News Flash - EU approved f/v program for schools

From Lorelei DiSogra of United Fresh, good news on the global effort to expand fruit and vegetable access: Developing...


Just received phone call from Brussels --- The EU has voted to approve 90 million Euros/year for the first three years.
Yeah! Now the work begins to get all of the 27 EU member countries up and running.
I leave for Brussels on Dec 11.

Lorelei

Opportunities in the WIC program

From the WPPC, a presentation about the WIC program by United's Lorelei DiSogra:

Audio file added - Lorelei DiSogra at fruit and vegetable advisory committee

I've added an audio file of Lorelei DiSogra's presentation to the USDA fruit and vegetable industry advisory committee. Find it here. Find other audio files of interest on the Fresh Produce Industry Discussion Group, and I will continue to add files as time goes on.

Lorelei DiSogra - F/V industry advisory committee powerpoint presentation

From Lorelei's presentation to the committee on Sept. 8.

Europe working to expand free f/v distribution to kids

Lars Hoelgaard, Deputy Director General for Agriculture, European Commission, Brussel, is joined by Saida Barnat, Aprifel in France, Robert Pederson, Danish Cancer Society, and Lorelei DiSogra, United Fresh Produce Association.

Photo: United Fresh Produce Association.

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Lorelei DiSogra's participation in the May 27 to May 30 Fruit and Vegetable Summit in Paris was an example of international "cross-fertilization" of good nutrition policy. Both the U.S. and the European Union are expanding programs to give away free fruits and vegetables to school children. Lorelei passed on this EU news item in a recent email:

July 8 - The European Commission today proposed to establish a European Union-wide scheme to provide free fruit and vegetables to school children. European funds worth €90 million every year would pay for the purchase and distribution of fresh fruit and vegetables to schools, and this money would be matched by national funds in those Member States which chose to make use of the programme. This is the latest stage in the Commission's efforts to improve health and nutrition, as set out in the 'Strategy for Europe on Nutrition, Overweight and Obesity and related health issues'. The School Fruit Scheme aims to encourage good eating habits in young people, which studies show tend to be carried on into later life. Besides providing free fruit and vegetables, the scheme would require participating Member States to set up national strategies including educational and awareness-raising initiatives and the sharing of best practice. An estimated 22 million children in the EU are overweight. More than 5 million these are obese and this figure is expected to rise by 400,000 every year. Improved nutrition can play an important part in combating this problem. The proposal will now be sent to the Council and European Parliament.

TK: Policy changes of this magnitude don't just happen, The U.S. fruit and vegetable program and now the European initiative can be credited to a lot of work by many committed individuals and associations - and politicians and policy makers willing to consider a new way.

School based fruit and vegetable programs - the record so far

Lorelei DiSogra of United Fresh passes on this important report called, "School-based fruit and vegetable schemes: A review of the evidence," published in December 2007. The report is authored by Dr Karen Lock, Department of Public Health and Policy, at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine. The thumbnail sketch - these programs work.

Here is the summary from the report:

SUMMARY
This report presents a systematic review of the effectiveness of interventions to promote fruit and/or vegetable consumption in children in schools worldwide. The results show that school-based schemes are effective at increasing both intake of, and positive knowledge and attitudes to fruit and vegetable intake. Of the 35 studies included, 65% of studies in both younger and older age groups showed statistically significant increases in fruit and vegetable intake at follow, with none decreasing intake. There was marked heterogeneity in study design, measurement and reporting of intake which makes comparisons of effect size or meta-analysis difficult. Differences in intervention effect ranged from +0.14 servings/day to +0.99 servings/day. 25 studies had follow up periods greater than 1 year and this review provides evidence that both large (national) and smaller (local) scale FV schemes can have long term impacts on consumption. One study showed that free school fruit and vegetable schemes can also help to reduce inequalities in diet. Only one study showed an effect on both increasing fruit and vegetable intake and decreasing overweight in the same scheme. It was unsurprising that other studies showed no impact on overweight or obesity, as changes to weight would be expected to occur at longer time scales that changes in dietary intake.
This review concludes that school fruit and vegetable schemes work. Effective school programmes have used a range of approaches and been organised in ways which vary nationally depending on differences in the food supply chain and education system.

