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Operation Good Food & Beverages Addresses Growing Health Crisis Through Launch of Youth-led Movement Counteracting Unhealthy Food Marketing

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Campaign is working with Black youth and influencers to promote healthier food options and calling on the National Restaurant Association to promote menu changes

BALTIMORE /PRNewswire/ — Today, the Council on Black Health, a research and action network dedicated to improving Black health nationwide, launched a new, national campaign, Operation Good Food & Beverages (OGF&B), to engage Black youth in a movement to promote healthier food and beverage options and counteract widespread unhealthy food marketing. OGF&B is an initiative by and for Black youth who recognize the history of unhealthy food marketing and speak out on the need for healthy foods and beverages to be more available and promoted in Black communities.

The effort is in partnership with HeartSmiles, the Center for Science in the Public Interest, and the Rudd Center for Food Policy and Health at the University of Connecticut, and with support from the Bloomberg American Health Initiative at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, and Evoke, a global brand, experience, and communications platform.

OGF&B addresses a growing and urgent health crisis in the Black community. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Black communities experience a heavy burden of obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases. This is fueled in part by higher-than-average exposure of Black youth to the marketing of fast foods, sugary drinks, and other unhealthy products. Analyses from the Rudd Center for Food Policy and Health found that in 2019, Black youth viewed, on average, nearly three fast-food ads per day – 75 percent more than their White counterparts. 

“Patterns of racially targeted marketing of unhealthy food and beverages have not improved to any significant degree despite decades of public health criticism and calls for companies to change them,” said Shiriki Kumanyika, PhD, MPH, a research professor at Drexel University’s Dornsife School of Public Health and a lead researcher for OGF&B. “We believe a positive approach that expresses Black community views about the benefits of healthy foods and connects good foods to Black culture can spark change.”

Healthy eating has long played an influential role in Black communities. During the Civil Rights Movement, plant-based diets were central to many Black activists who saw the diet as a pathway to Black health and liberation. Today, for reasons from achieving health goals to connecting with African heritage, Black youth are among those spearheading the plant-based movement, with 50 percent of vegans identifying as Black or Latino.

OGF&B highlights the positive impact marketing of healthy foods and beverages can have on Black community health and well-being through the eyes of Black youth, who have contributed directly to the project through development of the website and social media channels, including content and videos. The campaign’s new website features community-inspired and nutritionist-approved recipes that can be used as part of a seven-day healthy food challenge, and it is working with Black influencers on TikTok and Instagram to help amplify the message. The campaign is also calling on the National Restaurant Association, via a petition on Change.org, to encourage its 380,000 member restaurants to apply existing Kids LiveWell nutrition standards to menu items that are popular with Black youth up to age 18 instead of the current age 12 and commit to promoting these healthier options. Through these efforts, OGF&B aims to amplify Black youth voices. and tackle an ongoing problem.

“Black youth will be the voice of this movement, but we all have a role to play,” said Kumanyika. “We hope that parents, advocates, advertisers, restaurants, food and beverage companies, celebrities and policymakers will all step up and join us to say now is the time to promote better food and beverage options in our communities. Our youth deserve it.”

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ABOUT OPERATION GOOD FOOD & BEVERAGES

Operation Good Food & Beverages was developed with youth leadership from HeartSmilesMD, an enrichment and leadership development program serving youth in Baltimore’s most underserved communities, and is a project launched by the Council on Black Health, a research and action network dedicated to improving Black health nationwide. Support is provided by the Bloomberg American Health Initiative. Learn more at operationgoodfb.com and follow the campaign on TikTok and Instagram.

ABOUT THE BLOOMBERG AMERICAN HEALTH INITIATIVE

Through education, research, and practice, the Bloomberg American Health Initiative aims to impact five challenges to the nation’s health: addiction and overdose, adolescent health, environmental challenges, obesity and the food system, and violence. One part of the Initiative, the Bloomberg Fellows Program, offers full scholarships for MPH and DrPH degrees for individuals working on the front lines to advance health in the U.S. The Initiative was founded with a gift from Bloomberg Philanthropies in honor of the centennial of the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. Learn more at americanhealth.jhu.edu.

ABOUT EVOKE

Evoke provided several pro bono services for the OGF&B campaign including creative, strategic, and social media direction along with media buying. Evoke is a leading global brand, experience, and communications platform, purpose-built to make health more human™. Organized by global practice areas and specialty agencies, Evoke uses data-driven insights, creativity, and applied innovation to solve the most complex of challenges in today’s healthcare market. Evoke is a platform for clients, talent, and the communities they serve to unlock their full potential. For more information, visit Evokegroup.com.

