August 7, 2018


RSVP for September's Free
5-4-3-2-1 Go!® Message Training 

5-4-3-2-1 Go!® is CLOCC's public education message containing recommendations for children and families to promote a healthy lifestyle. Developed in 2004 and launched as a mass-media campaign in 2009, 5-4-3-2-1 Go! has reached millions of individuals in communities throughout Chicago and beyond.

Join us on September 13th for a free message training, which will include:
  • Background information on the issue of childhood obesity
  • Information about the creation and dissemination of 5-4-3-2-1 Go!
  • Strategies for incorporating the message in your programming
  • Opportunities for brainstorming and sharing ideas with colleagues and other community-based organizations.
Date: Thursday, September 13, 2018
 Time: 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
 Location: Children's Home & Aid (Western Office), 100 N. Western Ave., 2nd Floor

The training will be in Training Rooms 1 & 2 - please confirm at the reception desk. 

Please Note: The Children's Home + Aid parking in lot is on the south side of Washington. Please do not park in the parking lot adjacent to the building, as that is IL Dept. of Juvenile Justice parking.

USDA Launches New WIC Breastfeeding Support Site

The USDA Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) has unveiled a new breastfeeding campaign entitled "WIC Breastfeeding Support - Learn Together. Grow Together." The research-based campaign encourages moms who participate in the Special Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC) to breastfeed their babies and provides them with support and expertise to help them succeed.

Through the campaign, state and local WIC agencies will have access to downloadable resources and materials to share with participants and partners, including posters, educational materials, videos and resources tailored for moms, dads, grandparents and the support network of infant caregivers. The online home of the WIC Breastfeeding Support campaign can viewed by clicking the button below. 

Healthy Local Food Incentives Fund is Renewed with Governor's Signature

One of CLOCC's 2018 legislative priorities reached the finish line on Friday, July 27th, when Governor Rauner signed HB 4568 into law. The bill renews the Healthy Local Foods Incentives Program, which doubles the purchasing power of SNAP dollars for Illinois residents with limited access to fresh fruits and vegetables. Advocates of the program must now focus on securing an appropriation to fund education and implementation. 

A number of bills with the potential to impact children's health still await the Governor's signature. Please join CLOCC, the Illinois Alliance to Prevent Obesity (IAPO), the Active Transportation Alliance and many other State health advocates by adding your voice to the following calls to action. Please feel free to contact  CLOCC with policy-related questions.  
  • HB 4799 - The Bike Walk Education in Schools Act: Amends the School Code and provides that, in every public school maintaining any of grades kindergarten through 8, there shall be instruction, study, and discussion of effective methods for the prevention and avoidance of traffic injuries related to walking and bicycling. Ask Governor Rauner to sign this bill. 
     
  • SB 2572 - Physical Education Requirements. With more than one in three Illinois children overweight or obese, including an even higher rate for Hispanic and African American children, opportunities for physical activity are more precious than ever before. The daily P.E. requirement in schools was removed in 2017 as part of a new school funding reform law, however these new bills could improve P.E. by requiring a minimum number of minutes of P.E per week - 150 minutes for elementary schools and 225 minutes for secondary schools - as well as limiting district P.E. waivers from this requirement. Ask Governor Rauner to sign this bill. 
JOB POSTINGS
5-4-3-2-1 Go! Resources
fiveSMART Resources
CHILDHOOD OBESITY IN THE NEWS
FUNDING & RECOGNITION OPPORTUNITIES
  • The Hearst Health Prize, in partnership with the Jefferson College of Population Health in Philadelphia, is accepting applications. The winner will receive a $100,000 prize, with $25,000 awarded to up to two finalists, in recognition of outstanding achievement in managing or improving population health. The goal is to discover, support, and showcase population health programs that have made a measurable difference. Submissions must be received by August 9, 2018. Click here for details.  
     
  • The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) has announced a new round of Safe Routes to School (SRTS) funding for Illinois. One hundred percent funding is being offered and municipalities and school districts are invited to apply for the benefit.   
     
    • No local match required
    • Eligible Infrastructure projects include Sidewalk Improvements, Traffic Calming/Speed Reduction Improvements, Traffic Control Devices, Pedestrian and Bicycle Crossing Improvements, On-Street Bicycle Facilities, Off-Street Bicycle Facilities, and Secure Bicycle Parking Facilities.
    • Eligible Non-Infrastructure projects include events, equipment, and supplies that help to address areas of Education, Enforcement, Encouragement, and Evaluation.
    • Applications accepted from Sept 24 to Nov 19, 2018.
    • Click here for details.
T he Consortium to Lower Obesity in Chicago Children (CLOCC) is a nationally recognized leader for community-based obesity prevention. We support, coordinate, and unite partners to promote healthy and active lifestyles for children and families. Our multi-sector approach emerged in Chicago and can be adapted for use anywhere.