Inside United Fresh

Congrats to the United Fresh Produce Association - Amy Philpott especially - for the first edition of Inside United Fresh, the new member email update. I like greater use of photos and I think midweek Wednesday delivery - as opposed to the Friday delivery of the now retired weekly update - serves members better. I note this interesting tidbit from the report:

Study Shows Fruits and Veggies in WIC to Boost Grower Returns

“With the inclusion of fruits and vegetables now on tap for the Women, Infants and Children (WIC) government feeding program, most of us have been focused solely on the consumption increases that will be driven by some $500 million in federal funding,” said Lorelei DiSogra, vice president of nutrition and health at United Fresh. Now, a new economic study by the National Food and Agricultural Policy Project (NFAPP) at Arizona State University projects an additional impact on grower returns, due to the increased market demand. NFAPP examines one commodity – broccoli – to estimate the impact that adding fruit and vegetable vouchers will have in the marketplace. NFAPP’s Broccoli Market Watch builds on United Fresh’s estimate of $32 million in increased retail sales for broccoli, but then uses economic modeling to predict how strengthened market demand will boost grower returns as well. NFAPP estimates that demand will increase 2.2%, leading to a 3.8% increase in retail price, and 2.9% increase in grower price. That price impact alone would generate $21 million in increased returns to broccoli growers. For more information about fruits and vegetables in WIC, contact Lorelei, 202-303-3403.

TK: By the way, Lorelei helped set up an interview yesterday for me with researchers in Wisconsin studying the program effects of the fresh fruit and vegetable program there. More coming on that later....

Back at work

It was great to connect again with Lorelei DiSogra of United Fresh Produce Association this morning, who relates that the ag appropriations bill signed by President Bush in late December had some good news for expansion of the fruit and vegetable program, notwithstanding more significant gains expected from the pending farm bill. Meanwhile, Lorelei also notes there will be teleconference meetings every day this week with members of the Specialty Crop Farm Bill Alliance as industry lobbyists prepare to make their case to House and Senate staff preparing for farm bill conference work.

Also, Lorelei notes Stan Garnett. Child Nutrition Division Director for USDA, is retiring this week. After 37 years with the agency, Garnett is stepping down Jan. 3. Lorelei says Stan's dedication and knowledge of child nutrition issues will be difficult to replace; the USDA has announced that Cindy Long will be Garnett's replacement. We'll try to track down a bio on Long...

More coverage coming relative to fruit and vegetable program....

WIC Pic

Lorelei and United pass along this a pic from the WIC Interim Rule Press Conference held at USDA last Thursday, 12/6. From left to right:. Rev. Douglas Greenaway – National WIC Association; Sen. Bob Dole - authored the original WIC legislation in the 1970’s;Under Secretary Nancy Montanez-Johner – USDA, FNS; USDA Acting Secretary Chuck Conner.

By the way, Bob Dole - I don't want to be a name dropper, really - knows my mom through hometown connections in Russell, Kan. A small world. Here are the remarks of Chuck Conner, provided by the USDA, from Dec. 6 at the WIC rollout:

Nancy, thank you very, very much for that warm introduction.

I do want to recognize Nancy [Johner, Under Secretary for Food and Nutrition Programs] for her tireless work. She is an enthusiastic champion of our nutrition programs and her commitment to a healthier America through effective and strong nutrition programs that we operate out of this agency.

Just over a month ago, Nancy and I were honored to announce "My Pyramid for Moms," which is a new website that we provided for expectant women and new moms to get them nutrition guidance to meet what we regard as their very unique needs.

Now today, of course, in our continuing effort to improve nutrition across all sectors of the people we serve we're pleased to announce the first major revision in the foods offered in our WIC (Women, Infants and Children) program, as has been noted, in nearly three decades.

These changes, I believe, will make a strong program even stronger going forward.

They reflect our constant efforts, albeit a long time in coming, to make sure our nutrition programs work for every American and at every stage of life and, of course, always with a special focus on our most vulnerable within our population.

This was the intent of one of the original co-sponsors of the legislation that created WIC, Senator Bob Dole as has been noted already.

Senator, we are deeply honored to have you here at USDA. I know you feel at home here and you should. You have a place in USDA's "Hall of Heroes"; if you haven't seen the plaque on this wall on the other side of these pillars again it demonstrate the fact that Bob Dole is indeed a pillar here at the U.S. Department of Agriculture. He brought an atmosphere of bipartisanship to nutrition issues that has really persisted to this day on Capitol Hill and our most vulnerable have been effectively served by that bipartisanship.

I am also delighted that Father Doug Greenaway is joining us, as well, again an institution within our own organization. And again, Doug, thanks for all that you do on behalf of all of us.

And I want to extend a warm welcome to everyone here including our WIC participants and my thanks to our partners and everyone we work with. These nutrition programs involve so many levels of cooperation and participation.

This is a critical program that would not reach 8.5 million people without commitment from all the people involved in this.

With the interim final rule that we're announcing today, we're responding, we believe to the repeated requests that we have received; those from WIC agencies, those from stakeholders and, of course, from participants themselves, to revise the food package so it does reflect the latest nutrition science and dietary recommendations for Americans.

