National Food Policy Conference to Focus on Child Nutrition, Health

Coordinated by the Consumer Federation of America (CFA) in cooperation with the Grocery Manufacturers Association, the upcoming National Food Policy Conference will feature leading experts discussing the crucial issue of child nutrition and health, along with a current analysis of emerging policies. The 33rd annual conference will take place Sept. 22 and Sept. 23 at the Renaissance Hotel in Washington.

Featured speakers include Sam Kass, White House chef and senior policy adviser for healthy food initiatives at the White House, who will present the opening keynote address on the conference’s first day; Dr. Janey Thornton, deputy under secretary for food, nutrition and consumer services at the Department of Agriculture; Dr. Elisabeth Hagen, under secretary for food safety at the Department of Agriculture; and Dr. Joe Thompson, director of The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Center to Prevent Childhood Obesity and surgeon general of Arkansas.

Among the topics to be explored at the conference will be how to assure sustainability in child nutrition and health programs in an uncertain economy, examining the next generation of food labels; and applying of the new Dietary Guidelines. Additional highlights will include panel discussions on gauging progress in the movement to improve child nutrition and health; meeting the HealthierUS School Challenge; new opportunities in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program; manufacturing healthier food products; food marketing to children; and assuring healthy environments for low-income children.

Further information can be found at CFA’s website, www.consumerfed.org.