The National Association of Latino Elected and Appointed Officials (NALEO) Educational Fund, the leading organization that facilitates full Latino participation in the American political process, has convened the meeting for Latino state legislators, municipal officials and school board members. The three-day institute takes place from April 25-27 at the Loews Philadelphia Hotel in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

“Latinos have among the highest rates of obesity, overweight, and type 2 diabetes,” said Arturo Vargas, Executive Director of the NALEO Educational Fund. “The health of our communities and the future of our nation depend on policy-makers’ ability to create a healthier, livable environment for our children.”

Through the Leadership for Healthy Communities national partnership initiative, a program of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, the NALEO Educational Fund supports Latino elected officials to create and promote places, policies and programs that enable active living and health eating. Policy-makers attending the meting will hear from top health and nutrition experts about the latest research findings and policy practices that improve community access to healthy food and opportunities for active living. 
Today, one-third of American children and adolescents are either obese or at risk of become obese.  In their efforts to reverse childhood obesity, Latino elected officials shape policies around school wellness, community design, neighborhood safety, transportation, housing, as well as recreation, and access to affordable fresh foods and quality health care.

“Policy-makers understand the urgency to resolve this health epidemic that our children face,” states Vargas.  “This event brings together key stakeholders that will be able to address both nutritional and environmental challenges that contribute to obesity in our community.  The NALEO Educational Fund commends them for their commitment to leadership for healthy communities.”

About the NALEO Educational Fund
The NALEO Educational Fund is the leading nonprofit organization that facilitates full Latino participation in the American political process, from citizenship to public service.