SOURCE Operation Good Food & Beverages

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    Rod: A creative force, blending words, images, and flavors. Blogger, writer, filmmaker, and photographer. Cooking enthusiast with a sci-fi vision. Passionate about his upcoming series and dedicated to TNC Network. Partnered with Rebecca Washington for a shared journey of love and art. View all posts

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Lifestyle

Keep Your Summer Entertaining Simple and Fun

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summer fun

5 expert ways to make the most of seasonal gatherings

(Family Features) From summer holidays and pool parties to spontaneous backyard barbecues with friends and neighbors, the hottest season of the year brings people together. When it’s your turn to host, make the most of the occasion by setting up your space to maximize the fun while showing off your festive side. “Summer is hands down my favorite time to host,” said Kristina Zias, lifestyle, beauty and fashion expert and mom. “I love any excuse to bring people together and – let’s be real – I’m always looking for a reason to throw a party. The key is keeping things low stress for the host and making sure guests feel comfortable the second they walk in.” This season, Zias and Glade are teaming up to share some of her favorite summer entertaining tips, which are simple, low-effort ways to make every gathering feel special. Whether you’re planning a full-blown backyard bash or hosting a few friends for drinks, Zias’ go-to ideas are all about setting the mood and enjoying the moment. 1. Set the Scene Without the Stress To achieve a beautiful scene and make cleanup a breeze, try using disposable plates, utensils, napkins and cups in red, white and blue. A self-serve drink station with strawberry-infused water and a table of colorful fruit skewers adds charm without requiring much prep. 17476 detail image embed1 2. Tap Into Nostalgia Through Scent Scent can instantly transport guests back to cherished summer memories, making it a powerful way to set the tone and spark conversation. Zias suggests using home fragrances to do just that. The new Glade Americana collection, available exclusively in stores and online at Walmart, features three limited-edition scents inspired by nostalgic summer traditions like beach trips, ice pops and garden-fresh fruit. Masterfully crafted to help bring summer to every room of your home, they’re designed to evoke warm-weather traditions.
  • Berries & Cream: Scents of a classic American summer treat spring to life in a picnic-perfect blend of apple, red berries, apricot, vanilla and sweet cream.
  • Summer Pops: Reminisce on childhood memories of a cool ice pop on a warm summer day with bright notes of Brazilian orange, pineapple, strawberry, white peach and sandalwood.
  • Beach Life: Transport yourself to a favorite summer vacation spot by the ocean with a breezy mix of sea salt, driftwood, white moss and white peony.
“These seasonal scents can help you evoke nostalgic memories and bring that summer energy into any room of your home,” Zias said. “They make everything feel a little more special and, honestly, they just make me happy.” 3. Keep It Simple and Guest-Friendly Part of summer’s appeal is its easygoing vibe, so there’s no need to overdo it with complicated snacks or overwhelming decor. Lean into the simplicity of the season with ready-to-serve bites that can please guests of all ages, like berries, sliced or cubed watermelon, meat and cheese trays, sliders or chips and light dips. A separate kids station with games and snacks can keep little ones entertained. 4. Create Comfortable Hangout Spots The hot summer sun and cool indoor air means guests will likely filter in and out of the house, so help them feel welcome and comfortable wherever they may be. Consider flexible seating guests can move around on the patio or in the yard, like bag chairs or foldable lawn chairs. Complement your festive indoor drink station with beverage-filled coolers to keep guests refreshed and designate an area for essentials like sunscreen and bug spray. 5. Have a Backup Plan The best-laid plans can go awry when summer storms pop up. Before inviting the entire town for a barbecue, make sure you have enough indoor space and seating in case of rain or extreme heat. For grilling plans, Zias recommends prepping an alternate cooking method to avoid last-minute stress. A little backup planning can help keep the good vibes going, rain or shine. For more summer entertaining ideas, visit Glade.com.   Photo courtesy of Shutterstock (group of friends eating) Photo courtesy of Glade (candles)   collect?v=1&tid=UA 482330 7&cid=1955551e 1975 5e52 0cdb 8516071094cd&sc=start&t=pageview&dl=http%3A%2F%2Ftrack.familyfeatures SOURCE: Glade

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Food and Beverage

Protein-Packed Summer Sweet Treats: Bring joy to your health journey with quick and easy summer recipes

