Health

Marketing Unhealthy Foods Unfairly Targets Children

Published

10 years ago

April 21, 2015

Oakland Post

Unhealthy food (Courtesy Photo)

Special to the NNPA from Our Weekly

(NNPA) – It’s another David and Goliath story.

A small group of South LA parents, alarmed about companies advertising unhealthy foods to their children, has banded together to draw attention to the problem.

The parents recently roamed their own neighborhoods, shooting pictures of fast food restaurants, grocery store soda displays and candy at the checkout stand.

Virginia Parks, one of the parent-photographers, is a woman with a mission.

Virginia’s photos and those of other parents will be on display during a program focused on the marketing of unhealthy foods Thursday, April 23, from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Watts Labor Community Action Committee (WLCAC) Phoenix Hall. Speakers will talk about the dangers of unhealthy foods. They will describe the marketing that makes these foods so attractive to children and difficult for parents to resist.

The parent-photographers will be present, talking about their children, unhealthy foods and their experiences documenting the marketing of these unhealthy foods. The project, called PhotoVoice, enables parents to voice their concerns.

Virginia and the other parents are members of the Choose Health LA Kids Parent Collaborative. Choose Health LA Kids is a childhood obesity prevention program of the County Department of Public Health funded by First 5 LA and implemented by South LA Health Projects and 19 other agencies.

When Virginia’s 4-year-old daughter, Ashlee, entered preschool at the Children’s Institute this fall, Virginia joined the parent committee and attended a presentation by Choose Health LA Kids staff.

When Virginia learned the parent collaborative addresses the challenges of unfair marketing practices, joining was an easy decision. She says the main reason she got involved was “to try to change some things for the better for our kids. To give a voice for our kids. Being healthy is so important. There are so many illnesses. I want my kids to be around for a long time.”

Virginia also attended a Choose Health LA Kids cooking demonstration at the school. “I learned that it’s important for our kids, even for us adults, to eat healthy. I learned that eating lots of unhealthy foods can make people too heavy and can lead to diabetes and other illnesses. It’s important to stay active and to eat more fruits and vegetables. This came as a shock to me—what certain foods can do for you,” Virginia said.

Ads and toy give-aways for unhealthy foods upset Virginia. She and her children see them on TV and wherever they go. “The advertisements have them begging and bugging us parents for those foods,” she said.

Virginia took a number of photos. One shows a McDonald’s toy display encouraging parents to purchase Happy Meals.

“The toys are important to any child. This month there’s a new children’s movie called ‘Home.’ It’s about a girl and a little alien.” Virginia and her daughter saw the movie. “The next day the McDonalds ad was on tv. McDonalds was giving away toys shaped like a little alien. Ashlee sees the McDonald’s TV advertisements. The toy draws them in. “

Virginia has modest expectations for restaurants. “I feel that they should have at least more nutritious options. They should have some vegetables on there, maybe with some dip. We aren’t trying to stop what they’re doing; we just want them to add more healthy items. Especially for our children.”

Choose Health LA Kids’ overarching goal is to prevent childhood obesity through a variety of strategies. If the obesity epidemic remains unchecked, experts say, one-third of all children born in the United States in the year 2000 could develop diabetes during their lifetimes. Obesity can lead to other significant health problems as well.

In 2009, companies spent $113 million on packaging and in-store marketing targeted at youth. This did not include other forms of marketing, such as promotional signs in Little League fields; contests and toys marketing candy, foods and beverages; apps; company-sponsored “advergames” and more.

Companies spend nearly $1 billion annually on advertising in schools, on food and beverage packages, in stores and at quick-service restaurants.

To read more about Choose Health LA Kids, visit www.slahp.org/choose-health-la-kids.

WLCAC Phoenix Hall is located at 10950 South Central Ave., Los Angeles 90059. To RSVP for the PhotoVoice event or for more information, phone (323) 757-7244 ext. 233.

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Activism

LIVE! — TOWN HALL ON RACISM AND ITS IMPACT — THURS. 11.14.24 5PM PST

Join us for a LIVE Virtual Town Hall on the Impact of Racism hosted by Post News Group Journalist Carla Thomas and featuring Oakland, CA NAACP President Cynthia Adams & other Special Guests.
Thursday, November 14, 2024, 5 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. PST

Published

1 week ago

November 12, 2024

Oakland Post

Discussion Topics:
• Since the pandemic, what battles have the NAACP fought nationally, and how have they impacted us locally?
• What trends are you seeing concerning Racism? Is it more covert or overt?
• What are the top 5 issues resulting from racism in our communities?
• How do racial and other types of discrimination impact local communities?
• What are the most effective ways our community can combat racism and hate?

Your questions and comments will be shared LIVE with the moderators and viewers during the broadcast.

STREAMED LIVE!
FACEBOOK: facebook.com/PostNewsGroup
YOUTUBE: youtube.com/blackpressusatv
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California Black Media

Gen. Election Update: Tracking Your Votes on Ballot Propositions — and What They Mean for Our Communities

In the Nov. 5 General Election, Californians cast their votes on ten propositions addressing issues from education and climate funding to prison labor and the minimum wage.

