COUNTY OF SAN MATEO

Inter-Departmental Correspondence

Health Services Agency

DATE:

March 18, 2002

BOARD MEETING DATE:

March 26, 2002

TO:

Honorable Board of Supervisors

FROM:

Charlene Silva, Interim Director of Health Services

Brian Zamora, Director of Public Health and Environmental Protection

SUBJECT:

Agreement with State Department of Health Services for the California Nutrition Network

Recommendation

Adopt a resolution authorizing the President of the Board to execute an agreement with the State Department of Health Services, Cancer Control Section, to continue funding through FY 2002-03 for participation in the California Nutrition Network for Healthy, Active Families.

Background

The California Nutrition Network for Health, Active Families (CNN), is a part of a U.S. Department of Agriculture initiative. The initiative provides funds for nutrition education targeted to food stamp households. San Mateo County Public Health has been a Network member since October 1997. The goal of the CNN Program is to assemble a network of organizations and design a persuasive coordinated statewide campaign to achieve healthier eating and increased physical activity in households with annual incomes of up to $20,000.

Poor nutrition and physical inactivity combined are the second-highest cause of preventable death in the United States, second only to tobacco use. In California alone, an estimated twenty billion dollars in related health care costs are attributed to poor diet and physical inactivity. Forty-eight percent (48%) of San Mateo County residents are overweight or obese, thus increasing their risk of such chronic diseases as cardiovascular disease, cancer and diabetes. Studies have shown that promoting specific knowledge and attitudes about nutrition and physical fitness is necessary in order for people to change their behavior regarding nutrition and fitness.

Discussion

This funding allows Project staff to provide community education to San Mateo County's low-income population of all age groups aimed at promoting healthy eating and physical activity. Examples of activities provided by CNN staff in San Mateo County are the 3N Program (Nature,

Nurture, and Nourishment), an outdoor nutrition education program that includes hiking in the several recreation areas throughout the county, and the Teen Health Spa, a nutrition education program designed to promote the physical and psycho-social well-being of youth. Additional activities scheduled for this year include working to establish a Farmer's Market in East Palo Alto and producing a nutrition bulletin/newsletter in Spanish.

Performance Indicator

FY 1999-00 Actual

FY 2000-01 Actual

FY 2001-02 Estimated

FY 2002-03 Projected

Percent of families who participate in CNN activities who have increased daily consumption of fruits and vegetables at 4 weeks follow up

30%

30%

33%

35%

Percent of residents who participate in CNN group lessons that report at least two positive dietary changes (ex. Switch to low-fat or fat-free milk, drink less soda, buy 100% juice, reduce intake of processed meats) at 4 weeks follow up

40%

40%

40%

45%

This program is a part of a larger effort to improve nutrition through education. The County's participation is limited to short-term follow-up of the participants, such as the four-week follow up. We do not currently have surveillance methods in place to conduct county-specific longitudinal studies on obesity and activity.

Vision Alignment

This agreement with the State Department of Health Services keeps the commitment of ensuring basic health and safety for all and goal number 5: Residents have access to healthcare and preventive care. Participation in the California Nutrition Network contributes to this commitment and goal as the risk of chronic disease is reduced by promoting exercise and proper nutrition.

Term and Fiscal Impact

The term of the agreement is from October 1, 2001 through September 30, 2003. The agreement calls for in-kind commitment of local funds to be matched 50% by funds from USDA (one Federal dollar for every two local dollars). The in-kind amount for FFY 2001-02 is $211,339; the corresponding match is $105,669. For FFY 2002-03, the in-kind amount is $217,130; the match is $108,565. The in-kind amount has increased over FFY 2000-01 as a result of funds made available from the Children and Families First Commission for expansion of the Breastfeeding Care Center activities. The revenues and expenditures for this program have been incorporated into the County's FY 2001-02 budget and will be included in the recommended budgets for FY 2002-03 and FY 2003-04. Beyond the required in-kind commitment, there is no new net county cost for the program.