City of Duarte Healthy Choice Program

In 2002, the Duarte City Council adopted a policy recommendation made by a Teen Nutrition Council to provide at least one healthy snack at all City-sponsored meetings and events where food is served. The intended outcome of the policy was to increase community members’ awareness and consumption of healthier foods.

Policy Initiation

The City of Duarte initiated a Healthy Choice program to promote healthier eating and physical activity among youth. A Teen Nutrition Council was formed to make policy recommendations to the Duarte Unified School District and the City of Duarte (which operates the Duarte Teen Center).

Public Health Agency Roles

The project worked closely with the City of Hope National Medical Center which provided information and support on healthier eating and physical activity.

Major Partners

California Healthy Cities and Communities/Center for Civic Partnerships, California Nutrition Network for Healthy Active families (California Department of Health Services), and the U. S. Department of Agriculture.

Official Support

The Duarte City Council, City Manager, and Parks and Recreation Director all supported this effort.

Results from the Policy

The Teen Nutrition Council conducted food audits and surveys at the Teen Center and at local high schools. Recommendations submitted to the school district and the City included selling healthier foods alongside the current menus. As a result, the sales of less healthy foods decreased at the Teen Center. The Teen Nutrition Council also conducted reviews of 17 local restaurants and published them in the Teen Center newsletter; and publicly recognized five restaurants with plaques at a City Council Meeting for offering healthy food choices. Following the policy’s adoption by City Council, the Teen Nutrition Council was asked to train City staff in strategies to promote healthier food choices.

Lessons Learned

The City of Duarte achieved its goal of improved health for residents by supporting youth leadership. By taking the lead on the project’s activities, youth developed healthy habits and practices that will stay with them throughout their lives. The policies they developed will improve the lives of all residents for many years to come.

Submitted By

Joan Twiss

Executive Director

Center for Civic Partnerships

1851 Heritage Lane, Suite 250

Sacramento, CA 95815

(916) 646-8680

(916) 646-8660 FAX

ccp@civicpartnerships.org