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health (Family Features) Beach vacations, backyard barbecues and long road trips make summer a season of spontaneity. Often cited as memory-making moments, these unplanned adventures can also make it a challenge to stay on track with your health. This summer, sticking to your wellness goals doesn’t have to mean missing out on delicious, sweet treats. When summer throws you off your routine, reach for convenient sources of high-quality protein, like Premier Protein High Protein Shakes. With 30 grams of protein, 160 calories and 1 gram of sugar, you don’t have to choose between summer fun and nutrition. These summer shakes bring joy back to the health journey as easy and delicious grab-and-go solutions, putting a healthier, happier lifestyle within reach. Not to mention the shake’s 24 vitamins and minerals, including vitamins C and E, which help support a healthy immune system as part of a healthy diet and lifestyle. The fan-favorite shakes are best enjoyed as part of a nourishing breakfast, afternoon snack, post-workout boost or as an ingredient in a protein-packed recipe. There’s something for every taste bud, with more than 12 flavors including fan-favorites Chocolate, Vanilla, Caramel and Cafe Latte. If you’re interested in trying summertime recipes that taste indulgent and pack a protein punch, consider these tasty treats. When the sun is beating down and the only reprieve is an ice cold refreshment, let this twist on frosted lemonade be your escape from the heat. With fruity flavor and added protein, Frosted Peach Lemonade allows you to travel to a tropical island from the comfort of home. From hot days to cool nights, Premier Protein delivers the perfect solution for the classic bonfire indulgence with Protein Marshmallow S’mores. Your new summer classic, this unexpected s’more hack lets you embrace a sticky treat without sacrificing your nutritional goals. With nutrition that works for you, delicious recipes and nutrition tools help make the ride smoother and more enjoyable as a fun reminder the health journey doesn’t have to be daunting. With easy-to-understand nutritionals, Premier Protein High Protein Shakes deliver tasty fuel for whatever comes next, giving you the confidence to reach your goals and be the best version of yourself without missing summer’s special moments. To find more information and protein-packed recipes that’ll help keep your summer health goals on track, visit PremierProtein.com. 17470 detail image embed1

Frosted Peach Lemonade

  • 2 scoops Premier Protein Vanilla Milkshake 100% Whey Protein Powder
  • 1 cup lemonade
  • 1 cup frozen peach slices
  1. In blender, blend protein powder, lemonade and frozen peach slices until smooth.
17470 detail image embed2

Protein Marshmallow S’mores

  • 2 cups Premier Protein Vanilla High Protein Shake
  • 5 tablespoons gelatin
  • 3 scoops Premier Protein Vanilla Milkshake 100% Whey Protein Powder
  • 3 graham crackers
  • 3 chocolate bars
  1. Add protein shake to small saucepan and layer gelatin on top. Let set 5-10 minutes (gelatin will start to “bloom”).
  2. Over low heat, whisk mixture periodically until consistency thins.
  3. Pour into mixing bowl and allow to cool 5-10 minutes until mixture is warm, not hot.
  4. Add protein powder; whisk 10-20 minutes, or until light and fluffy. Mixture should not break and fall immediately when whisk is lifted.
  5. Pour mixture into lined pan and allow to set in refrigerator.
  6. Slice and serve alone or with graham crackers and chocolate bars.
  collect?v=1&tid=UA 482330 7&cid=1955551e 1975 5e52 0cdb 8516071094cd&sc=start&t=pageview&dl=http%3A%2F%2Ftrack.familyfeatures SOURCE: Premier Protein

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Food and Beverage

Serve a Simple Pasta Salad This Summer

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Pasta Salad (Family Features) Some summertime dishes are just too good to be true. This Easy Pasta Salad is simple enough to become a favorite side and filling enough to serve as a light main course. Enjoy more warm weather recipes by visiting Culinary.net. 17453 easy pasta salad detail image embed1

Easy Pasta Salad

Recipe courtesy of “Cookin’ Savvy” Servings: 4-6
  • 1 pound pasta noodles of choice
  • 1 can (15 ounces) peas, drained
  • 1 can (15 ounces) carrots, drained
  • 1 package (16 ounces) diced ham
  • 1 package (2 1/2 ounces) real bacon pieces
  • 1 package (6 ounces) cheddar cheese cubes
  • 2 1/2 cups mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons sugar
  • 1/2 cup juice from bread butter pickles
  • 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons mustard
  • salt, to taste
  • pepper, to taste
  1. Cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain and place in large bowl. Add peas, carrots, ham, bacon pieces and cheese cubes.
  2. In separate bowl, mix mayonnaise, sugar, pickle juice, vinegar and mustard. Season with salt and pepper, to taste. Pour mixture over pasta and mix well.
  3. Refrigerate 1-2 hours before serving.
  collect?v=1&tid=UA 482330 7&cid=1955551e 1975 5e52 0cdb 8516071094cd&sc=start&t=pageview&dl=http%3A%2F%2Ftrack.familyfeatures SOURCE: Culinary.net

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