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2021-2022 Progress Report

Voices for Healthy Kids 2022 Annual Progress Report

Letters from Leadership

From the American Heart Association CEO Nancy Brown

Childhood is but a grain in the sands of time—it seems in a blink babies go from our protective arms into the world. Giving them the best opportunity for a long, healthy life is the aim of Voices for Healthy Kids. 

Created in 2013 by the American Heart Association with support from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF), Voices for Healthy Kids champions policies to equitably improve the communities where children live, learn and play—especially those historically impacted by health and economic disparities.

While equity has always been our focus, last fiscal year inspired a reimagining of purpose, driving the Voices team to dig deeper for better ways to help children thrive amid inequities heightened by the pandemic. 

With an investment by RWJF, we created a national action plan to support grassroots advocacy and develop resources to transform communities in partnership with the people who live there. 

Today, more families in food deserts have access to fresh produce, streets and sidewalks in several cities are safer for biking and walking, the Keep Kids Fed Act extends pandemic-era school meal waivers, the Healthy Kids’ Meal Bill applies to both food and drinks and several states have expanded Medicaid. 

That’s only a snapshot.

I am proud to say that in 10 years, Voices for Healthy Kids has achieved 346 policy successes, touched 281 million lives and secured $5.3 billion to build healthier communities.

We are called to make even greater strides this year. Lighting our path is the Association’s 2024 Impact Goal to advance cardiovascular health for all, including identifying and removing barriers to healthcare access and quality. 

I celebrate staff and volunteer advocates for making an extraordinary impact.

Thank you to our funders, supporters and collaborators for helping Voices for Healthy Kids create a path to health equity for all. 

Together, we are a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives.

With heart,

Nancy Brown, Chief Executive Officer - American Heart Association Nancy Brown Chief Executive Officer American Heart Association

   

From the Voices for Healthy Kids Executive Director Lori Fresina

As Voices for Healthy Kids approaches its 10-year mark, we continue to advance policy change that improves the lives of children and families, always with equity as our North Star. If I were to name a theme for the past year, it would be “trust the process.”

We transitioned from creative reimagining to concrete, practical action. What emerged were new approaches to equity-centered grantmaking, policy development, leadership development, campaign support and our own internal hiring practices. 

We have learned that meaningful change can be bumpy, and that building processes that intentionally give up power and control can be downright scary!

Our Advocacy Impact Pilot supports equity-centered, community-led policy campaigns in four cities. Residents prioritized key issues for these campaigns, including some issues in areas that were new to us. Our job was to trust the process, even when that pushed us outside our comfort zone.

We continue to make our grantmaking process more anti-racist. We created the Fair Start Index, a data tool that guides our grant dollars to communities of highest need and opportunity. Holding ourselves accountable to our equity goals requires us to be more intentional about where we want to invest while being more curious about who we want to fund. We learned that our approach was good but that it needed to be better.

Amid hyper-partisanship, some advocates in conservative jurisdictions have felt caught between their commitment to equity and their desire to pass legislation, even if that means staying silent on race, racism or equity. To meet the moment, Voices for Healthy Kids regularly convened a nationwide peer group of advocates working in conservative jurisdictions to problem solve, share success stories and identify needs. Together, we developed a supportive community of peers and new messaging aimed at helping advocates and decision-makers converse about substantive issues without getting caught in partisan quicksand.

As always, we are grateful for the support of our funders, including the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, the W.K. Kellogg Foundation, The Rockefeller Foundation, the Bainum Family Foundation, and the Pritzker Children’s Initiative. Thank you for making our work possible.

With each passing year, we are ever-more appreciative of our entire Voices for Healthy Kids network—our grantees, national collaborators, community-based organizations, researchers and more. We continue to learn with and from you. Thank you for the critical role each of you plays in creating equitable communities nationwide.

With respect and gratitude,

Lori Fresina, Executive Director - Voices for Healthy Kids Lori Fresina Executive Director Voices for Healthy Kids

By The Numbers, 2013-2022

Increasing Impact

  • 346 policy successes (as of 8/1/22)

  • 281 million people affected by Voices for Healthy Kids policy wins* **Represents population of states and/or communities impacted by policies passed. Policies must meet American Heart Association’s guidelines, which are based on science and potential population impact (as of 8/1/22). 

  • $5.3 billion secured in appropriations to support mission-related programs and services that address the root causes of childhood obesity and health inequities (since the start of the initiative)

Building A Movement

  • 290 campaigns funded (as of 8/1/22)

  • 27 organizations in the Strategic Advisory Committee aligning with policy priorities and centering health equity (2022 committee)

  • 111 organizations participating in Voices for Healthy Kids’ advisory committees, work groups and other collaborations (as of 8/1/22)

  • 73,178 online grassroots advocates (as of 8/1/22)

Training and Resources

  • 22 advocacy toolkits created

  • 24 national message research projects

  • 6,101 requests for skills building, planning and consultation (technical assistance)

Policy Wins Across the U.S.

Policy Wins

Alabama Healthy, Accessible Food and Drinks - 2025

The Hunger Free Alabama Coalition was collectively able to secure $10 mill in funding for Summer EBT and an additional $1 million for DUFB.

American Heart Association - Alabama
Alabama Healthy, Accessible Food and Drinks - 2025

During Alabama’s 2025 legislative session, AHA & Hunger Free Alabama Coalition partners were able to defeat a bill that would have increased food insecurity among Alabama's most vulnerable by threatening broad-based categorical eligibility for SNAP recipients.

American Heart Association - Alabama
Alabama Family Economic Supports - 2025

Alabama took an important step on paid family and medical leave by passing a policy that provides eligible state employees and teachers with paid parental leave in connection with the birth, stillbirth, or miscarriage of a child or the adoption of a young child.

Alabama Arise and American Heart Association - Alabama
Alabama Healthy, Accessible Food and Drinks - 2024

Alabama allocated $1 million in funding to the Double Up Food Bucks SNAP incentive program working to decrease nutrition insecurity.

American Heart Association - Alabama
Alabama Infants, Toddlers and Early Childhood - 2023

$30 million in additional funding to support quality childcare across Alabama.

American Heart Association – Alabama
Alabama Infants, Toddlers and Early Childhood - 2022

Alabama appropriated $17.8 million to incentivize childcare providers to increase their quality rating scores.

The Women's Fund of Greater Birmingham
Alabama Preemption Efforts - 2021

Advocates defeated multiple bills that would have stripped authority from local county health departments during a public health threat and the COVID-19 pandemic.

American Heart Association – Alabama
Alabama Healthy, Equitable Schools - 2015

Alabama Board of Education adopted statewide nutrition standards for competitive foods sold in schools

American Heart Association – Alabama

Policy Wins

Alaska Infants, Toddlers and Early Childhood - 2024

Alaska expanded access to child care assistance funding by increasing the family income limit from 85% to 105% of the state median income and allocating $6 million to support the policy change.

American Heart Association - Alaska
Alaska Healthy, Accessible Food and Drinks - 2024

Alaska implemented Broad Based Categorical Eligibility for SNAP, making it easier for people who already qualify for other state supports to access SNAP.

American Heart Association - Alaska
Alaska Infants, Toddlers and Early Childhood - 2023

$7.5 million secured in state budget to increase wages for childcare workers to help stabilize childcare operations in Alaska.

American Heart Association - Alaska
Alaska Infants, Toddlers and Early Childhood - 2023

$1.5 million secured in the state budget to provide additional funds to Head Start Programs in Alaska.

American Heart Association - Alaska
Alaska Healthy, Accessible Food and Drinks - 2022

Alaska passed HB 168 allowing online applications for SNAP benefits.

American Heart Association - Alaska
Alaska Healthy, Accessible Food and Drinks - 2022

Alaska approved $500,000 to fund Double Bucks for SNAP and WIC recipients to spend at farmers markets, as well as additional funding for the Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program.

American Heart Association - Alaska

Policy Wins

Arizona Healthy, Accessible Food and Drinks - 2025

Pinnacle Prevention worked with AHA and other partners to secure $2 million appropriation for the SNAP incentive program which funding was in severe jeopardy—ensuring the program’s continuation and reinforcing legislative support for its impact.

American Heart Association - Arizona
Arizona Healthy, Accessible Food and Drinks - 2025

AHA collaborated with the Arizona School Nutrition Advocacy Group (“SNAG”) to achieve an interim step on the way to Universal Heathy School Meals for All by passing legislation and the supporting appropriation for full cost coverage of both breakfast and lunch for students on reduced-price school meals. The population impacted by the campaign to cover the costs for students on reduced-price school meals includes approximately 68,000 students. These students come from families earning between 131% and 185% of the federal poverty line - roughly $41,000 to $58,000 annually for a family of four. Covering the cost of both breakfast and lunch ensures these students have consistent access to nutritious meals.

American Heart Association - Arizona
Arizona Preemption Efforts - 2023

Successful campaign to defeat harmful preemption legislation backed by the tobacco industry to prevent local efforts to protect communities from the harmful effects of tobacco and smoking.

American Heart Association – Arizona
Arizona Preemption Efforts - 2023

Successful campaign to defeat harmful preemption legislation backed by the tobacco industry to prevent local efforts on tobacco control.

American Heart Association – Arizona
Arizona Healthy, Equitable Schools - 2022

Tolleson School District passed a water access policy increasing access to no-cost, clean water, ultimately improving their environment, helping lead to better health outcomes, and ground softening for larger districts to follow suit.

American Heart Association – Arizona
Arizona Preemption Efforts - 2022

Advocates defeated a bill that would have preempted local ordinances on tobacco.

American Heart Association – Arizona
Arizona Preemption Efforts - 2021

Advocates defeated a bill that would have preempted local ordinances on tobacco.

American Heart Association – Arizona
Arizona Preemption Efforts - 2020

Multiple groups joined together during the 2020 legislative session to stop almost 20 preemptive bills put forth by the Arizona legislature.

American Heart Association – Arizona
Arizona Active, Equitable Communities - 2020

Voters in Mesa approved the Mesa Moves bond program, which will help fund regional roadway improvements, projects to reconstruct arterial roads across the city, and active transportation like biking and walking.

American Heart Association – Arizona
Arizona Healthy, Accessible Food and Drinks - 2020

A special appropriation of $500,000 for SNAP incentives was included in the Arizona COVID-19 pandemic response budget to ensure increased access to fruits and vegetables.

