Evaluating Policies and Processes for Promoting Healthy Eating: Findings from the Nutrition and Obesity Policy Research and Evaluation Network (NOPREN)

 

American Journal of Preventive Medicine, Volume 43, Issue 3, Supplement 2, Pages A1-A4, S85-S152 (September 2012) 

 

Edited by William L. Ascher, Heidi M. Blanck and Angie L. Cradock
In September of 2012, NOPREN members published 9 original research articles in a supplement to the American Journal of Preventive Medicine which highlight the work of its members. These articles use a variety of research methods to investigate how policies can affect the health of children, particularly in the area of childhood obesity.
 

The articles, along with three related commentaries, can be downloaded below. A great place to start reading would be the introduction paper, "Creating supportive environments for population health impact and health equity: An overview of the Nutrition and Obesity Policy Research and Evaluation Network's efforts". From there, you can read about the process of providing fresh foods in inner city retail stores, how a coalition developed a menu-labeling policy, or an analysis of obesity-themed policy briefs which are read by lawmakers. Or, you can learn more about providing water access in schools, from what this may cost to the effect of increasing water access in afterschool programs.

Download the entire supplement here, or individual articles below:

Creating Supportive Nutrition Environments for Population Health Impact and Health Equity: An Overview of the Nutrition and Obesity Policy Research and Evaluation Network's Efforts

Heidi M. Blanck, Sonia A. Kim

 

The Prevention Research Centers Program: Translating Research into Public Health Practice and Impact

Kurt J. Greenlund, Wayne H. Giles

 

Reversing the Obesity Epidemic: The Importance of Policy and Policy Research

Thomas A. Farley, Gretchen Van Wye

 

Getting Back on Tap: The Policy Context and Cost of Ensuring Access to Low-Cost Drinking Water in Massachusetts Schools

Angie L Cradock, Cara L Wilking, Sarah A Olliges, Steven L Gortmaker

 

Support Among U.S. Adults for Local and State Policies to Increase Fruit and Vegetable Access

Jennifer L. Foltz, Diane M. Harris, Heidi M. Blanck

 

Convenience Stores and the Marketing of Foods and Beverages Through Product Assortment

Joseph R. Sharkey, Wesley R. Dean, Courtney Nalty

 

Understanding Policy Enactment: The New Orleans Fresh Food Retailer Initiative

Vanessa M. Ulmer, Adrienne R. Rathert, Donald Rose

 

Tools for Healthy Tribes: Improving Access to Healthy Foods in Indian Country

Sheila Fleischhacker, Randi R. Byrd, Gowri Ramachandran, Maihan Vu, Amy Ries, Ronny A. Bell, Kelly R. Evenson

 

Menu-Labeling Policy in King County, Washington

Donna B. Johnson, Elizabeth C. Payne, Molly A. McNeese, Deborah Allen

 

Increasing Water Availability During Afterschool Snack: Evidence, Strategies, and Partnerships from a Group Randomized Trial

Catherine M. Giles, Erica L. Kenney, Steven L. Gortmaker, Rebekka M. Lee, Julie C. Thayer, Helen Mont-Ferguson, Angie L. Cradock

 

A Review of Obesity-Themed Policy Briefs

Elizabeth A. Dodson, Amy A. Eyler, Stephanie Chalifour, Christopher G. Wintrode

 

Nutrition Policy Research that can lead to Reduced Childhood Obesity in the United States

Steven L. Gortmaker, Mary Story