This Legislative session, the Fresh Chefs Society teamed up with children’s advocates at Texans Care for Children and Representative Strama to change state level policy and increase services available to youth that educate them about cooking and making smart food choices. As a result we successfully passed HB 2111, which increases nutrition education and opportunities for youth transitioning out of foster care statewide. HB 2111 was sent to the Governor May 22nd and will take effect September 1st, 2013.
The Fresh Chefs Society believes that improving the nutrition of youth transitioning out of foster care helps ensure they can thrive as independent adults and avoid the costly and life changing consequences of diet related disease. We are extremely grateful that the Legislature made this issue a priority and to all those who supported our efforts.
What does HB 2111 do?
I. Increases Nutrition Education and Opportunities
HB 2111 requires transitional living programs to help youth develop food preparation skills and obtain nutrition education to promote healthy food choices. The Texas Family Code currently requires that contractors provide life skills classes and information to youth as they prepare to transition out of the foster care system. Because of HB 2111, part of this basic package of transitional living services now includes:
Knowledge of food preparation
Shopping that promotes a healthy lifestyle
Nutrition education
II. Engages Willing Community Partners
HB 2111 encourages engaging willing community partners to help educate youth about food and create hands-on cooking opportunities.
The Fresh Chefs Society would like to extend a sincere and heartfelt thank you to Representative Strama, our Senate sponsor Senator Nelson, legislative staff, and the many advocates who worked throughout the session to ensure that HB 2111 made it across the finish line. It takes a village.
We want to thank the following organizations for your support:
Texans Care for Children
The Settlement Home
Lifeworks Austin
Texas Baptist Christian Life Commission
One Voice Texas
Texas Food Bank Network
Texas IMPACT
Center for Public Policy Priorities
ACTIVE Life
Children at Risk
Texas NAACP
Disability Rights Texas
Texas Foster Family Association
Texas Association of Child Placing Agencies
Texas Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics
Texas CASA
TexProtects
Citizens Commission on Human Rights
National Association of Social Workers Texas Chapter
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