Pinnacle Prevention
Arizona Active, Equitable Communities - 2019

Tuscan AZ City Council unanimously adopted a Complete Streets ordinance that prioritizes equity and will improve transportation options within the community for all people.

Living Streets Alliance
Arizona Preemption Efforts - 2019

An Arizona bill that would have preempted local control of tobacco work and undone all previous tobacco control policies at the local level was stopped.

American Heart Association – Arizona
Arizona Active, Equitable Communities - 2018

In Tucson, AZ, approved a ballot measure that will create a pool of $67.1 million through the sale of bonds to implement connectivity projects in the city.

American Heart Association – Arizona
Arizona Active, Equitable Communities - 2015

Voters passed a tax ballot measure expected to generate $16.7 billion over the life of the tax, with a significant portion being spent on walking and biking infrastructure.

American Heart Association – Arizona
Arizona Active, Equitable Communities - 2014

Arizona SB 1336 passed nearly unanimously, helping schools unlock the gates and open up their facilities to the community for either leased or uncompensated use of public school grounds.

American Heart Association – Arizona

Policy Wins

Arkansas Healthy, Accessible Food and Drinks - 2025

The Arkansas Hunger Relief Alliance successfully ensured that the SNAP asset law passed in 2023 was finally implemented by the administration, providing food access to more citizens.

Arkansas Hunger Relief Alliance
Arkansas Healthy, Accessible Food and Drinks - 2024

Arkansas legislation was passed that supports free breakfast for all public school students.

American Heart Association - Arkansas
Arkansas Healthy, Equitable Schools - 2021

The Arkansas Legislative Committee authorized a request from the Arkansas Department of Human Services to allocate $1.8 million in CARES Act funds to go to Statewide Critical Direct Feeding Services for Children, Elderly, and Families

American Heart Association – Arkansas
Arkansas Healthy, Equitable Schools - 2020

The Little Rock School District was the first district in the nation to adopt a water access policy requiring all new construction and major renovation projects in schools to include water bottle filling stations.

American Heart Association – Arkansas
Arkansas Healthy, Equitable Schools - 2020

The North Little Rock School District added a water bottle filling station requirement to its district wellness policy, requiring filling stations for any new construction or school renovation.

American Heart Association – Arkansas
Arkansas Healthy, Accessible Food and Drinks - 2017

Rogers, AR, mayor issued an executive order requiring all city vending machines to comply with nutrition guidelines to ensure that healthier food and beverage options are available on local public property.

American Heart Association – Arkansas
Arkansas Healthy, Accessible Food and Drinks - 2017

The Little Rock, AR, city manager signed a healthy vending policy for all vending machines located in buildings and on property owned by the city.

American Heart Association – Arkansas
Arkansas Healthy, Accessible Food and Drinks - 2016

Fayetteville, AR, mayor signed an executive order requiring all vending machines on city property to comply with GSA/HHS nutrition standards and that all vending machines provide calorie labeling.

American Heart Association – Arkansas
Arkansas Healthy, Accessible Food and Drinks - 2016

Springdale, AR, adopted nutrition standards for vending machines on city owned and leased property.

American Heart Association – Arkansas

Policy Wins

California - 2025

Our campaign for SB 1254 was extremely successful, culminating in Governor Gavin Newsom's signature, effectively enacting the policy into law during a challenging legislative year marked by a high veto rate of 18%, the highest of his tenure. The Rapid Response funds provided by Voices for Healthy Kids played a critical role in this final phase, focusing specifically on securing the Governor’s signature as the last step. These funds supported a robust, last-minute push to avoid a veto, mobilizing key outreach and advocacy efforts across multiple channels to ensure SB 1254’s success. This accomplishment opens a new chapter for our coalition, and we are now focused on the bill’s effective implementation. Bill Overview and Status: • Bill Number: SB 1254 • Status: Signed into law by Governor Newsom Implementation overview: We are now transitioning to the implementation phase, which will involve collaborative efforts among state and local partners to ensure that communities impacted by the criminal legal system benefit from SB 1254 as intended. Our coalition will work to provide education, support, and community engagement throughout this process. List and describe the activities, tactics, and tools employed with this funding to pass or defeat the proposed policy. Activities, Tactics, and Tools Employed with Funding: With the support of Voices for Kids, we deployed targeted strategies designed to amplify community voices and secure high-level support for SB 1254. Here are key tactics enabled by this funding: 1. Media Outreach: We utilized radio and internet ads through Cumulus Media to raise awareness and encourage public support for SB 1254. 2. Targeted Advocacy: By engaging Los Angeles County Supervisors and strategic legislators, we leveraged their support to encourage the Governor’s signature, effectively utilizing trusted voices to demonstrate the bill’s importance. 3. Community Engagement via EveryAction: Using the EveryAction platform, we mobilized community members with lived experience to share letters of support and advocate directly to the Governor, highlighting the bill’s positive impact. 4. Strategic Content with Elevate PR: In partnership with Elevate PR, we produced impactful videos featuring advocates with lived experience to humanize the policy and emphasize its significance. 5. Resource Materials: We developed educational materials, including fact sheets and infographics, to provide decision-makers with clear and concise information supporting SB 1254. Share best practices and lessons learned from employing these activities, tactics, and/or tools. Flexibility in Funding: Flexible funds were crucial, allowing us to employ a variety of tactics simultaneously—earned and unearned media, direct lobbying, and community mobilization—all of which were essential in overcoming the final hurdles. 1. Strong Community Foundation: Having a well-established coalition with community support made rapid mobilization possible. Engaging community members from the beginning ensured their readiness to advocate at critical moments, and we learned that continued resources are vital for centering lived experience in advocacy. 2. Diverse Skill Networks: Leveraging a diverse network of partners with varied expertise allowed us to execute a high-impact campaign. We observed that many individuals are eager to apply their unique skills to social impact, reinforcing the value of collaborative networks. Support from Voices for Healthy Kids was integral in securing this legislative victory, enabling us to deploy high-impact tactics that were essential for success. We look forward to further collaboration as we transition to implementing SB 1254 and continue advancing our shared mission.

Nourish California
California Healthy, Accessible Food and Drinks - 2025

This campaign resulted in the San Diego County Board of Supervisors unanimously voting to invest $500,000 to continue supporting Produce Prescription programing. This pilot program is the first of its kind in the nation and enables partnering health-care providers and trained Community Based Organizations to prescribe produce delivery boxes to Medi-Cal (Medicaid) patients and other high-needs, nutrition insecure individuals identified by health care providers.

American Heart Association - California
California Healthy, Accessible Food and Drinks - 2025

Overcoming the Governor’s initial budget proposal excluding funding for the CalFresh Fruit & Vegetable EBT pilot program, advocates secured funding at more than 3.5 times last year’s funding, despite a $12 billion state budget deficit, allowing Californians with low-incomes to access fresh, healthy produce.

American Heart Association - California
California Healthy, Accessible Food and Drinks - 2024

Advocates in California ensured that over $33 million of funding for SNAP incentive programs remained in the state's budget.

American Heart Association - California
California Healthy, Accessible Food and Drinks - 2024

Santa Cruz voters passed Measure Z, placing a 2 cent per fluid oz tax on sugary drinks.

American Heart Association - California
California Healthy, Accessible Food and Drinks - 2024

Berkeley voters approved the removal of the “sunset clause” from the local sugary drink tax, which would have caused the tax to expire on January 1, 2027. The sugary drink tax will now remain on the books in perpetuity.

American Heart Association - California
California Infants, Toddlers and Early Childhood - 2024

Sonoma County voters passed Measure I, approving a new transaction and use tax to fund early childcare education and healthcare for children.

American Heart Association - California
California Healthy, Equitable Schools - 2023

The California legislature passed a law setting stronger sodium and added sugar standards for school meals, creating healthier food options for students in the state.

American Heart Association - California
California Infants, Toddlers and Early Childhood - 2023

$1.4 billion in funding (over two years) was secured to supplement reimbursement rates for all childcare providers in the state improving access.

American Heart Association – California
California Healthy, Accessible Food and Drinks - 2021

California more than doubled the appropriations for the CA Nutrition Incentive program in the 2021-2022 budget with $20 million of new funding.

American Heart Association – California
California Healthy, Equitable Schools - 2021

Oceanside Unified School District passed legislation that all newly constructed public-school buildings and schools undergoing major renovations must be equipped with bottle filling stations

American Heart Association – California
California Healthy, Accessible Food and Drinks - 2021

Successful campaign for local investment in SNAP Incentive and Produce Prescription programs

American Heart Association – California
California Healthy, Accessible Food and Drinks - 2021

California became the first state in the nation to permanently adopt free school meals for all K–12 students.

California Association of Food Banks and the Center for Ecoliteracy
California Healthy, Accessible Food and Drinks - 2021

California's Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors approved $2 million in discretionary funds from redirected federal American Rescue Plan dollars to go toward SNAP incentives, Los Angeles' Market Match program.

Hunger Action LA
California Healthy, Equitable Schools - 2021

Oceanside Unified School District updated their School District Wellness Policy to improve water access.

American Heart Association – California
California Healthy, Accessible Food and Drinks - 2021

San Diego County Board Members unanimously approved $2 million in funding for SNAP incentives and $1 million in funding for produce prescriptions

American Heart Association – California
California Active, Equitable Communities - 2020

The San Jose City Council unanimously approved $6.78 million in funding for active transportation infrastructure improvements.

California Walks
California Active, Equitable Communities - 2019

The Los Angeles City Council allocated over $100 million to make streets accessible for everyone: $34.6 million for Vision Zero, $30.9 million for Complete Streets and $38.7 million for bike and pedestrian projects.

Investing in Place
California Infants, Toddlers and Early Childhood - 2019

California allocated over $142 million over four years to increase access to and provide support for Head Start and Early Head Start programs.

California Head Start Association
California Healthy, Accessible Food and Drinks - 2018

The San Francisco fiscal year 18-19 budget included over $1 million in funding for Healthy Food Vouchers.

American Heart Association – California
California Healthy, Accessible Food and Drinks - 2018

The city council in Daly City, CA, unanimously approved a new policy requiring the default beverage offered with kids’ meals to be water, milk or non-dairy milk-alternative

Public Health Advocates
California Healthy, Accessible Food and Drinks - 2018

California passed legislation requiring the default beverage offered with restaurant kids’ meals to be water or milk.

