Showing posts with label AOL. Show all posts
Showing posts with label AOL. Show all posts

Friday, November 21, 2014

Governor McAuliffe Signs Executive Order Establishing Commonwealth Council on Bridging the Nutritional Divide

RICHMOND – Today, Governor Terry McAuliffe signed an executive order establishing the Commonwealth Council on Bridging the Nutritional Divide, which will be chaired by First Lady Dorothy McAuliffe.

“A critical component in building a new Virginia economy is ensuring that no Virginia child or family goes hungry,” said Governor McAuliffe. “By using the assets unique to Virginia, we can bridge this nutritional divide, put more Virginians on pathways to success, and at the same time grow our local agriculture economies. I look forward to the great work the Council will do to benefit our communities and all Virginia children and families. “

“With the formation of this council, we are making clear our belief that, in order to cultivate and sustain economic success, all Virginians must have access to nutritious foods that will enable them to learn, grow, and thrive,” said First Lady Dorothy McAuliffe. “With the formation of this Council we’re saying enough with the tightrope, now we start building a bridge.”

The Commonwealth Council on Bridging the Nutritional Divide will work to help solve childhood hunger in the Commonwealth, promote Virginia’s agriculture economy, and support local programs related to community nutrition, food access, and health strategies. 

The Council will include representatives from both the McAuliffe administration and the private sector. This public-private partnership will be tasked with finding innovative ways to ensure that Virginia pursues new opportunities, as well as every federal dollar and program currently available that promotes healthy living, nutrition, and our local food programs. 

The full text of Executive Order 34 is below.

NUMBER THIRTY FOUR (2014)

THE COMMONWEALTH COUNCIL ON
BRIDGING THE NUTRITIONAL DIVIDE

Importance of the Initiative

            The foundation for a new Virginia economy rests upon the pillars of a world-class education system, infrastructure, business climate, and workforce. In order to cultivate and sustain economic success, all Virginians, especially children and young adults, must have access to nutritious, affordable, and locally-sourced foods that will enable them to learn, grow, and thrive. We must work to bridge the nutritional divide in Virginia by pursuing these objectives with a cross-Secretariat, public-private approach, relying on the Commonwealth’s vast resources and the vibrancy of our large agriculture sector.

Establishment of the Council

            Accordingly, by virtue of the authority vested in me as Governor under Article V of the Constitution of Virginia and under the laws of the Commonwealth, and subject to my continuing and ultimate authority and responsibility to act in such matters, I hereby establish the Commonwealth Council on Bridging the Nutritional Divide (“Council”).

Initiative

            The Council will seek to achieve three major objectives through partnerships across the Governor’s Cabinet, with state agencies, national, regional, and local nonprofits, local governments, schools, and private businesses, and with increased data sharing and research:

1.      Eliminate childhood hunger in Virginia by increasing participation in nutrition assistance programs:

·       Increase school division and community participation in a) the Community Eligibility Provision, b) the Summer Food Service Program, c) the Child and Adult Care Food Program, d) alternative breakfast models, and e) additional pathways to expand meal access as determined by the Council.
·       Increase eligible household participation in the Special Supplemental Nutrition  Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)

2.      Promote Virginia’s leading industry – agriculture – and increase access to affordable, healthy, and local foods:

·       Improve food distribution systems to better serve a diversifying Virginia agricultural economy
·       Improve accessibility to farmers’ markets
·       Increase acceptance of SNAP/Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) and WIC/EBT at farmers’ markets
·       Encourage the development of innovative and sustainable retail models to provide access to healthy foods in areas classified as food deserts
·       Increase farm-to-school and other farm-to-institution programs

3.      Facilitate efficient and effective local initiatives related to community nutrition, food access, and health strategies and programs across the Commonwealth:

·       Support the development of regional agricultural councils, nutrition education programs, and additional community and learning gardens
·       Serve as a communications hub for initiatives and convener of partners, and recognize and promote innovative local programs, that align with the council’s mission

Composition of the Council

            The Chair of the Council will be the First Lady of Virginia and consist of representatives of the Secretaries of Agriculture and Forestry, Commerce and Trade, Education, Health and Human Resources, Veterans and Defense Affairs, state and local agencies, the agriculture and business communities, leaders in education and health, and others with appropriate expertise, as appointed by the Governor.

Staffing

Staff support for the Council will be provided by the Office of the Governor, and any other agencies or offices as may be designated by the Governor. The Council will serve in an advisory role, in accordance with § 2.2-2100 of the Code of Virginia, and will meet upon the call of the Chair at least four times per year.

