New HHS Federal Guidelines for Concessions and Vending Essential to Obesity Prevention Efforts

WASHINGTON, March 24, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The American Public Health Association today commends the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services for unveiling new Health and Sustainability Guidelines for Federal Concessions and Vending Operations. APHA has been a steadfast supporter of good nutrition as a cornerstone to promoting the public's health.

The following is an excerpt of the letter sent earlier this week from Dr. Georges C. Benjamin, executive director of APHA, to Secretary Sebelius in support of the new federal guidelines:

On behalf of the American Public Health Association (APHA), the oldest and most diverse organization of public health professionals and advocates in the world, I write in support of the Health and Sustainability Guidelines for Federal Concessions and Vending Operations as an excellent example of implementation strategies for the 2010 Dietary Guidelines for Americans. Many of our members are experts in nutrition and chronic disease prevention, and are advocates for policies which will reduce obesity and improve health. APHA stands ready to work with you on this initiative and other efforts to improve healthy eating options for all Americans.

These guidelines demonstrate your department's commitment to increasing opportunities for Americans to eat healthfully and are an excellent model for other organizations. We believe that the guidelines are an important part of obesity prevention making it possible for working Americans to follow recommendations to lower energy intake and increase energy expenditure at vending machines and in cafeterias. The guidelines will also make it easier to eat a diet that protects against heart disease, diabetes, and some forms of cancer.

To read the full letter, visit: http://www.apha.org/NR/rdonlyres/F3693AA7-45B0-4D39-B031-4183D7D4FDB9/0/APHAHHSGuidelinesletter.pdf

To access the new set of guidelines, visit: http://www.gsa.gov/graphics/pbs/Guidelines_for_Federal_Concessions_and_Vending_Operations.pdf

For more about APHA, visit www.apha.org.

Founded in 1872, the APHA is the oldest and most diverse organization of public health professionals in the world. The association aims to protect all Americans and their communities from preventable, serious health threats and strives to assure community-based health promotion and disease prevention activities and preventive health services are universally accessible in the United States. APHA represents a broad array of health providers, educators, environmentalists, policy-makers and health officials at all levels working both within and outside governmental organizations and educational institutions. More information is available at www.apha.org.

Contact: Audrey Pernik
202-777-2509
[email protected]

SOURCE American Public Health Association