Public Health Advocates
California Healthy, Accessible Food and Drinks - 2018

The 2018-2019 California State Budget included $9 million in funding for the CalFresh Fruit and Vegetable EBT Pilot program to help low-income residents purchase and consume more California-grown produce.

American Heart Association – California
California Healthy, Accessible Food and Drinks - 2017

The Perris, CA, City Council passed an ordinance making water, milk and 100% juice the default drinks served with children’s meals in restaurants.

Public Health Advocates
California Healthy, Accessible Food and Drinks - 2017

The Cathedral City, CA, city council passed an ordinance requiring healthy beverages to be the default option in restaurant kids’ meals.

Public Health Advocates
California Active, Equitable Communities - 2017

The Long Beach, CA, city budget was approved, including $10 million dollars for bike and pedestrian safety improvements throughout the city. Funds were available thanks to successful ballot measures that provided the necessary transportation dollars.

American Heart Association – California
California Healthy, Equitable Schools - 2017

California AB 841 restricts junk food marketing in all California schools during the school day.

American Heart Association – California
California Healthy, Accessible Food and Drinks - 2017

The Santa Clara County, CA, Board of Supervisors adopted an ordinance prohibiting restaurants from offering drinks other than water or milk in combination with a kids’ meals.

Public Health Advocates
California Active, Equitable Communities - 2017

The City of Los Angeles approved the 2018 budget, including $27 million to support the Vision Zero initiative, an effort to eliminate pedestrian traffic deaths by creating safer active transportation infrastructure

Investing in Place & L.A. County Bicycle Coalition
California Healthy, Accessible Food and Drinks - 2017

The Long Beach, CA, City Council unanimously passed the Kids First Choice policy, removing sugary drinks from restaurant kids’ meals.

Public Health Advocates
California Healthy, Accessible Food and Drinks - 2016

Oakland, CA, voters approved a one-cent per ounce tax on sugary drinks.

American Heart Association – California
California Healthy, Accessible Food and Drinks - 2016

Albany, CA, voters passed a one-cent per ounce tax on sugary drinks.

American Heart Association – California
California Healthy, Accessible Food and Drinks - 2016

Stockton, CA, City Council unanimously passed an ordinance requiring the default beverage offered with kids’ meals to be water, milk or non-dairy milk-alternative.

Public Health Advocates
California Active, Equitable Communities - 2016

Santa Clara County, CA, voters approved Measure B, a 0.5% sales tax, with $250 million of the money generated by the tax dedicated to improving walking and biking infrastructure.

American Heart Association – California
California Active, Equitable Communities - 2016

Los Angeles County, CA, voters passed Measure M, a 0.5% sales tax and 0.5% traffic relief tax, which will funnel an estimated $25 billion into active transportation projects over the coming years.

Yes on Measure M & Investing in Place
California Healthy, Equitable Schools - 2016

California adopted a smart snacks competitive foods policy, ensuring that 6,314,700 students have access to healthier snacks in schools.

American Heart Association – California
California Active, Equitable Communities - 2016

Stanislaus County, CA, voters passed Measure L, a 0.5 cent sales tax, estimated to generate $960 million dollars over 25 years for local transportation investments.

American Heart Association – California
California Active, Equitable Communities - 2016

Monterey County, CA, voters approve Measure X, a sales tax increase, which will provide $20 million for pedestrian and bike improvements, $20 million for Safe Routes to Schools programs and $360 million to local road maintenance and safety over 30 years.

American Heart Association – California
California Healthy, Accessible Food and Drinks - 2016

San Francisco, CA, voters passed a one-cent per ounce tax on sugary drinks.

American Heart Association – California
California Active, Equitable Communities - 2016

California AB 1613, an amendment to the 2016 budget, redirected $900 million in cap-and-trade funds to greenhouse gas reduction efforts, including $10 million in new funding for the Active Transportation Program.

American Heart Association – California
California Healthy, Equitable Schools - 2016

California secured $9.5 million for water filtration systems for schools in low income neighborhoods and $500,000 for technical assistance to those schools.

American Heart Association – California
California Healthy, Accessible Food and Drinks - 2016

San Francisco, CA, adopted a new ordinance that improves the nutritional quality of foods and beverages in vending machines on city and county-owned properties.

American Heart Association – California
California Healthy, Accessible Food and Drinks - 2015

Local ballot initiative passing a sugary drink tax and earmarking dollars to improved community wellness in Berkeley, CA

American Heart Association – California

Policy Wins

Colorado Healthy, Accessible Food and Drinks - 2024

The Healthy School Meals for All program in CO was protected when lawmakers were convinced to allocate additional money to to keep the program fully funded.

Hunger Free Colorado and American Heart Association – Colorado
Colorado Infants, Toddlers and Early Childhood - 2023

Colorado voters overwhelmingly approved Proposition II, which allows the state to use $23.65 million in excess tobacco tax revenue to support universal Pre-K programs.

Preschool for All Coloradans & American Heart Association - Colorado
Colorado Healthy, Accessible Food and Drinks - 2022

A successful ballot initiative to provide no-cost, healthy school meals for all public school students in Colorado.

Hunger Free Colorado and American Heart Association – Colorado
Colorado Healthy, Accessible Food and Drinks - 2021

The Golden City Council voted unanimously to approve a healthy kids meals ordinance that makes healthy beverage options the default on kids meals menus in restaurants throughout the city.

American Heart Association – Colorado
Colorado Healthy, Accessible Food and Drinks - 2021

Longmont, Co passed a legislation that requires all restaurants to sell children's meals with default beverages of water, dairy milk, or non-dairy milk with no added sugar.

American Heart Association – Colorado
Colorado Infants, Toddlers and Early Childhood - 2021

Innovative and community-based campaign to increase access and support to childcare in Colorado.

Small Business Majority
Colorado Healthy, Accessible Food and Drinks - 2021

Successful campaign to increase SNAP incentive appropriations to increase access to healthy food.

American Heart Association – Colorado
Colorado Preemption Efforts - 2019

A preemption law in Colorado was repealed, giving local governments more power to tax and regulate tobacco products.

American Heart Association – Colorado
Colorado Healthy, Equitable Schools - 2019

The Colorado legislature approved $1.1 million in physical education appropriations, prioritizing funding for high-need schools and districts.

Healthier Colorado
Colorado Active, Equitable Communities - 2018

The Denver, CO, 2019 budget included $15 million for citywide bike and pedestrian infrastructure improvements.

American Heart Association – Colorado
Colorado Active, Equitable Communities - 2017

Denver, CO, voters voted yes on the Denver GO Bond, securing more than $115 million for walking and biking infrastructure, including $30 million just for sidewalk improvements.

American Heart Association – Colorado
Colorado Healthy, Accessible Food and Drinks - 2017

Lafayette, CO, City Council approved an ordinance requiring the default beverage offered with kids’ meals to be water, milk or non-dairy milk-alternative.

American Heart Association – Colorado
Colorado Infants, Toddlers and Early Childhood - 2016

Colorado adopted updated early care and education rules for childcare centers, improving nutrition and physical activity requirements and limiting screen time.

The Fund for a Healthier Colorado
Colorado Healthy, Accessible Food and Drinks - 2016

Boulder, CO, voters voted “yes” on measure 2H, a two-cent per ounce tax on sugary drinks.

American Heart Association – Colorado
Colorado Active, Equitable Communities - 2015

Denver, CO secured $7.1 million for bicycle and pedestrian projects, a $1 million increase from previous years’ budget allocations.

American Heart Association – Colorado
Colorado Healthy, Equitable Schools - 2015

Colorado adopted a competitive foods statewide policy to ensure the nutritional quality of foods in schools.

American Heart Association – Colorado
Colorado Active, Equitable Communities - 2015

The Colorado Transportation Commission allocated $2.5 million annually, starting in fiscal year 2016, to fund the Safe Routes to School Program that was created through legislation in 2014.

American Heart Association – Colorado

Policy Wins

Connecticut Healthy, Equitable Schools - 2025

AHA was legislatively appointed to participate as a member of the “Connecticut ECE Caucus.” The group met regularly for over a year and worked to get the support of the Governor, Speaker, and Senate President prior to the beginning of the legislative session. While the exact funding amount won’t be known until the Office of Personnel Management determines the precise size of the unallocated surplus (potentially $220M), this new allocation will not only makes huge efforts that will result in positive recruitment and retention of providers, but also makes affordable, quality ECE more affordable to many state residents.

American Heart Association - Connecticut
Connecticut Healthy, Accessible Food and Drinks - 2024

Connecticut lawmakers made SNAP more accessible by requiring cross-agency collaboration to promote different nutrition programs and to streamline the application process.

American Heart Association - Connecticut
Connecticut Healthy, Accessible Food and Drinks - 2024

The Connecticut legislature agreed to cover the cost of all reduced-price school meals, ensuring eligible students receive free breakfast and lunch.

American Heart Association - Connecticut
Connecticut Infants, Toddlers and Early Childhood - 2024

Over $18 million in funding was allocated to Care4Kids, which helps families with low-to-moderate incomes pay for childcare costs.

American Heart Association - Connecticut
Connecticut Infants, Toddlers and Early Childhood - 2023

$3.5 million in ARPA funds were appropriated to increase access to affordable childcare by New Haven Mayor Justin Elicker.

American Heart Association – Connecticut
Connecticut Infants, Toddlers and Early Childhood - 2023

$35 million was appropriated for Care4Kids, a program that is part of the CT Office of Early Childhood and helps low to moderate income families pay for childcare costs.

American Heart Association – Connecticut
Connecticut Healthy, Equitable Schools - 2021

A successful campaign to place water bottle filling station in schools in CT increasing access to healthy hydration.

American Heart Association – Connecticut
Connecticut Active, Equitable Communities - 2015

Connecticut authorized bonds for construction of walkways and bikeways ultimately securing $9.8 million to build active transportation infrastructure.

American Heart Association – Connecticut

Policy Wins

Delaware Healthy, Accessible Food and Drinks - 2025

Delaware expanded access to no-cost breakfast to all students.

American Heart Association - Delaware
Delaware Infants, Toddlers and Early Childhood - 2024

Delaware invested $3.5 million in the Early Childhood Assistance Program, expanding access to Head Start Programs in the state.

Rodel and the American Heart Association - Delaware
Delaware Infants, Toddlers and Early Childhood - 2024

Delaware lawmakers allocated money to cover the cost of reduced-price school meals for eligible students, expanding access to no-cost school meals in the state.

