Title
CONSIDERATION OF ADOPTING THE KIDS CHOICE CHULA VISTA PROGRAM
RESOLUTION NO. 2016-219 OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CHULA VISTA ADOPTING “KIDS CHOICE CHULA VISTA”, A VOLUNTARY, INCENTIVE-BASED PROGRAM TO PROVIDE CHILDREN WITH HEALTHY BEVERAGE CHOICES AT CHULA VISTA RESTAURANTS
Body
RECOMMENDED ACTION
Recommended Action
Council adopt the resolution.
Body
SUMMARY
On January 5, 2016, the City of Chula Vista adopted the first Healthy Action Plan, including strategies to increase healthy food access related to the wellbeing of Chula Vista residents. At this time, staff is providing a presentation on health issues, local and national policy trends and adoption of a voluntary, incentive-based program for food establishments related to sugar-sweetened beverages.
Environmental Notice
Environmental Notice
The activity is not a “Project” as defined under Section 15378 of the California Environmental Quality Act State Guidelines; therefore, pursuant to State Guidelines Section 15060(c)(3) no environmental review is required.
Body
Environmental Determination
The activity is not a “Project” as defined under Section 15378 of the California Environmental Quality Act State Guidelines; therefore, pursuant to State Guidelines Section 15060(c)(3) no environmental review is required.
BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION
On May 12, 2016, the Healthy Chula Vista Advisory Commission received a presentation on sugar-sweetened beverage policy as it relates to default beverage options in children’s meals. On October 10, 2016 the Commission supported the adoption of the “Kids Choice Chula Vista” program (by a vote of 8-0) with the addition of limiting the serving size of 100% fruit juice.
DISCUSSION
Cities play a critical role in supporting the health and well-being of their communities. There are various factors that contribute to a community’s health. Recognizing the importance of health to a community, the Chula Vista City Council adopted Section 3.1.1 of the City’s Strategic Plan, which supports the implementation of policies and programs that support the goal of creating a Healthy Community.
In keeping with the Healthy Community goal of the Strategic Plan, on January 5, 2016, the first Healthy Chula Vista Action Plan was adopted, providing a set of strategies to review, create and evaluate policies and programs within the City and to develop key community partnerships to promote wellness within our community. A key component of the plan included awareness of chronic diseases impacting residents and access to healthy food options.
Childhood Obesity
Today, one-third of American children and adolescents are obese or overweight.i Overweight children are at increased risk for serious health problems in adulthood, including heart disease, type 2 diabetes, asthma, and cancer.ii The costs of obesity are high. Annual health care costs from obesity are at least $190 billioniii -- or 21% of total health care spending -- and are expected to rise substantially.iv Roughly 40% of these costs are paid through Medicare and Medicaid, which means that taxpayers pay much of the bill.v
Sugary drinks play a critical role in the obesity epidemic. A 2010 study found that sugary drinks, including soda, energy and sports drinks, sweetened water and fruit drinks, provided the largest source of daily calories in the diets of American children ages 2 to 18. Soda alone was the third largest source.vi In addition, each extra serving of a sugar-sweetened beverage consumed a day increases a child’s chance of becoming obese by 60%.vii Sugary drinks are also linked to other health problems. Sugary drink consumption is associated with a greater risk of cardiovascular disease in adolescents,viii higher blood pressure in adolescents,ix dental caries (cavities),x and inadequate intake of nutrients, including calcium, iron, folate, magnesium, and vitamin A.xi Finally, the disparities in obesity rates by income and race and ethnicity are reflected in sugary drink consumption. African-Americans and Mexican-Americans report consuming more sugary drink calories than whites for both sexes and most age groups.xii
The health care industry alone has not been able to provide the necessary preventative measures to combat this epidemic and several local and state jurisdictions are considering sugar-sweetened beverage policy in an effort to reduce the negative health impacts within their own communities. One such policy is replacing sugar-sweetened beverages as the default option in children’s meals, as was adopted by the Cities of Davis and Stockton.
Default Beverage in Children’s Meals
Restaurants play a central role in the American diet as Americans are increasingly consuming more food away from home. Children now consume about 19% of their daily calories at fast food and other restaurants.xiii Children and adolescents who eat at both fast-food and full-service restaurants drink more sugary drinks and soda and less milk.xiv
Restaurants have traditionally offered soda as the “default” beverage in children’s meals. A default is considered to be the choice alternative that people get if they do not explicitly choose something else. Several national chains have already voluntarily eliminated soda as a default option, including: Jack in the Box, Applebee’s, Burger King, McDonald’s, Wendy’s, and Dairy Queen.xv Requiring restaurants to provide healthier beverages in children’s meals by default is considered an effective way to improve the nutritional quality of children’s meals.
“Kids Choice Chula Vista” Program
Staff provided an Informational Memo to Council on May 3rd titled “Proposed Healthy Chula Vista Ordinance to Remove Sugar Sweetened Beverages as Default Beverages in Children's Menus” when outreach efforts began. Since that time staff has been working with the California Restaurant Association’s San Diego office to establish a program that could be supported by the organization.
At this time staff is bringing forward a proposed voluntary incentive program to promote healthy beverage options on children’s menu called “Kid’s Choice Chula Vista”. The program will recognize all existing and future Chula Vista food establishments that provide default beverage options on children’s menus of water, milk and/or 100% fruit juice (initial serving size limited to 6 ounces).
The incentive program will provide participating food establishments with access to no-cost resources, social media, promotion opportunities, and informational workshops. Specific incentives include:
• Business marketing package recognition through a window decal, reference Attachment 2 for the proposed logo and marketing flyer;
• Promotion of “Kids Choice Chula Vista” at health promoting businesses;
• Marketing through city media such as social media, Community Connections or other newsletters, events and advertisements prior to City Council meetings;
• Participation in the existing Development Services Department expedite program for tenant improvements that they would otherwise not qualify for;
• Access to workshops related to health promotion from Heathy Chula Vista Initiative partners; and
• Potential priority for future city financial assistance such as rehabilitation programs.
The California Restaurant Association has committed to donating $200 this year towards marketing materials for the program and will promote “Kids Choice Chula Vista” to their membership. Additional sponsorship will be considered in next year’s budget and they will assist the city in pursuing individual sponsorship by local business owners.
DECISION-MAKER CONFLICT
Staff has determined that the action contemplated by this item is ministerial, secretarial, manual, or clerical in nature and, as such, does not require the City Council members to make or participate in making a governmental decision, pursuant to California Code of Regulations Title 2, section 18704(d)(1). Consequently, this item does not present a conflict of interest under the Political Reform Act (Cal. Gov't Code § 87100, et seq.).
Staff is not independently aware, and has not been informed by any City Council member, of any other fact that may constitute a basis for a decision maker conflict of interest in this matter.
LINK TO STRATEGIC GOALS
The City’s Strategic Plan has five major goals: Operational Excellence, Economic Vitality, Healthy Community, Strong and Secure Neighborhoods and a Connected Community. This item supports Section 3.1.1 - Implement policies and programs that support a healthy community, by providing healthier options.
CURRENT YEAR FISCAL IMPACT
All staff time and costs to prepare this report were included in the adopted fiscal year 2016-2017 budget. No additional appropriation is required.
ONGOING FISCAL IMPACT
None.
ATTACHMENTS
1. Footnotes
2. “Kids Choice Chula Vista” Program Flyer
Staff Contact: Stacey Kurz, Senior Project Coordinator