Illinois Governor Blagojevich Proclaims March Nutrition Month

Department of Human Services and the Illinois Interagency Nutrition Council honor sixteen organizations statewide that promote nutrition and healthy living in their communities

March 19, 2008 -- SPRINGFIELD - Stressing the health benefits of eating fruits and vegetables, fighting obesity and improving food security for Illinois families, Illinois Governor Rod R. Blagojevich has declared March Nutrition Month in Illinois.

The Governor joins the Illinois Department of Human Services (DHS) and the Illinois Interagency Nutrition Council (INC) to recognize community programs and partnerships that have demonstrated a commitment to their communities by implementing programs geared towards leading a nutritious and healthy lifestyle.

“March Nutrition Month is a great opportunity to make everyone aware of the health benefits of eating right and that means eating at least five or more servings of fruits and vegetables everyday as well as increasing physical activity,” said Gov. Blagojevich. “Our children’s' health and well being are dependent on changing our environment - at home, school and in the community. I commend these organizations for taking steps to promote these factors into their communities.”

IDHS and INC awarded eight Community Partnership Awards and eight Honorable Mention Awards to recognize the hard work of organizations that are instrumental in promoting nutritious and healthy lifestyles in their communities from programs ranging from physical fitness and nutrition activities to breastfeeding promotion and support.

“Lifestyle behaviors affect many of the prevalent health problems related to poor or inadequate diets and inactivity. That is why I applaud all of the awardees for their dedication and collaborative efforts to promote healthy lifestyles and the value of nutrition and physical activity,” said DHS Secretary Carol L. Adams, Ph.D.

The Illinois Department of Human Services is responsible for administering several food and nutritional programs, including the Food for Families initiative. In his FY09 budget address, the Governor proposed an additional $5 millions in funding to purchase healthy food that could feed over 175,000 families in Illinois. The additional funding will also include $300,000 in grants to food pantries to help them purchase equipment to stock fresh fruits and vegetables.

The Interagency Nutrition Council (INC) includes representatives from DHS and other agencies who work with the USDA Food and Nutrition Programs and non-profit organizations involved in food security and nutrition issues. INC’s mission is to promote health and wellness through nutrition education, coordination of services and access to nutrition programs so that Illinois residents can achieve food security. The participating programs share successes, collaborations and plans for working together to coordinate promotion, outreach and nutrition education projects across the state and across programs.

Text of proclamation follows:
WHEREAS, the problems of overweight and food insecurity are growing issues for Illinoisans; and

WHEREAS, research shows a direct link between not having access to enough to eat and overweight; and

WHEREAS, 62% of adults are overweight1, and whereas the prevalence of overweight in Illinois children ages 2-5 has risen from 9.3% (1976) to 14.4% (2006)2 and

WHEREAS, approximately 9.8% of Illinois households are food insecure and do not always have enough money to buy food3, and whereas 76% do not eat the recommended amounts of fruits and vegetables (2005)1 and whereas over 25% are not physically active (2005)1; and

WHEREAS, the Illinois Departments of Human Services and Public Health, along with the Illinois Interagency Nutrition Council are joining nutrition professionals in Illinois and throughout the United States to promote good nutrition, physical activity and health during the month of March.

THEREFORE, I, Rod Blagojevich, Governor of the State of Illinois, do hereby proclaim March 2008 as NUTRITION MONTH in Illinois, and encourage all citizens to support food programs and establish healthful eating practices, thereby reducing their risk for obesity and preventing hunger.

Source: Illinois Governor

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