Rodel and the American Heart Association - Delaware
Delaware Healthy, Accessible Food and Drinks - 2024

Delaware lawmakers allocated money to cover the cost of reduced-price school meals for eligible students, expanding access to no-cost school meals in the state.

American Heart Association - Delaware
Delaware Infants, Toddlers and Early Childhood - 2023

Success in securing over $12 million so more 3-and-4-year-olds can have access to Head Start programs in Delaware.

American Heart Association – Delaware
Delaware Infants, Toddlers and Early Childhood - 2023

$10.347 million in public funding was appropriated to provide wage increases to childcare workers and to address workforce shortages and workforce retention issues.  

American Heart Association – Delaware
Delaware Infants, Toddlers and Early Childhood - 2022

Delaware increased funding by $66,581,900 for the Purchase of Care Program, which provides access to childcare for vulnerable populations, and to address childcare workforce shortages and workforce re

Rodel
Delaware Active, Equitable Communities - 2020

The Delaware legislature approved over $15 million in bike and pedestrian appropriations as part of the 2021 Capital Improvements Act.

American Heart Association – Delaware
Delaware Healthy, Accessible Food and Drinks - 2019

House Bill 79 was passed by the Delaware legislature, requiring healthy drink options as the default beverages in all kids’ restaurant meals.

American Heart Association – Delaware

Policy Wins

District of Columbia Healthy, Accessible Food and Drinks - 2023

Give SNAP a Raise policy passed in DC that provides a 10% monthly bonus to District SNAP recipients to help them stretch their food budget and access more healthy food.

American Heart Association - District of Columbia
District of Columbia Healthy, Accessible Food and Drinks - 2021

The District of Columbia doubled appropriations for the Produce Rx program to $500,000, enabling more under-resourced residents, mostly in Wards 7 and 8, to better access fruits and vegetables.

DC Greens
District of Columbia Healthy, Accessible Food and Drinks - 2020

The District of Columbia Council Committee on Health recommended doubling $500,000 for the Produce Rx program

DC Greens
District of Columbia Healthy, Accessible Food and Drinks - 2014

Washington, DC, enacted a procurement policy that creates a framework for worksite wellness in the District, including adopting AHA’s Fit Friendly Worksite recommendations and creating nutrition standards aligned with the Federal General Service Guidelines for foods and beverages available in vending machines and served in city facilities in the District of Columbia.

American Heart Association – Washington, DC

Policy Wins

Florida Preemption Efforts - 2020

Florida advocates responded to multiple preemptive policies during the 2020 session, effectively stopping the passage of new preemption bills and paving the way for future preemption repeal.

Florida Rising Together
Florida Preemption Efforts - 2019

Florida advocates successfully stopped multiple attempts to pass tobacco preemption in the state legislature.

American Heart Association – Florida
Florida Active, Equitable Communities - 2017

Pinellas County, FL, voters voted to renew an existing 1% sales tax that generates money for capital improvements, including an estimated $412 million over ten years for transportation projects.

American Heart Association – Florida
Florida Healthy, Accessible Food and Drinks - 2016

St. Petersburg, FL, mayor signed an administrative healthy vending policy to improve foods available in all city owned and operated facilities.

American Heart Association – Florida
Florida Healthy, Equitable Schools - 2014

Florida adopted a competitive food rule in July 2014 and is working to implement the federal standards by ensuring their schools have the necessary resources and technical assistance needed for success. Florida AHA worked directly with schools to implement the new standards.

American Heart Association – Florida

Policy Wins

Georgia Family Economic Supports - 2025

The Childcare Advocacy Task Force Georgia Early Education Alliance for Ready Students (GEEARS) and its partners secured a $5,468,500 appropriation that will go far in ensuring more Georgia citizens with low-incomes have access to childcare.

Georgia Early Education Alliance for Ready Students
Georgia Infants, Toddlers and Early Childhood - 2024

Success campaign to advocate for over $9 million in the FY 25 Georgia state budget to support access to childcare for low-income families.

American Heart Association - Georgia
Georgia Healthy, Accessible Food and Drinks - 2024

Advocates worked to secure a budget line item to provide funding to cover the cost of reduced-price meals, meaning more students will have access to no-cost breakfast and lunch at school.

American Heart Association - Georgia
Georgia Healthy, Accessible Food and Drinks - 2022

A community-driven campaign that resulted in the City of Atlanta funding $500k to support a SNAP incentive program, increasing access to fresh, healthy, locally grown food.

American Heart Association – Georgia
Georgia Active, Equitable Communities - 2022

Athens County, Ga., passed a complete streets policy ensuring safety for all users of sidewalks, bike lanes and crosswalks.

American Heart Association – Georgia
Georgia Active, Equitable Communities - 2021

Atlanta approved a tax district that will fund a trail system to provide a safe space for walking, biking, and other physical activity.

American Heart Association – Georgia
Georgia Healthy, Accessible Food and Drinks - 2021

Fulton County, Georgia made an administrative rule for the first time to fund Wholesome Wave Georgia to expand the SNAP Healthy Incentive program from ARPA funding to mitigate the impact of COVID-19.

American Heart Association – Georgia
Georgia Active, Equitable Communities - 2021

Augusta passed a referendum that provides at least $25 million specifically toward bike and pedestrian funding projects.

American Heart Association – Georgia
Georgia Active, Equitable Communities - 2020

Atlanta allocated over $1.4 million in transportation funding to support the Huff Road Complete Streets Project to bring equitable walking and biking to an underserved area of the city.

American Heart Association – Georgia
Georgia Preemption Efforts - 2019

Georgia advocates defeated legislation that would have prevented local governments from enacting or enforcing comprehensive smoke-free ordinances.

American Heart Association – Georgia
Georgia Active, Equitable Communities - 2018

Atlanta, GA, enacted a new Complete Streets policy, which will help shift more people from driving to other modes of transportation, expanding transportation options for all people.

American Heart Association – Georgia
Georgia Healthy, Accessible Food and Drinks - 2017

The Savannah City Council passed a resolution implementing healthy vending and healthy food service policies, ensuring that the 2,600 city employees, as well as visitors to city property, have access to healthier foods and beverages.

American Heart Association – Georgia
Georgia Active, Equitable Communities - 2016

Atlanta, GA, voters approved a five-year increase in sales tax to generate $380 million to fund active transportation projects throughout the city.

American Heart Association – Georgia
Georgia Healthy, Equitable Schools - 2015

Georgia Department of Education adopted a statewide nutrition policy to ensure healthier competitive foods are available in schools.

American Heart Association – Georgia

Policy Wins

Hawaii Healthy, Accessible Food and Drinks - 2025

The campaign to pass this legislation in Hawaii is an important incremental step forward in the fight to secure Healthy School Meals for All. Specifically, the legislation secures free school meals to those currently eligible for reduced price meals and also raises the FPL limit to 300%.

American Heart Association - Hawaii
Hawaii Healthy, Accessible Food and Drinks - 2024

Hawaii advocates secured $1.5 million in appropriations for SNAP Incentive program, increasing access to healthy nutrition for Hawaii's most vulnerable.

American Heart Association - Hawaii
Hawaii Healthy, Accessible Food and Drinks - 2023

The Governor of Hawaii allocated $500,000 to support the Da Bux SNAP incentive program, increasing purchasing power for SNAP participants.

American Heart Association - Hawaii
Hawaii Healthy, Accessible Food and Drinks - 2020

After advocates acted, Hawaii SNAP participants will now have a Double Up Food Bucks (Da Bux) fruits and vegetables incentives program funded at $500,000 via state funding, with additional private funding pending.

Hawaii Appleseed
Hawaii Healthy, Accessible Food and Drinks - 2019

The Hawaii Governor signed Senate Bill 549 into law, requiring restaurant kids’ meals to have healthy beverages as the default option starting January 2020.

American Heart Association – Hawaii
Hawaii Healthy, Accessible Food and Drinks - 2019

The state legislature in Hawaii passed a $100,000 allocation ($50,000 per year for two years) for Double Up Food Bucks, making fresh, nutritious foods more affordable for people who can’t afford to shop at high-end grocery stores.

Hawai‘i Appleseed Center for Law and Economic Justice

Policy Wins

Idaho Infants, Toddlers and Early Childhood - 2023

Success in ensuring an investment of $15 million for Child Care Infrastructure Grants in FY 2024, increasing access to affordable, high-quality childcare, with focus on high-need communities across Idaho.

American Heart Association – Idaho
Idaho Preemption Efforts - 2021

Advocates defeated a bill that would have preempted local ordinances on tobacco.

American Heart Association – Idaho
Idaho Preemption Efforts - 2020

Advocates successfully defended against preemptive language in the Idaho tobacco retail licensure bill.

American Heart Association – Idaho

Policy Wins

Illinois Infants, Toddlers and Early Childhood - 2023

A collaborative effort that secured $50 million in the FY24 budget, funding construction/renovation of early childhood facilities, increasing the number of childcare programs with priority in communities with the greatest underserved population.

American Heart Association - Illinois
Illinois Infants, Toddlers and Early Childhood - 2023

The FY24 Illinois budget included $5 million to expand home visiting programs called The Early Head Start Home-Based option, providing support for low-income pregnant people and families with children under 3.

American Heart Association - Illinois
Illinois Healthy, Accessible Food and Drinks - 2022

Cook County, Ill., passed legislation that provides $4.5 million for nutrition security initiatives, including Veggie Rx, from the American Rescue Plan Act supplemental ordinance.

American Heart Association - Illinois
Illinois Healthy, Accessible Food and Drinks - 2021

Illinois adopted policy that requires all restaurants in the state to make the default beverage choices of water, non-flavored sparkling water, and 100% apple juice.

American Heart Association - Illinois
Illinois Healthy, Accessible Food and Drinks - 2020

Chicago allocated over $550,000 in CARES Act funding to support SNAP incentives, supporting both SNAP participants and local farmers markets.

American Heart Association - Illinois
Illinois Healthy, Accessible Food and Drinks - 2020

Illinois included $500,000 in funding for SNAP incentives infrastructure in the 2020-2021 state budget.

American Heart Association - Illinois
Illinois Active, Equitable Communities - 2019

Legislators in Illinois passed a six-year transportation capital program that includes $50 million annually for bike and pedestrian projects.