We believe this rule will do just that.

By including fruits, vegetables and whole grains, for example, it will also reinforce MyPyramid and the 2005 Dietary Guidelines as the foundation for federal nutrition policy and nutrition education activities.

The rule will also better align our food packages for infants and young children with the guidelines established by the American Academy of Pediatrics.

It will also provide stronger incentives for continued breastfeeding.

And it will help address emerging public health and nutrition issues, like the importance of consuming more fruits, vegetables, whole grains into a healthier diet. Certainly advice we can all use I suspect.

Under the rule, we have revised WIC's food packages so they do a better job of offering choices and serving the changing needs of WIC's very diverse population in America today.

To accomplish this, we've added:

New food categories and optional substitutions;

And of course, fruits and vegetables for women and children;

Baby foods for infants six-to-12 months of age; and in some cases

soy-based beverages and tofu as milk alternatives for women and children who desire that option.

And for the first time whole wheat bread or other grain options such as soft corn tortillas for women and children, again to note oftentimes the cultural diversity that exists within our WIC population.

As you can see, and I hope you understand, we've designed these changes to meet the very special needs of our participants. Participants need help during critical times of growth and development for themselves and in some cases their young children.

It is one of USDA's 15 nutrition assistance programs that work together to provide our low-income children and their families with better health through better nutrition.

It is available in all 50 states and the District of Columbia, tribal organizations and of course, many American territories. We are proud of the accomplishments we have achieved by reaching so many people in America today.

Studies have shown that WIC helps reduce premature births, infant mortality and other birth-related issues. On the education side, health care referrals and social services help boost immunization rates and help children grow up to be healthier and stronger and obviously that is a very, very good thing.

WIC works and through the years, our fundamental goals for that program have not changed.

The revisions we're announcing today will advance those goals by providing a healthier diet for our most valuable resource, our children, and those, of course, who provide the first meal to those children: pregnant, breastfeeding and, in some cases, postpartum mothers.

I'll be the first to say we couldn't have achieved these revisions alone.

We did rely upon an outstanding group of dedicated people for their expert guidance, including our own agency personnel and stakeholders across the country.

I do want to single out the National Academies' Institute of Medicine for collaborating with us on the key study of the nutritional requirements of our WIC population.

The recommendations from that study were critical and fundamental to us in guiding this process.

We received over 46,000 comments on this proposed rule, ladies and gentlemen. This feedback was invaluable to us in bringing all the concerns into account when we drafted this interim final rule.

Thanks to all of this deliberate and thoughtful input, we feel these comprehensive revisions to the WIC food packages better meet the nutritional needs of our participants, and, of course, staying within a reasonable program cost as well.

My thanks to all of you who helped us develop these changes and who work every day on the ground to make sure this program reaches those most in need.

I believe this is an historic moment in terms of moving forward with better nutrition for some of the most vulnerable in our society. In keeping with that history, today we're advancing the vision of Senator Robert Dole who once asked the question that inspires so many of us in this room even today. He said, "What greater human right is there than the right to eat?"

It is a genuine honor for me to welcome and introduce Senator Dole to you today. He needs no introduction. We know him as a true statesman. We know him as a humanitarian.

The Senator followed the advice of his predecessor from Kansas, Senator Frank Carlson, to "sit back, listen, and then of course, simply stand up for what you believe in". And that has been what has marked his career.

There are so many areas where the Senator stood up for what he believed in, veterans,

agriculture, and, of course, as he's perhaps most widely known for nutrition issues.

He was the author of many pieces of farm legislation and has always understood the link between production agriculture and nutrition.

For more than 30 years, Senator Dole and his good friend and colleague Senator George McGovern worked together to support life-saving hunger relief in the United States as well as many people around the globe.

In helping to create landmark anti-hunger legislation, Senator Dole demonstrated that combating malnourishment and hunger is more important than partisan politics. And fortunately that position has really prevailed on the Hill to this day.

Our nutrition safety net of 15 programs and the Dole-McGovern International Food for Education and Child Nutrition Program are testaments to his partnerships, his leadership. We welcome him today, ladies and gentlemen, Senator Bob Dole.

Point by point with WIC

Lorelei DiSogra of the United Fresh Produce Association passed on this point by point summary of the interim WIC rule. Again, it is hard to overestimate the importance of this change in nutrition policy. The way the USDA used the Institute of Medicine for the WIC food package changes appears to be their approach for rulemaking on nutrition related changes to the school lunch program, one nutrition advocate says.

