PUBLIC TESTIMONY
Testimony by Jacob Zychick, Community Advocacy Director of American Heart Association on Healthy NYC and Intro 641
1:55:14
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124 sec
Jacob Zychick from the American Heart Association testified in support of Intro 641 and the Healthy NYC initiative. He emphasized the high rates of childhood obesity in New York, particularly among black and Latino students, and the potential impact of healthier restaurant meal options for children.
- Highlighted that 84% of New Yorkers support a policy requiring two children's meals to meet nutrition standards
- Mentioned that over 110 organizations have signed on to support Intro 641
- Expressed the American Heart Association's commitment to working with the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene to meet the goals of Healthy NYC
Jacob Zychick
1:55:14
My name is Jacob Zajic.
1:55:15
I'm with the American Heart Association.
1:55:18
On behalf of the American Heart Association, thank you for the opportunity to provide testimony on oversight of Healthy NYC and support of intro 641.
1:55:27
Childhood obesity in the United States remains high, and recent findings show that nearly 40% of New York public school children in grades k through 8 are overweight or obese.
1:55:36
According to the health department data, the rate of obesity among black students is about 65% greater than among white students.
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Among Latino students, that rate is 97% greater than among white students.
1:55:48
85% of US households eats out on average 5 times per week.
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When kids and teens eat out, they consume more calories than when they eat non restaurant foods.
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Studies show that restaurants can offer healthy menu options without losing revenue.
1:56:02
Interest 641 has an overwhelming support from New Yorkers, including a super majority of the New York City Council, A poll commissioned by the Center For Science in the Public Interest, CSPI, highlight that 84% of New Yorkers are supportive of a policy that would set a requirement for 2 children's meals to meet nutrition standards.
1:56:22
Stuck over here.
1:56:25
There's also over a 110 organizations representing public health, neighborhood nonprofits, restaurants, and faith based organizations who have signed on to support this bill.
1:56:34
Many of these great advocates are here today.
1:56:36
The American Heart Association is proud to join with the majority of city council and thousands of New Yorkers who are in support of intro 641 to ensure that healthier choice can be made easier when families are eating out in restaurants.
1:56:48
In addition to our support for intro 641, we want to say that we are a proud Healthy NYC partner.
1:56:53
As you heard, n y Healthy NYC is the city's vision on how to improve life expectancy and create a healthier city for all.
1:57:00
On behalf of the American Heart Association, thank you chair Shulman and the entire health committee for the opportunity to testify today.
1:57:06
The American Heart Association looks forward to working with the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene to meet the goals of Healthy NYC and continues to be supportive of intro 641, and we hope the health committee can support the bill also.
1:57:17
Thank you.