American Heart Association - Illinois
Illinois Healthy, Accessible Food and Drinks - 2016

The Cook County, IL, County Board of Commissioners passed a one-cent per ounce tax on sweetened beverages.

American Heart Association - Illinois

Policy Wins

Indian Country Healthy, Accessible Food and Drinks - 2020

The Navajo Nation Council voted to extend the Healthy Diné Nation Act (HDNA) of 2014, a tax on unhealthy items like: sugary drinks, candy, chips, etc.. A portion of revenue is allocated toward community wellness projects and clean water initiatives.

First Nations Development Institute
Indian Country Healthy, Accessible Food and Drinks - 2014

Navajo Nation passed a 2% price increase on sugary beverages and non-nutritious food and eliminated the 5% sales tax on water, fruits, seeds, nuts and vegetables.

First Nations Development Institute

Policy Wins

Indiana Healthy, Accessible Food and Drinks - 2023

Passage of law that reduces the barriers to nutritional assistance for some vulnerable populations, including extending the eligibility period and streamlining the application process for the elderly and those individuals with disabilities.

American Heart Association - Indiana
Indiana Active, Equitable Communities - 2021

Evansville, IN passed a complete streets policy making it easier for people to be physically active while getting around town.

American Heart Association - Indiana

Policy Wins

Iowa Healthy, Accessible Food and Drinks - 2020

The Iowa Governor allocated $1 million in CARES Act funding to the Double Up Food Bucks program to increase SNAP participants’ purchasing power for fruits and vegetables.

American Heart Association – Iowa
Iowa Active, Equitable Communities - 2020

The Des Moines City Council built upon the success of their complete streets policy by approving nearly $60 million in streets funding, including $13 million for bike and pedestrian projects.

American Heart Association – Iowa
Iowa Active, Equitable Communities - 2018

The City Council of Des Moines, IA, voted unanimously to adopt a revised Complete Streets policy to improve the transportation network for all users within the city, with a focus on equity, prioritizing areas that have seen historical underinvestment.

American Heart Association – Iowa
Iowa Active, Equitable Communities - 2015

Iowa HB 570 unanimously passed the Senate and was signed by the governor to clarify liability allowing the use of municipal property for recreational activities.

American Heart Association – Iowa

Policy Wins

Kansas Healthy, Accessible Food and Drinks - 2025

Partners secured a Summer EBT success with a one-time $120 benefit per child to help families purchase groceries during the summer. According to the Kansas Department of Children and Families, approximately 266,000 children could potentially be eligible for Summer EBT benefits with this funding.

American Heart Association - Kansas
Kansas Preemption Efforts - 2024

A harmful preemption bill prohibiting local tobacco policy work was successfully defeated in committee.

Kansas Black Leadership Council and American Heart Association - Kansas
Kansas Preemption Efforts - 2023

Successful defeat or harmful preemption legislation that threatened the local policy efforts regarding nutrition, tobacco, etc.

Kansas Black Leadership Council and American Heart Association - Kansas
Kansas Preemption Efforts - 2022

Advocates defeated a bill that would have preempted local ordinances on tobacco.

American Heart Association - Kansas
Kansas Active, Equitable Communities - 2020

Wyandotte County passed an equity-focused complete streets policy to make streets and sidewalks safer for walking, biking, and rolling.

American Heart Association - Kansas

Policy Wins

Kentucky Healthy, Accessible Food and Drinks - 2024

Adovcates successfully killed a bill that would have eliminated categorical eligibility and reinstated maximum asset limits for SNAP applicants, protecting SNAP access for over 25,000 households.

American Heart Association - Kentucky
Kentucky Infants, Toddlers and Early Childhood - 2021

Successful campaign to pass updated standards for licensed childcare centers on healthy foods, physical activity and screen time.

American Heart Association – Kentucky
Kentucky Infants, Toddlers and Early Childhood - 2020

Kentucky established early care and education standards on nutrition, physical activity, screen time, and sugary beverages in licensed centers.

American Heart Association – Kentucky
Kentucky Active, Equitable Communities - 2019

The Louisville City Council updated the existing complete streets ordinance to focus more specifically on performance measures, transparency, accountability and equity to increase roadway safety and encourage active living.

Kentucky Youth Advocates
Kentucky Healthy, Equitable Schools - 2019

Water bottle filling stations are now required to be installed in all newly constructed schools and school modernization projects in Kentucky.

American Heart Association – Kentucky
Kentucky Healthy, Accessible Food and Drinks - 2017

Louisville, KY, mayor signed an executive order to increase healthier food and beverage offerings in vending machines on city property.

American Heart Association – Kentucky

Policy Wins

Louisiana Healthy, Accessible Food and Drinks - 2025

This campaign defended and ultimately secured Summer EBT funding for Louisiana's children in 2025, following the Governor's initial decision to reject the federal funds in 2024. Nearly 600,000 children in Louisiana were eligible for these benefits, which would provide $40 per child per month (totaling approximately $71 million in federal funds) to help families purchase food during the summer months when school meals are unavailable.

American Heart Association - Louisiana
Louisiana Healthy, Accessible Food and Drinks - 2022

Louisiana allocated $889,000 to create or expand a market match SNAP program, doubling SNAP dollars available for spending at farmers markets.

Market Umbrella
Louisiana Preemption Efforts - 2022

Advocates defeated a bill that would have preempted local ordinances on tobacco.

American Heart Association – Louisiana
Louisiana Healthy, Equitable Schools - 2021

A successful campaign to increase access to healthy hydration buy ensuring water filling stations in schools in Louisiana.

American Heart Association – Louisiana
Louisiana Active, Equitable Communities - 2021

New Orleans, La., passed a bond measure that dedicates bike and pedestrian funding to the city budget, focusing on communities with low to moderate incomes.

Bike Easy
Louisiana Healthy, Accessible Food and Drinks - 2021

New Orleans' city council passed a law that makes healthy beverage options the default for all kids meals.

American Heart Association – Louisiana
Louisiana Active, Equitable Communities - 2020

New Orleans passed a city ordinance requiring planning, designing, funding, operation, and maintenance of the city's transportation system

Bike Easy
Louisiana Active, Equitable Communities - 2018

Voters in Baton Rouge, LA, approved a sales tax that will generate approximately $170 million over 30 years to improve sidewalks, connectivity, safe biking and walking routes.

American Heart Association – Louisiana
Louisiana Healthy, Accessible Food and Drinks - 2017

Louisiana Governor signed Executive Order 17-15, requiring healthy vending for all state owned and leased properties, making Louisiana the first state in the country to meet all of AHA’s policy priorities for healthy vending.

Tulane
Louisiana Healthy, Accessible Food and Drinks - 2017

Jefferson Parish, LA, president signed an executive directive requiring both healthy vending and healthy food service on all Jefferson Parish public property.

American Heart Association – Louisiana
Louisiana Healthy, Accessible Food and Drinks - 2016

New Orleans, LA, finalized a healthy food procurement vending and healthy food service procurement policy impacting over 5,500 city employees and 378,000 residents.

American Heart Association – Louisiana

Policy Wins

Maine Family Economic Supports - 2025

This campaign to defend Maine’s strong, comprehensive paid family and medical leave (PFML) policy legislative and stakeholder opposition emerged early with not just one, but ten bills introduced to eliminate or significantly weaken the policy before its full implementation next year. These oppositional bills ran the gamut - including provisions for both full and partial program repeal, refunding premium contributions to businesses, exemptions for certain employees (e.g. teachers) and businesses, and restrictions on when and how employees could access leave. The Maine team engaged in impactful advocacy that ultimately protected the policy.

American Heart Association - Maine
Maine Healthy, Accessible Food and Drinks - 2024

Maine now requires all newly constructed and majorly renovated school buildings to include access to water bottle filling stations.

American Heart Association - Maine
Maine Family Economic Supports - 2023

Successful Paid Family and Medical Leave campign in Maine taking effect incrementally over the next 2.5 years leading to 12 weeks of paid time off for public and private sector employees in 2026.

American Heart Association - Maine
Maine Preemption Efforts - 2023

Successful defeated a harmful preemption bill that threatened to severely impact ongoing local tobacco work in Maine, and would have potentially restricted sugary drink work as well.

American Heart Association - Maine
Maine Healthy, Equitable Schools - 2021

Maine passed LD221, which included a Meals for Students Fund, establishing a nonlapsing, dedicated fund for free breakfast and lunch at schools for all students.

American Heart Association - Maine

Policy Wins

Maryland Healthy, Accessible Food and Drinks - 2025

A successful campaign to install water bottle filling stations in newly constructed buildings (not just schools) was successful due, in large part, to diligence and perseverance. Clean Water Action and AHA worked to include major reconstruction in the bill language. Now Maryland students will have increased access to healthy drinking water and so will Marylanders across the state in office buildings and beyond!

American Heart Association - Maryland
Maryland Healthy, Accessible Food and Drinks - 2024

Restaurants offering kids' meals in Charles County, MD must now ensure there are healthy food and beverage options available for their youngest customers.

American Heart Association - Maryland
Maryland Infants, Toddlers and Early Childhood - 2021

Successful campaign to secure significant public dollars for early head start, head start and early care and education.

American Heart Association – Maryland
Maryland Active, Equitable Communities - 2020

The Montgomery County Council in Maryland approved nearly $30 million in funding for implementation of the 2018 Master Bike Plan, which will support active transportation and recreation.

American Heart Association – Maryland
Maryland Active, Equitable Communities - 2020

The Howard County Council appropriated $5.3 million dollars for bike and pedestrian improvements, with a focus on ADA compliance.

American Heart Association – Maryland
Maryland Healthy, Accessible Food and Drinks - 2020

Prince George's County Council passed the Healthy Kids’ Meals bill (CB-071-2020), legislation that would curb the number of sugary drinks and unhealthy foods sold with restaurant kids’ meals.

The Horizon Foundation
Maryland Active, Equitable Communities - 2019

Howard County included $1.45 million in its 2019 budget for biking projects.

American Heart Association – Maryland
Maryland Healthy, Accessible Food and Drinks - 2018

The County Executive of Baltimore County issued an executive order that improves the nutritional quality of foods and beverages in vending machines on county-owned properties.

Sugar-Free Kids MD/Horizon Foundation
Maryland Healthy, Accessible Food and Drinks - 2018

The Baltimore City Council passed an ordinance requiring the default beverage offered with kids’ meals to be water, milk, non-dairy milk-alternative or 100% juice.