Revisions to the WIC Food Packages

Summary

1. This interim rule revises regulations governing the WIC Food Packages to align the WIC Food Packages with the Dietary Guidelines for America, current infant feeding guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics and provide WIC participants with a wider variety of food.

2. These are the first comprehensive revisions to the WIC food packages since 1980.

3. State WIC agencies must implement the provisions of the rule no later than August 5, 2009 (18 months of the effective date of the interim rule). However, state WIC agencies can implement the new rule sooner as long as they implement it on a statewide basis.
4. In general, the proposed changes to the WIC food packages garnered broad support from public; 46,502 comments were received on the proposed rule.
5. The addition of fruits and vegetables to the WIC food packages was the most welcome provision of the proposed rule. Almost 40,000 of the total comments received supported the addition of fruits and vegetables to WIC.
6. Fruits and Vegetables added to WIC Food Packages - WIC Moms will receive a F/V voucher for $8/month; WIC Children will receive F/V voucher for $6/month and WIC fully breastfeeding mothers will receive a F/V voucher for $10/month.
7. The total projected value of the F/V vouchers is more than $500 million/year.
8. USDA emphasizes allowing WIC participants flexibility to choose a wide variety of fruits and vegetables as a means to increase F/V consumption. Further, USDA has disallowed state restrictions on eligible fruits and vegetables.
9. Small authorized retail vendors (e.g., Mom and Pop stores) must stock at least two different varieties of fruit and two different varieties of vegetables.
10. To improve consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables WIC participants are free to choose the fruits and vegetables they find most appealing.
11. White potatoes – White potatoes are excluded from authorization in the WIC food packages. USDA notes…” the restriction of white potatoes, as recommended by the IOM, is based on the amounts suggested in the Dietary Guidelines for Americans for consumption of starchy vegetables; food intake data indicating that consumption of starchy vegetables meets or exceeds these suggested amounts; and food intake data showing that white potatoes are the most widely used vegetable.”
12. State WIC agencies will determine the dollar value of the F/V voucher.
13. To improve fruit and vegetable consumption, WIC participants will be allowed to pay the difference when their purchase of fruits and vegetables exceeds the value of the F/V voucher.
14. The reductions in milk, juice, eggs, and cheese proposed are retained in the interim rule.
15. For nutrition policy this interim rule is very significant as it represents the first time that any of USDA’s nutrition assistance programs have been revised to be consistent with the Dietary Guidelines.

FR WIC Rule

Here is the link for the WIC fruit and vegetable voucher rule, as published in the Federal Register today. From the executive summary:

This interim rule revises regulations governing the WIC food packages to align the WIC food packages with the Dietary Guidelines for Americans (DGA) \1\ and current infant feeding practice guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics, better promote and support the establishment of successful long-term breastfeeding, provide WIC participants with a wider variety of food, and provide WIC State agencies with greater flexibility in prescribing food packages to accommodate participants with cultural food preferences.

DATES: Effective Date: This rule is effective February 4, 2008.Implementation Date: State agencies must implement the provisions of this rule no later than August 5, 2009. Comment Date: To be considered, comments on this interim rule must be postmarked on or before February 1, 2010.

Here is the USDA response about white potatoes.....

Under the proposed rule, white potatoes would have been excluded from authorization in the WIC food packages. A total of 324 commenters (of these 291 were form letters) opposed the restriction of white potatoes. Twenty-four commenters stated that white potatoes should be included in the WIC food packages because they are versatile, economical and contain key nutrients. Thirteen commenters (1 form letter) from WIC State and local agencies stated that the exclusion of white potatoes would be hard to administer.
The restriction of white potatoes, as recommended by the IOM, is based on the amounts suggested in the DGA\(1)\ for consumption of starchy vegetables; food intake data indicating that consumption of starchy vegetables meets or exceeds these suggested amounts; and food intake data showing that white potatoes are the most widely used vegetable. Therefore, this provision is retained in the interim rule as proposed in Table 4 of 7 CFR 246.10(e)(12).

TK: An 18-month period was set up for states to implement the rule, and so one thinks the final rule - after the comment period that ends Feb. 4 - won't be much different than this interim rule. Considerable pressure will be applied on the USDA to bend, not only by dairy and juice interests (their packages were reduced) but also by the potato industry (white potatoes excluded from the voucher). Lorelei DiSogra and others will attend a briefing about the rule this morning, prior to the reception hosted by the USDA. More observations from Lorelei later in some Packer coverage I'm developing.

