CHICAGO, May 7, 2019 — Food sector companies and organizations finding new ways to improve the health of our food system have a unique opportunity to be recognized by the American Heart Association, the world’s leading voluntary organization focused on heart and brain health.

American Heart Association Chief Medical Officer for Prevention Eduardo Sanchez, M.D., announced the Foodscape Innovation Awards at a meeting the Association hosted with food industry executives today as the group discussed ways to work together to transform the food supply with better nutritional quality and health promotion practices.

Poor diet is a leading risk factor for morbidity and mortality in the United States and contributes to one in five deaths globally.[1] Last week, the American Heart Association published a scientific advisory which included a call for increased innovation and voluntary private sector efforts to improve the food supply and evaluate the impact of such efforts.

“Healthy food that tastes good and is good for our communities and our planet requires us to think creatively and operate differently,” Sanchez said. “Our goal in recognizing health-promoting innovations by companies and organizations in the food business is to shine a bright light on good work and accelerate positive change in the foodscape.”

Applicants may select from two entry categories for the 2019 Foodscape Innovation Awards:

  1. Innovation in Nutrition – Results in a positive shift in nutrition quality.
  2. Innovation in Health Promotion – Results in improved availability, accessibility, sustainability, desirability and/or affordability of healthier products.

Winning innovations must be original, recent, and develop or employ novel concepts, approaches, methodologies, tools or technologies that will create significant positive impact on public health, nutrition security, sustainability or consumer behavior.

Companies and organizations operating in the U.S. from all sectors of the food industry are eligible. Applications are due Sept. 16 and winners will be announced in the fall.

For additional details and to apply, visit heart.org/foodinnovationawards.

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About the American Heart Association

The American Heart Association is a leading force for a world of longer, healthier lives. With nearly a century of lifesaving work, the Dallas-based association is dedicated to ensuring equitable health for all. We are a trustworthy source empowering people to improve their heart health, brain health and well-being. We collaborate with numerous organizations and millions of volunteers to fund innovative research, advocate for stronger public health policies, and share lifesaving resources and information. Connect with us on heart.org, Facebook, Twitter or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.

For Media Inquiries: 214-706-1173

Jayme Sandberg: 214-706-2169; jayme.sandberg@heart.org

For Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)

heart.org and strokeassociation.org

 

[1] Global Burden of Disease Study. DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(19)30041-8