The Bureau of Nutrition and Physical Activity works to reduce hunger, increase breastfeeding, and decrease obesity throughout Arizona. For information on nutrition and physical activity in Arizona, see the Arizona Nutrition Status Report 2008.

Vision:
Inspiring Arizona to make healthy choices

Values:

• Innovation in what we do
• Integrity in how we do it
• Pride in customer service
• Continuous exchange of ideas and information
• Supportive environment
• Collaborative spirit
• Respect for all

Mission:
Improve health and well-being through nutrition education and promotion of physical activity along with passionate support for people and programs to reduce hunger, increase breastfeeding, and decrease obesity throughout Arizona.

Goals:

• Promote healthier eating habits and lifestyles.
• Ensure access to nutritious food.
• Improve nutrition assistance program management and customer service.

Our Programs:
Arizona Commodity Supplemental Food Program Arizona Commodity
Arizona Commodity Supplement Foods Program (CSFP) [Food Plus] is a federal food distribution program. The participants are pregnant, breastfeeding, and postpartum women, children, and elderly persons who meet income and residence guidelines.

Arizona Farmers' Market Nutrition Program
The Arizona Farmers' Market Nutrition Program (AZ FMNP) goal is to increase the fruit and vegetable consumption among low income women, children and seniors while supporting local farmers' markets.

The Arizona Nutrition Network
The Arizona Nutrition Network (AzNN) is comprised of an ever expanding group of public and private organizations committed to working together to promote healthy eating among lower income Arizonans through a social marketing campaign.

Breastfeeding Education
ADHS provides breastfeeding support to Arizona’s mothers and children day and night through our 24-hour Breastfeeding Hotline: 1-800-833-4642.  This bilingual resource is staffed by a board-certified lactation consultant after hours and on weekends and by lactation counselors during normal business hours.

ADHS also provides breastfeeding education to healthcare providers several times a year. Lactation Support in Arizona to Collaborate for Health (LATCH-AZ) brings internationally-recognized lactation experts to Phoenix and Tucson for presentations.  Health professionals in rural areas can participate via teleconferencing without having to travel.

Empower Pack
Beginning January 1, 2010, providers who choose to participate will receive a designation of “Empower Centers” by the department which parents will recognize as a center that promotes a healthy environment for their child.  Empower Centers will incorporate "10 Ways To Empower Children To Live Healthy Lives," a list of standards that addresses everything from providing healthy food and exercise, to limiting “screen” time.

Folic Acid Education & Distribution Program
Participants in the Folic Acid Education and Distribution Program receive a year supply of multivitamins (with 400 micrograms of folic acid) in addition to education.

Women, Infants, and Children Program
Arizona Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) is a federally funded program which provides Arizona residents with nourishing supplemental foods, nutrition education, and referrals. The participants of WIC are either pregnant, breastfeeding, or postpartum women, and infants and children who have nutritional needs and meet income guidelines.