WIC rule is out

The interim rule establishing fruit and vegetable vouchers in WIC food packages will be published tomorrow. Also tomorrow will be a reception at the USDA celebrating the new WIC food packages. Congratulations to all who worked to make this happen, including dedicated public servants at the USDA and the cadre of industry and nutrition advocates who favored the long-needed change. Lorelei DiSogra has been very active on this issue, of course, and she noted United has secured a copy of the 110-page WIC rule. (interested parties are routinely allowed to see a rule on display and make a copy of it one day prior to its publication in the Federal Register) Much to follow from United and others on this watershed rule, which I will try to publish to the Fresh Produce Industry Discussion Group by later today. One downer; we do know that white potatoes are excluded; the vouchers can purchase any combination of fresh and processed fruits and vegetables, excluding white potatoes.

Below is a Food Research and Action Center communication about the interim rule:

The U.S. Department of Agriculture's regulations for the new and improved WIC food packages became available today. The new WIC food packages improve the health and nutritional quality of the foods in the program, increase participants' choices, and expand cultural food options by offering fruits and vegetables, whole grain bread (with the option to substitute whole grain tortillas, rice or other grains) and the option of soymilk and tofu.

The addition of whole grains, a move to low-fat milk and the choice of a full range of fruits and vegetables strengthen WIC’s role in reducing obesity and improving nutrition. These reforms in the packages will empower mothers to choose healthy foods not only by providing resources but also by improving the availability of healthy foods in low-income communities. Farmers’ Markets can be allowed as WIC vendors for fruits and vegetables using WIC Farmers’ Market procedures or other special vendor rules.

USDA also included important related changes that ensure clients have access to the full amounts of appropriate WIC foods. In addition, new food package enhancements will better promote breastfeeding and expand support for medically fragile participants.

One shortcoming is that, by continuing to use self-imposed cost restraints, the Administration left the recommendations short of the full amount of fruits and vegetables and the option of yogurt recommended by the Institute of Medicine (IOM). Women will receive $8 and children $6 in fruits and vegetables each month, $2 less than IOM recommended. Only the small category of exclusively breastfeeding women will receive the full $10 in fruit and vegetable vouchers.
The next step is to make sure that the new WIC food package changes work “on the ground,” including in communities where accessing healthy food often raises unique challenges. States will have 18 months to plan and implement the new WIC food packages. It is important to bring together a diverse group of stakeholders to help implement these changes in each state. The development of state WIC advisory councils, for example, can provide information and recommendations that ensure clients benefit fully from the new food package.

To learn more, see www.frac.org for up-to-date information, including a summary, a WIC advisory council fact sheet, and the value of the fruits and vegetables coming into your state. Tomorrow, we will link our website to the regulations when they are published in the Federal Register.

Contact: Geri Henchy (202) 986-2200 extension 3025, ghenchy@frac.org , Food Research and Action Center

To find out how to help maximize the value of the new WIC food packages in your state or community join us for the upcoming FRAC conference March 2-4, 2008 for panels and discussion on WIC food package planning and implementation.

WIC rule

The latest on the long anticipated rule that adds vouchers for fruit and vegetable purchases to WIC food packages is that it may be published on Dec. 6 or Dec. 7. In fact, the USDA has scheduled a reception related to the WIC food packages for Dec. 6, according to Lorelei DiSogra of United. However, the USDA still has not released language of the rule yet.

WIC rule this week?

Lorelei DiSogra of the United Fresh Produce Association says in an email that the WIC rule for fruit and vegetable vouchers for participants in the WIC program may be issued this week. She noted that sources at the National WIC Association (NWA) reported Nov. 21 that the White House Office of Management & the Budget (OMB) completed its review of the proposed revisions in the WIC Food Packages. The NWA said the changes are expected to be published in the Federal Register by USDA/FNS as Interim Final Rule as early as this week.

A Nov. 21 report by NWA, a nutrition advocacy group devoted to the WIC program, recaps the fight to change the WIC food packages:


In 2000, the strong voices of the WIC Food Package Task Force, backed by the Board of Directors, and the Association’s membership published NWA’s WIC Food Prescription Recommendations proposing sweeping changes to the food packages to include among other things fresh, frozen, and canned fruits and vegetables.
In 2003, the Culturally Sensitive Food Package Task Force, again backed by the Board of Directors, and the Association’s membership published NWA’s WIC Culturally Sensitive Food Prescription Recommendations.
Together, these documents formed a backbone of recommendations considered by the Committee to Review the WIC Food Packages of the Food and Nutrition Board of the Institute of Medicine (IOM). The resulting IOM recommendations to the USDA and Congress reflected to a large extent the proposals offered by NWA.
Thanks to the professional, committed work of the Food & Nutrition Service team who stood with NWA throughout our efforts to promote changes to the WIC Food Packages, USDA/FNS’ proposal to make revisions in the WIC food packages published in August of 2006, reflected to a significant degree the recommendations of the IOM.
Now we are on the precipice of implementation. NWA will host a Food Package Implementation Summit on 11 March in conjunction with our annual Washington Leadership Conference 9-11 March in Washington, DC. The Summit will bring together USDA and over 30 national organizations as well NWA members to discern the most effective and responsible ways to roll out the new WIC Food Packages; evolve a statement of shared principles that we can rely upon as we move towards full implementation; and create a roster of experts for further counsel and consultation. We hope that you will join us in Washington for this important Leadership Conference and Summit. Watch www.nwica.org and Monday Morning Report for further information.
NWA’s Food Package Implementation Task Force will be reviewing the interim final rule and considering recommendations to assists state and local agencies as they work through the process of implementation.