Sugar-Free Kids MD/Horizon Foundation
Maryland Active, Equitable Communities - 2018

The Howard County Council approved $3 million in appropriations for biking and walking infrastructure products.

The Horizon Foundation
Maryland Active, Equitable Communities - 2018

Baltimore, MD, passed the strongest Complete Streets policy in the country to date, with a major focus on equity.

Baltimore Complete Street Coalition
Maryland Healthy, Accessible Food and Drinks - 2017

Montgomery County, MD, County Council unanimously approved Bill 1-17, requiring healthy options in vending machines on county property.

The Horizon Foundation
Maryland Healthy, Accessible Food and Drinks - 2017

Prince George’s County, MD, County Council unanimously adopted a healthy vending policy to help ensure Prince George’s County’s over 900,000 residents have access to healthier options while on public property.

The Horizon Foundation
Maryland Active, Equitable Communities - 2017

The Howard County, MD, County Council approved the fiscal year 2018 budget, which included a more than $3.5 million investment in active transportation infrastructure and improvements.

The Horizon Foundation
Maryland Healthy, Accessible Food and Drinks - 2015

Baltimore, MD, secured a long-term vending contract and procurement policy to ensure healthier choices on government properties.

The Horizon Foundation
Maryland Infants, Toddlers and Early Childhood - 2014

The Maryland Senate passed bill 716, instructing the State Superintendent to adopt rules to improve nutrition standards and limit screen time in childcare centers.

The Horizon Foundation

Policy Wins

Massachusetts Preemption Efforts - 2024

Advocates successfully defeated a harmful preemption bill that would have preempted local tobacco regulation.

American Heart Association - Massachusetts
Massachusetts Infants, Toddlers and Early Childhood - 2022

Advocates secured over $1.4 billion in the Massachusetts FY 24 budget to provide funding to support affordable access to early care and education for children from low-income and other under-resourced families in Massachusetts.

American Heart Association - Massachusetts
Massachusetts Infants, Toddlers and Early Childhood - 2022

Working with the Common Start coalition, successfully advocated for $16.5 million for Head Start programs, as well as millions of other dollars allocated to support other early care and education programs.

American Heart Association – Massachusetts
Massachusetts Healthy, Accessible Food and Drinks - 2022

Successfully advocates for $110 million appropriations for no-cost, healthy meals for all public school students.

Project Bread
Massachusetts Healthy, Accessible Food and Drinks - 2022

Successful advocated for $24 million in funding for the MA Healthy Incentive Program in the FY23 budget making the program sustainable year-round. MA is the state with the highest appropriations for SNAP incentives in the country.

Massachusetts Food System Collaborative 
Massachusetts Preemption Efforts - 2021

Advocates defeated a bill that would have preempted local ordinances on tobacco.

American Heart Association – Massachusetts
Massachusetts Healthy, Accessible Food and Drinks - 2021

Boston passed the 2021 operating budget and the FY 21-25 capital plan, allocating funding for safe, reliable, and accessible streets and spaces and $524,724 for the expansion of the Double Up Food Bucks program to increase access to healthy foods.

American Heart Association – Massachusetts
Massachusetts Healthy, Accessible Food and Drinks - 2020

The Boston City Council approved over $500,000 in funding for SNAP incentives infrastructure as part of the fiscal year 2021 budget.

Massachusetts Food System Collaborative 
Massachusetts Active, Equitable Communities - 2020

The Boston City Council included $14.3 million in the fiscal year 2021 budget to fund bike and pedestrian projects in low-to-moderate income neighborhoods.

American Heart Association – Massachusetts
Massachusetts Healthy, Accessible Food and Drinks - 2020

Massachusetts allocated $13 million for its Healthy Incentive Program, a SNAP incentive program that provides a one-to-one match for fresh and fruits and vegetables at farmers markets.

Massachusetts Food System Collaborative 
Massachusetts Active, Equitable Communities - 2020

The Massachusetts’ Governor issued the 2020-2024 Capital Investment Plan, which includes $11.5 million per year for the Complete Streets Funding Program.

American Heart Association – Massachusetts
Massachusetts Healthy, Accessible Food and Drinks - 2019

The Massachusetts fiscal year 2020 budget includes $6.5 million in funding for the SNAP Healthy Incentive Program, which provides SNAP recipients with $1 back on their EBT cards for each dollar spent on eligible produce.

Massachusetts Food System Collaborative 
Massachusetts Active, Equitable Communities - 2019

The Boston City Council voted unanimously to approve the 2020 budget and 2020-2024 capital budget, including $16.15 million in funding for bike and pedestrian infrastructure.

American Heart Association – Massachusetts
Massachusetts Active, Equitable Communities - 2019

The Massachusetts fiscal year 2020 budget includes $6.5 million in funding for the SNAP Healthy Incentive Program, which provides SNAP recipients with $1 back on their EBT cards for each dollar spent on eligible produce.

American Heart Association – Massachusetts
Massachusetts Active, Equitable Communities - 2016

The Massachusetts Department of Transportation approved more than $110 million as part of the five-year capital investment plan to fund walking and biking projects throughout the state.

American Heart Association – Massachusetts
Massachusetts Active, Equitable Communities - 2015

Massachusetts secured the release of $12.5 million in state revenue for the newly created complete streets certification program.

American Heart Association – Massachusetts

Policy Wins

Michigan Healthy, Accessible Food and Drinks - 2024

The Michigan 24-25 FY budget allocated $3 million to support the Fair Food Network’s Double Up Food Buck’s program to provide SNAP Incentives for purchasing fruits and vegetables.

American Heart Association - Michigan
Michigan Infants, Toddlers and Early Childhood - 2024

The Michigan 24-25 FY budget provided $19 million in state funding to support increasing child care reimbursement rates for child care providers.

American Heart Association - Michigan
Michigan Infants, Toddlers and Early Childhood - 2024

The 24-25 FY budget provided $85 million in additional funding to support and expand access to Head Start and Early Head Start programs in Michigan.

American Heart Association - Michigan
Michigan Healthy, Accessible Food and Drinks - 2024

The Michigan 24-25 FY budget provided $500,000 in new funding to establish and implement a pilot program for a Fruit and Vegetable Prescription Program in Genessee County, MI.

American Heart Association - Michigan
Michigan Healthy, Equitable Schools - 2024

Michigan allocated over $36 million in funding to support access to safe drinking water in schools.

American Heart Association - Michigan
Michigan Healthy, Accessible Food and Drinks - 2023

Successful campaign to ensure all public school students in Michigan will have access to no-cost, healthy school meals.

American Heart Association - Michigan
Michigan Healthy, Accessible Food and Drinks - 2023

Successful campaign to ensure all public school students in Michigan will have access to co-cost, healthy school meals.

American Heart Association – Michigan
Michigan Healthy, Accessible Food and Drinks - 2023

Successful campaign to increase access to SNAP benefits for those who need it in Michigan.

ACCESS
Michigan Preemption Efforts - 2020

A coalition of advocates defeated a six-bill package that would have prohibited local bans on flavored e-cigarette products.

Keep Michigan Tobacco Free Alliance
Michigan Healthy, Accessible Food and Drinks - 2020

Michigan passed SB 690, a mid-year supplemental bill that allows the state to spend funding from the CARES Act, and allocated a one-time appropriation of $1 million to the Double Up Food Bucks program.

Fair Food Network
Michigan Healthy, Accessible Food and Drinks - 2017

Michigan lawmakers allocated 5% of annually appropriated funds from the Community Revitalization Program to support healthy food access, totaling an estimated $12-$15 million over that five-year period.

American Heart Association – Michigan

Policy Wins

Minnesota Family Economic Supports - 2023

MN HB 2 was passed and signed by the governor, bringing PFML benefits to public and private sector employees across the state. The program will ramp up over the next 2.5 years, and workers will be able to begin taking leave and receiving benefits on January 1, 2026.

American Heart Association - Minnesota
Minnesota Infants, Toddlers and Early Childhood - 2023

Secured $10 million in increased funding by MN legislature for Head Start programs, with a special set aside of 10.72% specifically for Tribal Head Start programs.

American Heart Association - Minnesota
Minnesota Healthy, Accessible Food and Drinks - 2023

Successfully passing of legislation ensuring that starting with the 2023/2024 school year, all students have access to a no-cost breakfast and lunch.

American Heart Association - Minnesota
Minnesota Active, Equitable Communities - 2014

A coalition of nearly 40 organizations secured funding for $1 million annually for Safe Routes to School infrastructure

American Heart Association - Minnesota

Policy Wins

Mississippi Family Economic Supports - 2025

The Mississippi Black Women’s Roundtable (MSBWR) has been leading the effort to pass the Mississippi State Employees Paid Parental Leave Act for many years, with support from AHA/VFHK. This Act, passed in 2025, provides six weeks of paid parental leave to state employees who are the primary caregiver, after birth or adoption at 100% pay. While proud of the work that led to this year’s success, the campaign is not over. The Coalition is currently planning to host an implementation training and celebratory event for the respective legislative champions, the Attorney General and leaders from relevant state agencies. This will allow coalition members to continue the conversation around implementation models with the goal of all agencies adopting the same comprehensive PFML model. Additionally, this will provide an opportunity for the Coalition to advocate for a future amendment to this legislation that will include ALL public and private sector employees, as well as extending the number of weeks allotted to those taking PFML.

Mississippi Black Women’s Roundtable and American Heart Association - Mississippi
Mississippi Healthy, Accessible Food and Drinks - 2023

American Heart Association - fought back against serious efforts to zero out the budget for the Healthy Food and Families SNAP Incentive Program, threatening access to healthy foods for SNAP participants in Mississippi.

American Heart Association – Mississippi
Mississippi Healthy, Accessible Food and Drinks - 2022

Mississippi passed SB 2077 and SB 3015 creating the Mississippi Healthy Food and Families Program, with $400,00 to make produce-matching grants to eligible nonprofits administering SNAP incentive prog

American Heart Association – Mississippi
Mississippi Healthy, Equitable Schools - 2020

The Brookhaven School District Board of Trustees unanimously approved a measure that will allow students and staff to carry refillable water bottles at schools.

American Heart Association – Mississippi
Mississippi Active, Equitable Communities - 2017

The Jackson, MS, mayor signed an executive order that strengthened the city’s existing complete streets ordinance, adding equity components that were missing from the original ordinance.

