Nutrition & Physical Activity Education

The Pasadena Public Health Department aims to prevent obesity and other chronic diseases.  Our community-based nutrition education campaign encourages the public to increase fruit and vegetable consumption, physical activity, and food security in low-income communities.  We can facilitate behavior change in homes, schools, worksites, and communities to create environments that support fruit and vegetable consumption and promote increased physical activity.

Education

Find us throughout the community. Our classes are offered in English and Spanish on the following topics:

• Food groups and portion sizes,
• Promoting physical activity,
• A grocery store tour and understanding nutritional labels,
• Defensive dining when eating outside the home, and
• Rethink Your Drink for healthier beverage options.

RENEW (Renewing Environments for Nutrition, Exercise, and Wellness)

Through advocacy and policy, RENEW is an opportunity to make a sustainable change in the Pasadena community. Our mission is to develop and implement a policy in which programs offered by the City of Pasadena provide options to healthy foods and/or beverages.  Our public education campaign has gained community support to create healthier food environments in areas with high rates of childhood obesity.  Pasadena City Council also supports our mission to decrease the availability of sugar-sweetened beverages and unhealthful foods in vending machines.  On October 3, 2011, the City of Pasadena Healthy Food and Beverage Vending and Procurement Policy was passed.  The standards that were adopted are as follows:  

• Require 100% of snacks sold in vending machines on City property to meet specified nutrition standards. 
• Require 100% of beverages sold in vending machines on City property to meet specified nutrition standards. 
• Require 100% of beverages and snacks served at all meetings/programs/events led, or coordinated, by City staff or programs, using City funds, shall meet specified nutrition standards. 

Please download the following documents for details on the specified nutrition standards or for more information.

RENEW Team Healthier Beverage Options

Try one of our healthy beverage recipes! 

To Prepare: 

1. Combine ingredients in a large pitcher.
2. Cover and chill in the refrigerator for one (1) hour.
3. Serve chilled over ice.

Ingredients 

Strawberry Water 

• 1 quart water
• 2 strawberries (sliced)

Cucumber Lemon Water 

• 1 quart water
• 1/4 cucumber (sliced)
• 1 lemon (sliced)

Minted Citrus Water 

• 1 quart water
• 3 large mint leaves (chopped)
• 3 slices of lime