Moving ahead

Lorelei DiSogra of United Fresh said it appears there is agreement between Republican and Democrats about how to handle amendments to the Senate farm bill, which should clear the way for votes on such amendments today. Stay tuned....

Anti-meat or getting serious with nutrition?

Lorelei DiSogra of United passes on this Second Global Report on Nutrition and Cancer, released Wednesday. The report implicates body fat as a factor in higher rates of cancer, and also said evidence that ties consumption of alcohol, red meat and processed meat to cancer is "deemed convincing." Thus, the report recommends consumption of 18 ounces of cooked red meat per week. There is no safe recommended level for processed meat, the group said. Anti-meat or a clarion call for healthy living and a radical change in diet to prevent cancer? The report says we need to eat at least five servings of non-starchy fruits and vegetables for a positive "double whammy effect.". Read on and contemplate what would happen if the produce industry loaded their marketing gun with this ammunition in both barrels.
..

Here is press coverage of the report, here in the UK"s Guardian and here in USA Today.

From the USA Today article:

The report is drawing fire from the food industry.
Ceci Snyder, a registered dietitian with the National Pork Board, which represents pork producers, says, "The U.S. Dietary Guidelines include meat and processed meat, and those guidelines are based on a review of the scientific evidence."
Mary Young of the National Cattlemen's Beef Association says the group engaged scientists to review the scientific literature on the topic, and they concluded there is no evidence red meat causes cancer.

Here are documents associated with the report. First the press release...