American Heart Association – Mississippi
Mississippi Infants, Toddlers and Early Childhood - 2017

Mississippi State Department of Healthy adopted updated licensing standards for both center-based and home-based child care, improving physical activity requirements to complement their strong nutrition and screen time rules.

American Heart Association – Mississippi
Mississippi Healthy, Accessible Food and Drinks - 2017

Jackson, MS, mayor signed an executive order implementing nutrition standards for all vending machines and food service operations on city property.

American Heart Association – Mississippi
Mississippi Healthy, Equitable Schools - 2016

Mississippi adopted Smart Snacks Standards for all foods and beverages sold in Mississippi schools, going above and beyond by not allowing nutrition standard exemptions for fundraisers.

American Heart Association – Mississippi

Policy Wins

Missouri Preemption Efforts - 2025

This campaign began after the tobacco industry helped file a bill that would have preempted tobacco legislation state-wide. An ad hoc coalition made up of numerous organizations quickly formed and Voices for Healthy Kids granted rapid response dollars. The Coalition combined multiple tactics simultaneously, including lobbying, coordinated alerts, social media pushes. Success was obtained when the session adjourned without the bill passing, keeping Missouri tobacco control measures safe for another year.

American Heart Association - Missouri
Missouri Healthy, Accessible Food and Drinks - 2025

Spectacular Summer EBT Appropriations win in Missouri!

American Heart Association - Missouri
Missouri Healthy, Accessible Food and Drinks - 2024

Lawmakers agreed to provide $2 million in funding for Missouri's Double Up Food Bucks SNAP incentive program increasing access to fruits and vegetables.

American Heart Association - Missouri
Missouri Preemption Efforts - 2024

Missouri advocates were able to stop three harmful preemption bills protecting local tobacco regulation in the state.

American Heart Association - Missouri
Missouri Healthy, Accessible Food and Drinks - 2023

Successful campaign to increase access to SNAP for recipients as their incomes increase and simplification of the SNAP application process.

American Heart Association – Missouri
Missouri Preemption Efforts - 2023

American Heart Association - worked side by side with the Kansas City Chamber and Missouri Realtors to defend against harmful preemption legislation, protecting local tobacco regulatory control.

American Heart Association – Missouri
Missouri Healthy, Accessible Food and Drinks - 2022

St. Louis, Mo., passed legislation that requires the default beverages at food service operations to be healthy options for kids.

American Heart Association – Missouri
Missouri Preemption Efforts - 2022

Advocates defeated a bill that would have preempted local ordinances on tobacco.

American Heart Association – Missouri
Missouri Preemption Efforts - 2021

Advocates defeated a bill that would have preempted local ordinances on tobacco.

American Heart Association – Missouri
Missouri Family Economic Supports - 2020

Voters in St. Louis approved Proposition R, which will raise $2.3 million annually for Early Childhood programs and services each year.

WEPOWER
Missouri Infants, Toddlers and Early Childhood - 2020

Missouri voted to expand Medicaid to cover an additional 230,000 adults.

Beyond Housing
Missouri Healthy, Accessible Food and Drinks - 2018

The City Council in Kansas City, MO, passed an ordinance requiring new transportation infrastructure projects to include Complete Streets components, with a priority on ensuring successful implementation of Complete Streets in low and moderate-income neighborhoods.

American Heart Association – Missouri
Missouri Healthy, Equitable Schools - 2018

The Kansas City, MO, Board of Education adopted an updated school wellness policy to promote student health and help facilitate student learning of lifelong healthy habits around nutrition and physical activity.

Communities Creating Opportunity
Missouri Active, Equitable Communities - 2017

St. Louis mayor signed an executive order implementing nutrition standards for all vending machines and food service operations on city property.

American Heart Association – Missouri
Missouri Healthy, Accessible Food and Drinks - 2017

Kansas City, MO, improved their 2014 vending policy to bring it up to date with modern nutritional standards. Residents, city employees and visitors will have access to healthier options while on city property.

American Heart Association – Missouri

Policy Wins

Montana Healthy, Accessible Food and Drinks - 2025

Despite threats, this campaign to fund Summer-EBT was successful, securing approximately $20.3M dollars for the next two summers.

American Heart Association - Montana
Montana Healthy, Accessible Food and Drinks - 2025

During budget hearings, the Montana legislature voted to remove Summer-EBT administrative funding from the original draft budget proposed by the governor. AHA worked closely with advocates to ensure that Summer-EBT was amended back into the budget.

American Heart Association - Montana
Montana Preemption Efforts - 2023

Successful coalitions came together to defeat serious preemption threats to local democracy in Montana.

American Heart Association – Montana
Montana Preemption Efforts - 2021

Advocates defeated a bill that would have preempted local ordinances on tobacco.

American Heart Association – Montana
Montana Preemption Efforts - 2019

A Montana bill that would have stripped local authority to regulate tobacco and e-cigarettes was defeated

American Heart Association – Montana

Policy Wins

Nebraska Healthy, Accessible Food and Drinks - 2025

Nebraska advocates worked to push back against the sunset of a FPL Level for SNAP eligibility, keeping benefits for thousands of Nebraskans and their families and access to nutritious food.

American Heart Association - Nebraska
Nebraska Healthy, Accessible Food and Drinks - 2023

$317k secured to help support the Double Up Food Bucks program which had been funded in the 2022 legislative session at $2.5 million.

American Heart Association – Nebraska
Nebraska Preemption Efforts - 2022

Advocates defeated a bill that would have preempted local ordinances on tobacco.

American Heart Association – Nebraska
Nebraska Healthy, Accessible Food and Drinks - 2022

Nebraska's SNAP eligibility was set to go down to 135% of FPL on 10/1/23 due to a sunset provision after a previously expanded access to 165% . Worked hard to extend the sunset to keep thousands of Nebraska’s most vulnerable citizens' food secure.

American Heart Association – Nebraska
Nebraska Preemption Efforts - 2020

A Nebraska bill with potential to preempt the local regulation of “consumer merchandise,” including tobacco and soda taxes, was defeated.

American Heart Association – Nebraska
Nebraska Preemption Efforts - 2019

A Nebraska bill that would have impacted the ability of local communities to regulate tobacco licensing, taxes and fees was defeated.

American Heart Association – Nebraska

Policy Wins

Nevada Active, Equitable Communities - 2022

Henderson, Nevada passed a complete streets policy as part of its Henderson Strong Comprehensive Plan making the community more walking, biking, and active transportation friendly.

American Heart Association – Nevada
Nevada Active, Equitable Communities - 2019

The Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada approved over $35 million for walking and biking projects in Las Vegas.

American Heart Association – Nevada
Nevada Active, Equitable Communities - 2019

The Regional Transportation Commission in Nevada approved budget items allocating $10.33 million and $20.83 million in bike and pedestrian infrastructure and safety funding to the City of Henderson and Clark County respectively.

American Heart Association – Nevada
Nevada Active, Equitable Communities - 2018

The City of Las Vegas funded eight active transportation projects, providing nearly $10.5 million to make the city more bike and pedestrian friendly.

American Heart Association – Nevada
Nevada Active, Equitable Communities - 2018

The Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada approved over $12 million in funding to support a connected and safe active transportation network in Las Vegas

American Heart Association – Nevada
Nevada Active, Equitable Communities - 2016

Clark County, NV, voters voted “yes” on Question 5, allotting approximately $43 million for Safe Routes to School projects and $119 million to biking and walking projects over the next 10 years.

American Heart Association – Nevada
Nevada Healthy, Equitable Schools - 2014

A school wellness policy has been passed in Nevada to support overall student wellness.

American Heart Association – Nevada
Nevada Healthy, Equitable Schools - 2014

Nevada passed a law to prevent unhealthy foods from being marketed in schools.

American Heart Association – Nevada

Policy Wins

New Hampshire Family Economic Supports - 2025

In 2021, New Hampshire established the Granite State Paid Family Leave Plan. A bill was filed this year to repeal. The Coalition worked to defend the bill.

American Heart Association - New Hampshire
New Hampshire Healthy, Accessible Food and Drinks - 2024

The New Hampshire legislature allocated funding to support enrollment in Summer EBT, increasing food security for school children during the summer break.

American Heart Association - New Hampshire
New Hampshire Healthy, Accessible Food and Drinks - 2024

The New Hampshire legislature passed a policy to support enrollment in Summer EBT, increasing food security for school children during the summer break.

American Heart Association - New Hampshire
New Hampshire Healthy, Accessible Food and Drinks - 2024

New Hampshire advocates successfully supported the adoption of the SNAP Elderly Simplified Application Project, easing the administrative burden of accessing SNAP benefits for certain vulnerable populations.

American Heart Association - New Hampshire
New Hampshire Preemption Efforts - 2022

Advocates defeated a bill that would have preempted the authority of towns and cities to pass regulations or ordinances on public health issues.

American Heart Association - New Hampshire
New Hampshire Healthy, Equitable Schools - 2022

New Hampshire passed legislation requiring all new buildings and substantial renovations of schools to include free, safe and appealing water that is accessible to all children through water bottle fi

American Heart Association - New Hampshire

Policy Wins

New Jersey Healthy, Accessible Food and Drinks - 2024

New Jersey increased the number of children eligible for no-cost healthy school meals.

American Heart Association - New Jersey
New Jersey Healthy, Accessible Food and Drinks - 2023

$3.5 million was appropriated for SNAP participants to purchase produce, and receive a credit for an equal amount to be used on additional produce, doubling purchasing power for fruits and vegetables.

American Heart Association - New Jersey
New Jersey Active, Equitable Communities - 2022

Trenton passed a city ordinance updating the Complete Streets policy making the city more friendly to active transportation.

American Heart Association - New Jersey

Policy Wins

New Mexico Healthy, Accessible Food and Drinks - 2024

SNAP access was expanded to nearly 68,000 New Mexico residents by increasing the gross monthly income limit from 165% of the Federal Poverity Level to 200% of FPL.

American Heart Association - New Mexico
New Mexico Healthy, Accessible Food and Drinks - 2023

Successful passage of legislation ensuring all students across New Mexico have access to a no-cost, high-quality, breakfast and lunch at school.

American Heart Association – New Mexico
New Mexico Infants, Toddlers and Early Childhood - 2022

Enshrined funding for early childhood education in the state constitution through a ballot measure, resulting in $150 million in recurring appropriations to fund ECE programs in New Mexico.

