating Smart Moving More fold-out brochure and map that is available in many area physician offices and community locations
- Pilot of an after-school healthy snack program in six sites
- Focus groups with residents on nutrition and community gardens
- Collaboration between SNAP (food stamps) and Durham Public School’s free and reduced lunch program so that families who were eligible for SNAP automatically received an application for school lunches
- Numerous joint proposals on childhood obesity, community gardens, and cooking classes
Publications and Reports of the Committee
- Durham Eating Smart Moving More map and brochure. This is an easy-to-read map of Durham’s parks, schools, trails, recreation centers, senior centers, and more. Learn which parks and recreation centers have basketball courts, playgrounds, and pools. English (4MB) Spanish (5.4MB)
Resources Related to the Work and Mission of the Committee
Physical Activity Resources
Center for Disease Control and Prevention: Division of Nutrition, Physical Activity and Obesity
An overview of nutrition, physical activity, and obesity in the U.S.
http://www.cdc.gov/nccdphp/dnpao/index.html
Eat Smart, Move More North Carolina
The Burden of Obesity
This site has power point slide shows that cover many of the factors involved with the obesity epidemic in North Carolina.
http://www.eatsmartmovemorenc.com/ObesityInNC/ObesityInNC.html
Eat Smart, Move More: North Carolina’s Plan to Prevent Overweight, Obesity and Chronic Diseases Evidence Resource List
http://www.eatsmartmovemorenc.com/TheEvidence/TheEvidence.html
Partnership for a Healthy Durham
Free and Low-Cost Physical Activity Resource: English Version Spanish Version
These PDF documents identify resources available to residents in Durham County that are free or low-cost.
Robert Wood Johnson Foundation
Site includes a news digest, grant opportunities, and research pertaining to obesity, nutrition and physical activity.
http://www.rwjf.org/pr/topic.jsp?topicid=1024
Nutrition Resources
Center for Disease Control and Prevention: Fruit and Veggies More Matters Website
Information about the importance of fruits and vegetables and helpful tips for increasing fruit and vegetable intake.
http://www.fruitsandveggiesmatter.gov/index.html
USDA Team Nutrition Materials Database
Educational and training materials related to food and nutrition.
http://healthymeals.nal.usda.gov/schoolmeals/Resource_Cafe/Resource_Search.php
International Food Information Council
Timely information and resources on nutrition and food safety.
http://www.ific.org/index.cfm
American Dietetic Association
The world’s largest organization of food and nutrition professionals. Site includes position papers, brochures, tip sheets and much more.
www.eatright.org
USDA Food and Nutrition Information Center (FNIC)
FNIC Resource Lists help nutrition professionals and consumers locate information and materials for specific food and nutrition topics. Compiled by Nutrition Information Specialists, the lists provide resources in a variety of formats including articles, pamphlets, books, audio-visuals, and Web site links.
http://fnic.nal.usda.gov/nal_display/index.php?info_center=4&tax_level=1&tax_subject=252