Published

2 weeks ago

November 6, 2024

Oakland Post

By Joe W. Bowers Jr., California Black Media

In the Nov. 5 General Election, Californians cast their votes on ten propositions addressing issues from education and climate funding to prison labor and the minimum wage.

Below is a breakdown of the propositions, their potential impact and an update on how we voted on them.

Likely to Pass:

Proposition 2: Bonds for Public School and College Facilities
With 56.7% support, Prop 2 is on track to pass. This measure would allocate $10 billion to repair and upgrade K-12 and community college facilities, especially in under-resourced schools. For students, this funding could lead to safer and more supportive learning environments.

Proposition 3: Constitutional Right to Marriage
Prop 3 currently has 61.4% support and is likely to pass. This measure aims to amend California’s constitution to affirm marriage rights for all. For LGBTQ+ individuals in our communities, this is a powerful affirmation of equality and inclusion.

Proposition 4: Bonds for Water, Wildfire, and Climate Risks
Currently passing with 57.8%, Prop 4 is on track to deliver $10 billion for projects that address water quality, wildfire prevention, and climate resilience. This could have a significant impact on communities that face the harshest effects of climate change.

Proposition 34: Restricts Spending of Prescription Revenues
Prop 34 is narrowly passing with 51.4% support, indicating that it may succeed. The measure would require specific healthcare providers to use 98% of revenue from federal drug discount programs on direct patient care. This could improve healthcare access for low-income residents.

Proposition 35: Provides Permanent Funding for Medi-Cal
With 66.8% of voters in favor, Prop 35 is on course to pass, securing permanent funding for Medi-Cal, California’s low-income healthcare program. For many in our communities who depend on Medi-Cal, this measure promises stability and continued access to essential healthcare services.

Proposition 36: Increased Sentencing for Certain Drug and Theft Crimes
With strong support at 70.5%, Prop 36 is poised to pass, increasing penalties for specific theft and drug offenses. This measure would partially roll back sentence reductions established by Prop 47, sparking concerns about potential increases in incarceration rates.

Likely to Fail:

Proposition 5: Bonds for Affordable Housing and Infrastructure
With 56.4% of voters opposed, Prop 5 is likely to fail. The measure aimed to reduce the voting threshold for local bonds from two-thirds to 55%, making it easier to fund affordable housing. Without it, local governments will continue to face higher approval requirements, potentially slowing progress on affordable housing solutions.

Proposition 6: Eliminates Forcing Inmates to Work
Currently failing with 54.9% opposed, Prop 6 is expected to be defeated. This measure would have ended involuntary labor for incarcerated individuals, a practice critics argue disproportionately affects Black inmates. It’s likely failure means the prison labor system will remain unchanged.

Proposition 32: Raises Minimum Wage
With 52.1% of voters opposing it, Prop 32 appears likely to fail. This measure would have raised the minimum wage to $18 an hour. While proponents argued it would provide greater financial stability for low-wage workers.

Proposition 33: Local Government Residential Rent Control
With 61.9% voting “no,” Prop 33 is expected to fail, meaning that local governments won’t gain expanded authority to enact rent control. Real estate groups argued that this measure could hinder housing development. Its failure means that current rent control laws will remain in place, leaving fewer protections for renters.

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California Black Media

Covered California Open Enrollment Began Nov. 1

Open enrollment for Covered California kicked off on Nov. 1, 2024, offering individuals, families, and businesses a chance to secure quality, affordable health insurance for the upcoming year. This annual enrollment period allows California residents to choose from a variety of health plans that meet their specific needs. Covered California offers comprehensive coverage, including preventive care and financial assistance to help eligible applicants lower their monthly premiums.

Published

2 weeks ago

November 6, 2024

Oakland Post

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By Bo Tefu, California Black Media

Covered California offers comprehensive coverage, including preventive care and financial assistance to help eligible applicants lower their monthly premiums. The program features insurance plans from leading providers, ensuring access to essential health services such as doctor visits, hospital care, and mental health services.

This year, notable updates include expanded financial assistance, which increases the support available for eligible households to help offset monthly costs. Additionally, consumers will find greater plan flexibility, allowing them to select options that fit their lifestyles and budgets. Access to no-cost preventive services — like vaccinations, screenings, and annual check-ups — remains a priority.

Key enrollment deadlines are set as follows:

The open enrollment period runs from Nov. 1, 2024, to Jan. 31, 2025.
Those who enroll by Dec. 15, 2024, will have their coverage start on Jan. 1, 2025.

To facilitate enrollment, applicants can fill out an inquiry form on the Covered California website, reach out to Certified Enrollment Counselors, or contact Covered California directly at (888) 234-5366 or via email at GetCovered@cbhn.info.

The California Black Health Network (CBHN) collaborates with Covered California to advocate for health equity, focusing on underserved communities, including unemployed and gig workers. CBHN’s certified enrollers engage in outreach and onsite signups to help individuals access affordable healthcare options.