Accountability

The Council shall develop a three-year plan to achieve its objectives and shall regularly report to the Governor and the Children’s Cabinet. The plan shall include quantifiable metrics and associated goals for each objective, and progress toward achieving these goals shall be made available to the public via an online scorecard.

Effective Date of the Executive Order

This Executive Order shall be effective upon its signing and shall remain in force and effect until January 12, 2018, unless amended or rescinded by further executive order.

Given under my hand and under the Seal of the Commonwealth of Virginia, this 20th day of November, 2014.





Terence R. McAuliffe, Governor






Attest:             _______________________________________
                        Levar M. Stoney, Secretary of the Commonwealth




(Now does this sound good?  It does until you realize that it may just mean the government takeover of local farmers markets and farmers.  But you don't think this could ever happen now do you?  Or could it?  Stick around and find out.)

Saturday, October 18, 2014

Governor Terry McAuliffe, First Lady Dorothy McAuliffe And Fitness Icon Jake Steinfeld Team Up To Celebrate A Future of Fitness For Three Virginia Schools

US Navy 110426-N-00332-438 Sailors assigned to...
(Photo credit: Wikipedia)
Families, dignitaries and Virginia students cut ribbon on new Live Positively™ Fitness Center, provided in part by The Coca-Cola Company

Newport News, VA – Fitness took center stage today as Governor Terry McAuliffe, First Lady Dorothy McAuliffe, Jake Steinfeld, Chairman of the National Foundation for Governors’ Fitness Councils, and students from Hungtington Middle School cut the ribbon on their brand new state-of-the-art Live Positively Fitness Center. Huntington Middle, Chesterfield Academy, and Fairfield Middle School were three schools awarded new fitness centers for demonstrating innovative ways in promoting physical activity and wellness to their students.

"Building a new Virginia economy where all children have the opportunity to succeed starts with healthy and productive livelihoods, both at home and at school," said Governor McAuliffe. "I was proud that Virginia partnered with Jake Steinfeld to bring the National Champion Schools campaign to the Commonwealth and provide three schools with brand new fitness centers. I look forward to working with these schools and with schools across the state to promote health and wellness for all Virginia children."

“I’m fired up to be in Virginia today to cut the ribbon on their brand new Live Positively Fitness Center.  Governor McAuliffe and the First Lady immediately jumped on board and embraced our vision of building a nation with the fittest kids in the world - one school at a time.  They recognize how important healthy kids are to the future of this great state!” said Steinfeld.  “Today’s leaders – whether in schools like Huntington Middle, Chesterfield Academy or Fairfield Middle or companies like Coca-Cola and AOL – understand the value of bringing innovative fitness ideas to students.  This new fitness center will provide generations of students with the necessary tools to make physical fitness activities part their daily routine.” 

The National Foundation’s goal is to build a nation of the fittest, healthiest kids in the world. Physical activity and exercise are shown to help prevent and treat more than 40 chronic diseases, enhance individual health and quality of life and reduce health care costs.  In schools, studies show that physical activity improves academic achievement, increases confidence and self-esteem, reduces discipline problems, cuts absenteeism and fosters better interpersonal relationships.

“I am so happy that Virginia was able to partner with The National Foundation for Governors' Fitness Councils to provide these schools with tools and resources to enable Virginia children to lead healthy, productive lives,” said First Lady Dorothy McAuliffe."A thriving economy starts with thriving students, and physical fitness and access to nutrition play a major role in that success. Through this partnership, Virginia is building a foundation for students to excel, both at school and in their future careers."

The National Foundation for Governors' Fitness Councils program plans to bring its challenge to all 50 states in the coming years. An attractive and unique feature of this campaign is that the Live Positively Fitness Centers are fully funded through public/private partnerships with companies like Coca-Cola and AOL and does not rely on taxpayer dollars or state funding. Live Positively is part of Coca-Cola's commitment to bring people together to make a positive difference, which includes supporting physical activity programs.

For more information about the National Foundation, visit www.natgovfit.org
About the National Foundation for Governors’ Fitness Councils
The National Foundation seeks to encourage and reward innovation in the field of youth fitness by awarding fitness centers to schools that use new and unique methods to promote student physical activity and wellness.  The National Foundation envisions a fitness center in every school in the U.S., helping to build a nation that—through innovation and a “Don’t Quit” attitude—boasts the fittest kids in the world.  Since 2012, we’ve delivered fitness centers in Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, Washington, DC, Georgia, New Jersey, Delaware, and West Virginia.  In 2014, NFGFC will deliver new fitness centers to California, New Mexico, Connecticut and Virginia.

Drink Coke, Be Healthy?  Any other bright ideas?  Run and Smoke?  Brought To You By Phillip Morris?