- Perfected -

SCS/SB 680 - This act creates the Missouri Commission on Prevention and Management of Obesity within the Department of Health and Senior Services. The council will exist until August 28, 2004, and duties will include:

- Collecting data regarding obesity in Missouri;

- Listing programs and services available to overweight children and adults;

- Listing funds available for such services;

- Collecting data to demonstrate economic impact of not treating obesity;

- Identifying barriers to prevention and management of obesity;

- Identifying recommendations to increase prevention and management.

The Commission must coordinate with various federal and state departments to ensure a comprehensive approach to obesity prevention and management. A report must be submitted to the Governor and House and Senate appropriations committees by August 28, 2004. The Commission will consist of twenty-one members and must meet by October 1, 2002, and at least quarterly thereafter. The Commission must have an appropriate ethnic and geographic composition. The Director of the Department of Health and Senior Services will be the chair. By January 1, 2003, the Department must establish a resource databank containing information about obesity and related subjects.

In addition the Department must provide technical assistance to school districts to create healthy school nutrition environments, which are defined as those in which nutrition and physical activity are emphasized in school and at home. Districts should include quality school meals based on USDA dietary guidelines, other healthy food options, relaxed eating experiences, nutrition education, and appropriate marketing.

ERIN MOTLEY