What Issues Matter to You?

You can influence your kids’ health environments by learning about issues that matter to you and working to advocate for change.

Here are some questions to ask yourself:

• Are the schools in your community walkable or bike-friendly? How about the community in general?
• Does the school have a plan for addressing health (physical activity, nutrition, and outdoor learning)?
• Does your child’s school offer quality physical education? Does it implement the minimum standards – at least 150 minutes of PE during each school week and at least 225 minutes per week for middle school students?
• What are school lunches like?
• Do local schools have vending machines?  How accessible are they to students?  What’s in them?
• Do local schools use food fundraisers?  What do they sell?
• Are there family-friendly checkouts in your local stores?  Is the lay-out difficult for patrons with children?
• What is the state policy on menu labeling in restaurants?

Talk to other moms and dads about the issues that are important to you.  Share information with your friends, speak at a PTA meeting, write to your local paper or blog about what matters to you.

Let your voice be heard. Learn about current nutrition and physical activity legislation before the N.C. House and Senate. Search the N.C. General Assembly website for current bills.