Landmark Report: Excess Body Fat Causes Cancer Panel Also Implicates Red Meat, Processed Meat and Alcohol
WASHINGTON, DC -- The evidence that excess body fat increases the risk of developing cancer is much stronger now than ever before, according to a landmark report issued today by the American Institute for Cancer Research (AICR) and the World Cancer Research Fund (WCRF). . Evidence linking consumption of alcohol, red meat and processed meat to increased risk is also deemed convincing . Released today at a Washington news conference, the report – Food, Nutrition, Physical Activity, and the Prevention of Cancer: a Global Perspective -- is the most comprehensive ever published on the evidence linking cancer risk to diet, physical activity and weight. The result of a five-year process involving nine independent teams of scientists from around the world, hundreds of peer reviewers, and 21 international experts who reviewed and analyzed over 7,000 large-scale studies, the report includes 10 recommendations for cancer prevention. The report is available online at www.dietandcancerreport.org “The most striking finding in the report is that excess body fat increases risk for numerous cancers. That is why body weight is the focus of our first recommendation,” expert panel member W. Phillip T. James, M.D., D.Sc., said today. James spoke at a press conference previewing the 517-page report published on November 1. Body Fat Convincingly Linked to Six Cancers Finding that the evidence is now convincing that carrying excess body fat increases risk for cancer of the esophagus, pancreas, colon, kidney and endometrium as well as post-menopausal breast cancer, the report recommends that people aim to stay within the healthy weight range (18.5 to 25) on the BMI chart throughout adult life. It further recommends staying as lean as possible within that range. This recommendation is more stringent than AICR — and most other organizations — have previously issued on weight and reflects the stronger evidence that has emerged over the last few years. When the first AICR report was published in 1997, only the evidence linking body fat to endometrial cancer was judged to be convincing. “The recommendation reflects what the science is telling us today. Even small amounts of excess body fat, especially if carried at the waist, increase risk,” James said. Because the evidence on weight gain is now so much stronger, the new report offers two evidence-based recommendations on how to avoid excess body fat. First, the report calls for limiting the intake of “energy-dense foods,” especially processed foods high in added sugar, or low in fiber, or high in fat. Burgers, French fries, milk shakes and pastries were examples cited in the report, as were sugary drinks. Second, the report advocates being physically active for at least 30 minutes each day. The evidence shows that physical activity offers a double bonus by reducing cancer risk in its own right while helping to maintain a healthy weight, which is also protective. Panel Urges Limits on Red Meat Compared to 1997, when AICR released its first global report on the association between diet and cancer, the new assessment finds the evidence linking red meat (beef, pork and lamb) to colorectal cancer is more convincing than it was a decade ago. Accordingly, AICR’s expert panel recommends limiting consumption of red meat to 18 ounces (cooked) per week. Beyond this amount, the evidence indicates, every 1.7 ounces of red meat consumed per day increases cancer risk by 15 percent. The recommendation concerning processed meats is even more rigorous. Based on convincing evidence, the panel recommends avoiding processed meats such as bacon, ham, sausage and lunchmeat. In regard to processed meat, the evidence shows no safe level of consumption. Every 1.7 ounces of processed meat consumed per day increases risk of colorectal cancer by 21 percent. “That’s why we recommend that if people eat processed meat at all, they save it for special occasions like ham at Christmas or the occasional hot dog at a baseball game,” said James. In a separate recommendation, the panel advises planning meals around non-starchy vegetables and fruits. These plant foods can be eaten in conjunction with foods of animal origin other than red meat, such as poultry, fish and eggs. “We are recommending 5 servings or more of vegetables and fruit daily because, like physical activity, they pack a double whammy against cancer. Probable evidence indicates they help reduce cancer risk on their own, and as low-energy-dense foods, they help maintain a healthy weight, which the evidence shows has a big influence on cancer risk,” James said.
Alcohol Consumption Linked to Cancer The AICR expert panel found the evidence convincing that alcoholic drinks are linked to cancers of the mouth, pharynx, larynx, esophagus, as well as colorectal cancer in men and pre-and post-menopausal cancer in women. In addition, alcoholic drinks are a probable cause of liver cancer and of colorectal cancer in women. “It doesn’t matter whether you are talking about wine, beer or spirits, when it comes to cancer, even small amounts of alcohol raise your risk. In light of evidence suggesting that small amounts of alcohol protect against heart disease, however, the panel decided to recommend limiting rather than avoiding consumption,” James said. The full recommendation says, “If alcoholic drinks are consumed, limit consumption to no more than 2 drinks a day for men and I drink a day for women.” The distinction has to do with differing body composition in the two sexes.
Although equally important, other recommendations involve special or limited populations:
People concerned about risk of stomach cancer should reduce salt intake.
People who currently look to supplements for cancer protection should instead try to get protective nutrients from whole foods.
Mothers should breast feed when practical and babies should be breastfed.
To reduce risk of recurrence, cancer survivors should follow the recommendations for cancer prevention. “Cancer is preventable.
There are changes you can make in your daily life that will reduce your chances of developing cancer,” James said. He pointed out that, taken together, the recommendations outline a clear and consistent way of living that fosters a longer healthy life.
“Let’s get more vegetables, fruits and other low-energy-density foods every day, which will leave less room for meat. Let’s get off our backsides however and whenever we can.” Accomplish these changes to diet and activity level and you are on your way to getting and staying as lean as possible, which is our first recommendation, he said. “This is a pattern for living with the potential to save millions of lives. If these recommendations were adopted around the world, scientists estimate it could prevent about one-third of global cancer cases,” James said.
Recommendations for Cancer Prevention
1.Be as lean as possible within the normal range of body weight.
2.Be physically active as part of everyday life.
3. Limit consumption of energy-dense foods. Avoid sugary drinks.
4. Eat mostly foods of plant origin.
5. Limit intake of red meat and avoid processed meat.
6. Limit alcoholic drinks.
7. Limit consumption of salt. Avoid moldy cereals (grains) or pulses (legumes).
8. Aim to meet nutritional needs through diet alone.
Special Population Recommendations
9. Mothers to breastfeed; children to be breastfed.
10. Cancer survivors to follow the recommendations for cancer prevention. And always remember – do not smoke or chew tobacco.

Late night with the Senate Ag Committee

Lorelei DiSogra of United reports that the markup session of the Senate Agriculture Committee will stretch late into the day and perhaps the evening. There have been quite a few amendments offered on Title I programs, particularly dairy - despite the fact that the committee doesn't have a lot of money to play with beyond what is already outlined in the markup.

Still uncertain is when the committee will vote out the farm bill and when the full Senate will take it up. Expect to see some move to offer AgJobs on the Senate floor. Lorelei did assure me that the money for the fruit and vegetable snack program - about $1 billion over five years - is mandatory.

Nutrition subcommittee at work

We'll try to get United Fresh reaction from Lorelei DiSogra's tomorrow, but here is the discussion draft of the nutrition programs from the House Ag subcommittee on nutrition. As expected and feared, "contingent" and not mandatory funds are at work in the nationwide expansion of the fruit and vegetable program, though it appears the DOD Fresh Program receives an honest boost in Section 32 funding from $50 million in 2008 to $125 million in 2012. The subcommittee markup is Thursday.

