Online Program

Oral

At the end of 2012, Congress extended the 2008 Farm Bill through September 30, 2013 as part of the fiscal cliff deal. Approval of the farm bill extension meant a step backwards for many of the programs that support community health. Advocates will be working throughout 2013 to ensure that Congress restores critical programs that improve public health including funding for farmers markets and local food systems, support for small and mid-sized farmers and socially disadvantaged farmers, and financing for healthy food retail and food access in underserved areas. (APHA’s annual meeting serves as a critical opportunity to reflect on and take stock of what has been accomplished, lessons learned, and how the public health community can continue to advance federal food and farm policy to support healthier communities. This session will provide an overview of the current status of Farm Bill legislation and advocates will highlight Farm Bill opportunities that impact community health in both rural communities and urban and suburban settings. Speakers will also describe lessons learned that can be applied to community engagement in future farm bill discussions, as well as local, state, and federal policy discussions about other community health topics. The audience will have the opportunity to participate with panelists in a strategic discussion as to how we can best prepare ourselves and the broader public health community for future policy debates on the Farm Bill and how the lessons learned apply to work in their communities.

Session Objectives: Describe the various ways in which U.S. food and farm policy impact community health Describe lessons learned that can help guide future advocacy efforts on food and farm policy or other related federal, state, and local policy issues Identify specific ways to be involved in food and farm policy advocacy efforts

CE Credits: Medical (CME), Health Education (CHES), Nursing (CNE), Public Health (CPH)