DeLauro Statement on FDA’s New Sodium Guidelines

WASHINGTON, DC — Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro (CT-03) today released the following statement regarding  the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s draft, voluntary guidance to industry that will help food manufacturers and restaurants meet short- and long-term sodium targets for a number of foods.

“Excess salt in our foods is leading to tens of thousands of preventable deaths each year and is costing Americans billions of dollars in healthcare costs. We must do everything we can to save lives and the FDA’s new guidance to industry on reducing sodium in processed and restaurant foods is a public health measure that will help us do just that,” said Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro. “While the FDA’s action is a step forward to ensure the health of American families, I will continue to push the FDA to implement mandatory reductions. We cannot rely on voluntary actions by food manufacturers when one-in-three American adults suffers from high blood pressure and is at risk for heart disease.”

Americans consume on average nearly 3,500 mg of sodium (a teaspoon and a half) each day, with 75 percent of it coming from processed and restaurant foods. According to the U.S. government’s Dietary Guidelines for Americans, Americans should consume just 2,300 mg of sodium (one teaspoon) each day, while the American Heart Association recommends even less, just 1,500 mg of sodium each day.

High sodium intake increases the risk of high blood pressure, which is directly linked to heart disease, the leading cause of death for Americans. FDA’s draft guidance could prevent tens of thousands of deaths each year and save billions of healthcare dollars. Research finds that if Americans reduced sodium intake by half a teaspoon a day, it could save between $10 billion and $24 billion annually.

$20,000 ag safety grants offered by National Children’s Center

Proposals are now being accepted for mini-grants up to $20,000 to support small-scale projects and pilot studies that address prevention of childhood agricultural disease and injury. The National Children’s Center for Rural and Agricultural Health and Safety plans to award three grants. Application deadline is August 17, 2016.

Since 2002, 52 projects have been funded though the National Children’s Center. This year’s funding priorities will be given to projects that:

 Identify and/or address emerging trends in agriculture that may pose risks to children, such as drones, robotics, community-based agriculture, urban agriculture and agritourism.
 Address issues pertaining to barriers, motivators and interventions for keeping young children out of the farm worksite.
 Address vulnerable populations, such as immigrant workers’ children, Anabaptists, African Americans and Native Americans.

For information on eligibility, how to improve your chances of being funded, submitting a proposal and other frequently asked questions, go to www.marshfieldresearch.org/nccrahs/mini-grants. Or contact Marsha Salzwedel, M.S., salzwedel.marsha@mcrf.mfldclin.edu; 715-389-5226 or 1-800-662-6900 option 8.

Country Pure Foods Acquires Assets of The Ridgefield’s Brand Corporation

AKRON, OHIO (June 2, 2016) – Country Pure Foods, the nation’s premier portion juice processor, recently announced the purchase of the assets of The Ridgefield’s Brand Corporation, which includes Smooth-Frozen Ridgefield’s SideKicks and Cup Slushies products. Ridgefield’s 100% fruit juice products, will allow Country Pure Foods to provide their school nutrition customers with more meal choices for students.

“This line is a natural extension of our 100% vegetable and fruit juices that are served in schools today,” said Raymond Lee, President and Co-CEO of Country Pure Foods. “Ridgefield’s product line has shown steady growth, and we believe this will be accelerated by our extensive sales force that will provide rapid expansion into new markets.  In addition, we plan to launch a new line extension that will credit as a vegetable.  We hope to have this new product available to sample at the upcoming School Nutrition Association show in San Antonio this coming July, along with the existing Ridgefield’s SideKicks fruit juice line,” said Lee.

Ridgefield’s SideKicks qualify for National School Lunch Program (NSLP) federal reimbursement by crediting as a ½ cup fruit serving toward weekly USDA required totals. In addition, Ridgefield’s SideKicks are compliant with the new “Smart Snack” rule, which sets standards for items that can be sold in a school’s à la carte program, providing an added revenue stream for school nutrition departments.

As guidelines for school nutrition programs become more rigid, it is important to offer healthy solutions that drive students to the cafeteria. Lunch participation rates determine federal reimbursements and are key to the financial health of school nutrition departments. Ridgefield’s SideKicks option increases the rate of fruit consumption by students at meal time because of its vibrantly colored ice cream-like texture and rich flavors.

More information about Country Pure Foods and its products can be found online at juice4u.com, call 1-877-99JUICE (58423) or email info@juice4u.com.

Seven Cities to Make Final Pitch for U.S. Department of Transportation’s “Smart City Challenge”

Mayors of Austin, Columbus, Denver, Kansas City, Pittsburgh, Portland, and San Francisco Will Speak at Live Event in Washington, DC to Champion their City Bids
WASHINGTON— On Thursday, June 9, mayors of the seven finalist cities in the Smart City Challenge will join U.S. Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx in Washington, DC to make their final pitches for why each city should be selected as the winner. The event will take place at Long View Gallery at 2:00 PM EDT, and will also be webcast live online.
The seven finalists – Austin, Columbus, Denver, Kansas City, Pittsburgh, Portland, and San Francisco – were chosen from 78 total applications submitted by cities across the country. Each of the finalist cities was awarded a $100,000 grant to further develop their proposals. Last month, Secretary Foxx visited each of the finalists to meet with mayors and other local leaders as they worked to complete their final proposals.
The winner of the Smart City Challenge will receive up to $40 million from USDOT to help create a fully integrated, first-of-its-kind city that uses data, technology and creativity to shape how people and goods move in the future.
The Department anticipates announcing the winning city later this month. To learn more about the Smart City Challenge, visit www.transportation.gov/smartcity.

JUST WHAT THE DOCTOR ORDERED: CHIPOTLE CELEBRATES NURSES WITH SPECIAL BOGO PROMOTION

Nurses with valid ID can receive BOGO Chipotle on June 8, 2016

DENVER, June 2, 2016 – In celebration of nurses, all nurses who show a valid ID at any Chipotle Mexican Grill restaurant on Wednesday, June 8, 2016, can take advantage of a special buy-one-get- one (BOGO) promotion.

All eligible nurses can receive a free burrito, burrito bowl, salad or order of tacos with the purchase  of another menu item. The promotion is valid at any Chipotle location in the U.S. and Canada on June 8 from 3:00 p.m. to close, local time.

“Nurses are selfless individuals who go above and beyond every day to take care of their patients, working tireless hours and long shifts,” said Chris Arnold, communications director at Chipotle. “Nurses go the extra mile to ensure the best care for their patients, and we are thrilled to be able to recognize and celebrate their dedication by providing them with a delicious meal on us.”

The promotion is valid for all types of nurses (RN, NP, CRNA, CNS, CNM, LVN, CAN), and the ID can be a nursing license or hospital/medical office nurse ID. This promotion may not be combined with other coupons, promotions or special offers. Promotion is valid in-store only and excludes online, mobile, fax, Burritos by the Box or catering orders. Limit one free menu item per nurse ID.

For more information, please visit Chipotle.com/nurseappreciation.