Since its inception, CANFIT has been a strong advocacy voice and leader in the community, school and after school environment. We ensure that the right policies and practices are in place to improve healthy eating and physical activity among youth in low income communities and communities of color. We have been at the forefront in creating and supporting new and old policies, but also in making sure they work as well. We feel that policy implementation is a key component of success and having community and youth buy-in is an absolute necessity.
CANFIT helps bridge the gap between communities and policymakers.
By providing professional development opportunities and translating theory and cutting edge research, we help to bridge the gap between scientific research and on the ground best practices. CANFIT believes that youth involvement in the planning, implementation and evaluation of projects is essential. Actively involving young people ensures greater success by producing results that are relevant and interesting to their peers.
Policy Updates:
Healthy Habits: The Role of Snacks in Child Nutrition Reauthorization
Policy recommendations to improve the quality of snacks served to youth in the Child and Adult Care Food (CACFP) program and the Summer Food Service Program (SFSP). Download: Healthy Habits Policy Brief.
Child Nutrition Reauthorization Act
Get CANFIT’s Recommendations to improve the health of millions of youth by improving federal child nutrition programs.
Sign up for the CANFIT Connection (Monthly e-Newsletter)
Here is a sample of some FREE Policy & Advocacy resources:
Policy Recommendations on Nutrition, Physical Activity in Middle Schools, After School Programs and Communities - Recommends legislative and institutional policies.
After School Landscape in California - Policy Brief
With the implementation of Proposition 49, the legislation that created the After School Education and Safety (ASES) program, the number of state-funded after school programs in the state has nearly doubled. This policy brief explores the landscape of after school in the state, including the differences between programs run by local education agencies and those run by community-based programs, and how programs are implementing physical activity and nutrition components.
For more Free downloads, go to our Publications page.
From 2005-2010, CANFIT led the after school sector of The California Endowment’s HEAC (Healthy Eating Active Communities) Initiative. In this role, CANFIT offered support and technical assistance in nutrition and physical activity for 6 communities across California. These communities include Oakland, South Los Angeles, Baldwin Park, Santa Ana, Chula Vista and South Shasta. CANFIT also provided culturally appropriate resources and trainings encouraging policy change that will produce healthier environments for these communities and their youth.
CANFIT is providing support and training around youth engagement for 9 communities as part of the National Food and Community Program of the W.K. Kellogg Foundation. These communities include Oakland, Seattle, Philadelphia, Boston, Holyoke, New York, Detroit, Northeast Iowa, and the Tohono O’odham Nation in Arizona.