Some excerpts:


Subtitle C—Child Nutrition and Related Programs
SEC. 4301. EXPANSION OF DOD FRESH PROGRAM.Section 32 of the Act of August 24, 1935 (7 U.S.C. 612c) is amended by inserting after the 6th sentence, the following: ‘‘Of the funds available, the Secretary of Agriculture shall expend not less than $50,000,000 for fiscal year 2008, $75,000,000 for both fiscal years 2009 and 2010, $100,000,000 for fiscal year 2011, and $125,000,000 for fiscal year 2012 for the purchase of fresh fruits and vegetables for distribution to schools and service institutions in accordance with section 6(a) of the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act (42 U.S.C. 1755(a)).’’.
SEC. 4302. EXPANSION OF FRESH FRUIT AND VEGETABLE PROGRAM. (a) FRESH FRUIT AND VEGETABLE PROGRAM.—Sec- tion 18 of the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch
Act (42 U.S.C. 1769) is amended in subsection (g)— (1) in paragraph (1), in the matter preceding subparagraph (A), by striking ‘‘July 2004’’ and inserting ‘‘July 2007’’; (2) in paragraph (5), in each of subparagraphs(A) and (B), by striking ‘‘2008’’ and inserting ‘‘2012’’; and (3) in paragraph (6)(B)—(A) in clause (i) by striking ‘‘October 1, 2004, and on each October 1 thereafter,’’ and inserting ‘‘October 1, 2007, and on each October 1 thereafter,’’
(b) CONTINGENT FUNDING AMENDMENT.—In title XI of this Act— (1) if changes to law not pertaining to the fresh fruit and vegetable program reduces outlays and/or increases revenue by an amount sufficient to offset the increased outlays that would occur over the period of fiscal years 2007 through 2012 and the period of fiscal years 2007 through 2017, if total funding for the fresh fruit and vegetable program were increased to $100,000,000 in each of the fiscal years 2008 through 2012 (as estimated by the Committee on the Budget of the House of Representatives at the time of the enactment of this Act); and (2) if such reductions in outlays or increases in revenue in paragraph (1) are specifically and exclusively dedicated to increasing funding for fresh fruit and vegetable program from the amount specified in the amendment made by paragraph (3) to $100,000,000 in each of fiscal years 2008 through 2012; then (3) section 18 of the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act (42 U.S.C. 1769) is amended in subsection (g)—(A) in paragraph (1), by amending sub paragraphs (A) and (B) to read as follows: ‘‘(A) 50 elementary or secondary schools in each State;‘‘(B) additional elementary or secondary schools in each State in proportion to the student population of the State; and’’; (B) in paragraph (3)(A), by striking ‘‘paragraph (1)(B)’’ and inserting ‘‘paragraph (1)’’; and (C) in paragraph (6)(B)(i), by striking‘‘$9,000,000’’ and inserting ‘‘$100,000,000’’.

TK: $100 million, 50 states, 50 schools in each state, plus additional schools based on proportional student population. But even with the goodwill toward the program, finding that kind of contingency funding will be a tooth and nail battle.

That's the idea

Lorelei DiSogra of United passes on this news from Europe.


From the story:

Europe's farm chief plans to introduce a school fruit scheme similar to that in place for milk, as part of a wider campaign to promote healthy eating and combat obesity among children, officials said on Tuesday.
Earlier this year, EU Agriculture Commissioner Mariann Fischer Boel unveiled plans to overhaul the EU's vast fruit and vegetables industry , revising or scrapping many of the annual 1.5 billion euros ($2 billion) of subsidies paid to farmers.
In the negotiations that the bloc's 27 farm ministers will hold on her reform plan, scheduled for next month, Fischer Boel is expected to recommend using EU subsidies to distribute fruit in schools as part of a compromise reform agreement.


TK: This looks to be enlightened public policy from Europe, and we can only hope the U.S. example, now followed by the EU response will be answered by a vigorous U.S. expansion of USDA fruit and vegetable snack program.

More testimonials

Lorelei DiSogra conducted a Capitol Hill briefing May 10 for the fruit and vegetable program, and she brought in some school officials with experience with the program. She passes along their prepared remarks.

Here is Bud Heller, the Food Service Director for Edgewood Elementary School in Pottstown, Pennsylvania.

Here is Mary Jo Tuckwell, Food and Nutrition Director for the Eau Claire School District located in northwestern Wisconsin.

Here is Dr. Cathy Booth, Superintendent of Nixon-Smiley Consolidated Independent School District in Central Texas.