L.A. Could Lead Nation as Supes Vote on Landmark Motion Calling for 100% Nutritious Vending Options

--(Business Wire)--
California Center for Public Health Advocacy:

WHAT: Responding to county public health statistics which show that more than half the county`s adults are overweight with rising levels of diabetes, hypertension and heart disease related to obesity, the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors is considering an unprecedented motion to require 100 percent of all food and beverage options in Los Angeles County vending machines meet state of California nutrition guidelines.

Across the nation, pundits are watching the Board`s decision closely, since Los Angeles is often seen as a national policy bellwether. In 2003, for instance, the LA Unified School District set off a national trend when it outlawed sodas on all its school campuses.

WHO: The motion, introduced by Supervisors Mark Ridley-Thomas and Michael D. Antonovich, redoubles previous nutrition commitments by the county, by directing that all future procurement and negotiations for vending machines within county facilities specify 100 percent healthy options.

WHY: More than just unhealthy, California`s increasing girth is crippling the state`s economy. In Los Angeles County, the cost of overweight, obesity and physical inactivity is calculated at $11.9 billion, according to a study released last month by the California Center for Public Health Advocacy.

WHEN: Board of Supervisor`s Meeting, Tuesday, August 18 at 9:30 a.m.

WHERE: 500 West Temple Street, Room 381B, Kenneth Hahn Hall of Administration, Los Angeles

CONTACT: Rosa Soto, California Center for Public Health Advocacy
Cell: (626) 688-7468; Office: (626) 962-5900
-or-
Tasha Rassuli, Brown∙Miller Communications - (800) 710-9333

California Center for Public Health Advocacy
Rosa Soto, 626-688-7468 (Cell)
626-962-5900 (Office)
or
Brown∙Miller Communications
Tasha Rassuli, 800-710-9333

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