New Mexico Voices for Children
New Mexico Active, Equitable Communities - 2022

Las Cruces, NM, passed a complete streets policy that will create a complete, connected network for all transportation users, build multimodal roadways, and improve efficiency for all travelers, inc.

American Heart Association – New Mexico
New Mexico Preemption Efforts - 2020

Advocates in New Mexico ensured an amendment that would have preempted any and all local regulation of tobacco usage and sales was not included in SB 131.

American Heart Association – New Mexico
New Mexico Active, Equitable Communities - 2019

The Albuquerque City Council passed an ordinance to amend the existing complete streets policy to ensure equity, transparency, accountability and community involvement are integral parts of the City’s road and street construction process.

American Heart Association – New Mexico
New Mexico Preemption Efforts - 2017

During New Mexico’s 53rd legislative session, advocates worked to defeat three bills that would have prevented local governments from taxing foods and beverages.

American Heart Association – New Mexico
New Mexico Healthy, Accessible Food and Drinks - 2016

Albuquerque, NM, City Council passed a resolution to provide access to healthier food options in city owned and operated facilities.

American Heart Association – New Mexico
New Mexico Healthy, Equitable Schools - 2014

New Mexico Public Education Department adopted rules requiring all foods served in schools meet quality nutrition guidelines ensuring that all students receive the best school foods available.

American Heart Association – New Mexico

Policy Wins

New York Healthy, Accessible Food and Drinks - 2025

The New York City Food Policy Alliance and the Food Policy Alliance Leadership Council were successful in increasing funding for all three of New York City's SNAP incentive programs. Thanks to these efforts, the Executive Budget includes an additional $10 million for Groceries to Go, and increased funding for Health Bucks and Get the Good Stuff.

American Heart Association - New York
New York Healthy, Equitable Schools - 2025

This campaign to increase funding for early childhood education in New York City was successful because of organizational collaboration. The January 2025 budget proposed by Mayor Adams did not include funding for programs like 3-K. Through the work success included over $40 million in new city funding.

American Heart Association - New York
New York Healthy, Accessible Food and Drinks - 2025

This campaign to achieve full universal school meals in New York began over 3 years ago and required perseverance and strategic planning to obtain this win, and we now celebrate the securing of universal school meals for New York students as well as the associated funding.

American Heart Association - New York
New York Healthy, Accessible Food and Drinks - 2023

The coalition successfully secured $134.6M to fully fund healthy school meals for all CEP schools on an ongoing basis vastly increasing access to no-cost, healthy school meals in New York State.

American Heart Association – New York
New York Healthy, Accessible Food and Drinks - 2022

New York dedicated $2 million to the Double Up Food Bucks program in its 2022-23 budget.

American Heart Association – New York
New York Healthy, Accessible Food and Drinks - 2021

New York City received a $5.5 million Gus Schumacher Nutrition Incentive Program (GusNIP) grant and committed to matching that amount for a total $11 million investment in SNAP incentive programs.

American Heart Association – New York
New York Family Economic Supports - 2021

The New York State Legislature included $2.1 billion for the Fund for Excluded Workers as part of the state's budget

Make the Road NY
New York Healthy, Accessible Food and Drinks - 2019

New York City became the first city in the northeast to pass legislation requiring restaurants to automatically serve kids’ meals with healthy drink option.

American Heart Association – New York
New York Healthy, Equitable Schools - 2019

Physical education assessment and accountability measurements were approved by the New York City Council to determine where more resources are needed to ensure every child has access to effective physical education.

American Heart Association – New York
New York Active, Equitable Communities - 2019

Street Design Checklist bill was passed by the New York City Council, making the city’s Complete Streets policy official.

American Heart Association – New York
New York Healthy, Equitable Schools - 2018

New York City secured an additional $39.8 million in physical education appropriations to help hire additional certified physical education teachers.

American Heart Association – New York
New York Active, Equitable Communities - 2018

New York City allocated an additional $101 million to expand the city’s greenway through East Harlem.

American Heart Association – New York
New York Healthy, Equitable Schools - 2017

New York City allocated additional funding to physical education, investing approximately $385 million over four years to support capital improvements for physical education programs.

American Heart Association – New York
New York Healthy, Equitable Schools - 2017

New York City allocated $21 million to support physical education programs for the city’s 1.16 million students.

American Heart Association – New York
New York Active, Equitable Communities - 2017

New York AB 3009C, an appropriations bill, allocated $200 million to fund the Empire State Trail system throughout the state.

American Heart Association – New York
New York Active, Equitable Communities - 2017

New York City Capital Budget was approved, including $100 million of initial funding to create a seamless greenway along the waterfront of the East Side of Manhattan.

American Heart Association – New York
New York Healthy, Equitable Schools - 2016

New York City, NY, secured $9 million in physical education appropriations.

American Heart Association – New York

Policy Wins

North Carolina Healthy, Accessible Food and Drinks - 2025

North Carolina passed an asset limit increase to include more North Carolinians have access to nutrition security.

American Heart Association - North Carolina
North Carolina Healthy, Accessible Food and Drinks - 2023

Secured $480,000 in public funding for Durham’s SNAP Double Bucks program to decrease nutrition insecurity.

American Heart Association - North Carolina
North Carolina Healthy, Accessible Food and Drinks - 2023

North Carolina approved $3 million in recurring funding to cover the cost of reduced-price lunches, increasing food access for students who do not quality for free lunch but could not afford the fee for reduced-price meals.

American Heart Association - North Carolina
North Carolina Active, Equitable Communities - 2018

Charlotte, NC, voters approved a general obligation bond that will provide $30 million for investments to improve sidewalk and active space infrastructure in the city.

American Heart Association – North Carolina
North Carolina Active, Equitable Communities - 2018

Voters in Wake County, NC, passed a bond measure that includes $120 million for walking and biking infrastructure.

American Heart Association – North Carolina
North Carolina Active, Equitable Communities - 2017

The Mecklenburg County, NC, Board of Commissioners approved the fiscal year 2018 Parks and Recreation Project Ordinance, which allocated $4 million for the Little Sugar Creek greenway near downtown Charlotte.

American Heart Association – North Carolina
North Carolina Active, Equitable Communities - 2017

The Raleigh, NC, fiscal 2018 budget and fiscal 2018-2022 Capital Improvement Plan were approved, allocating approximately $9 million to fund bicycle and pedestrian improvements, invest in greenways and fund the City’s BikeShare program.

American Heart Association – North Carolina
North Carolina Active, Equitable Communities - 2017

The Mecklenburg County, NC, Board of Commissioners agreed to direct $49 million from a 2008 bond package funding source to support the greenway trail system throughout the county

American Heart Association – North Carolina
North Carolina Infants, Toddlers and Early Childhood - 2017

The North Carolina Child Care Commission voted to updated licensing standards for both center-based and home-based child care, strengthening physical activity, nutrition, screen time, tobacco and CPR requirements.

American Heart Association – North Carolina
North Carolina Active, Equitable Communities - 2017

The Durham, NC, city budget was approved, including $7.87 million dollars for sidewalk infrastructure.

American Heart Association – North Carolina
North Carolina Active, Equitable Communities - 2017

Raleigh, NC, voters passed a transportation bond that dedicated $35 million to improving the walking and biking infrastructure throughout the city.

American Heart Association – North Carolina
North Carolina Active, Equitable Communities - 2016

Greensboro, NC, voters approved a $28 million transportation bond that earmarked $5 million for sidewalks, bike lanes and intersection improvements.

American Heart Association – North Carolina
North Carolina Active, Equitable Communities - 2016

Charlotte, NC, voters passed a transportation bond that dedicated $42 million to improving the walking and biking infrastructure throughout the city.

Sustain Charlotte & Transportation Choices Alliance.
North Carolina Healthy, Accessible Food and Drinks - 2015

Mecklenburg County, NC, adopted a healthy food procurement vending policy to ensure healthier choices on county properties.

American Heart Association – North Carolina

Policy Wins

North Dakota Healthy, Accessible Food and Drinks - 2025

Through campaign efforts, the Education & Environment Division Appropriations Committee raised the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) eligibility threshold from 200% to 225%, expanding access to school meals for an estimated 3,000–3,300 additional students.

American Heart Association - North Dakota
North Dakota Infants, Toddlers and Early Childhood - 2023

$65.6 million in state funding secured to reduce copays for working families with low incomes, increase childcare assistance to more families, increase CCAP for quality infant/toddler care, provide additional training stipends for childcare workers, and increased efficient and speed of child-care background checks.

American Heart Association - North Dakota

Policy Wins

Ohio Healthy, Accessible Food and Drinks - 2024

Produce Perks, Ohio’s SNAP Double Up Food Bucks Program has historically been funded using TANF dollars in Ohio. Every 2 years when the budget is released, earmarks like this are all wiped clean and zeroed out. Therefore, this session the program was successfully defended and $1M funding re-allocated for SNAP DUFB.

American Heart Association - Ohio
Ohio Preemption Efforts - 2023

Equality Ohio fought to defend against harmful legislation that would have removed access to healthcare for young people and prohibited school personnel from supporting trans youth.

Equality Ohio
Ohio Preemption Efforts - 2023

Successfully rallied for a Governor veto of harmful preemption that prohibited local regulation of tobacco and alternative nicotine products, stopping future policies, and rolling back any existing local laws.

American Heart Association – Ohio
Ohio Healthy, Accessible Food and Drinks - 2023

Successful campaign to double the state investment to $1 million dollars to support the SNAP produce incentive program in Ohio.

American Heart Association – Ohio
Ohio Healthy, Accessible Food and Drinks - 2021

Toledo passed an ordinance to make healthy drinks, such as water, low-fat milk, or 100% juice, the first option to kids and families when they dine out.

American Heart Association – Ohio
Ohio Healthy, Equitable Schools - 2021

The Ohio General Assembly passed legislation to modernize water access requirements for school buildings by ensuring that newly built schools include water bottle filling stations.

American Heart Association – Ohio
Ohio Healthy, Accessible Food and Drinks - 2021

Youngstown, OH's city council passed legislation that would make healthy beverage options the default for all kids meals.

American Heart Association – Ohio
Ohio Healthy, Accessible Food and Drinks - 2021

Ohio increased funding to the Produce Perks (Double Up Food Bucks program) from $250,000 per year to $500,000 per year.

American Heart Association – Ohio
Ohio Healthy, Accessible Food and Drinks - 2020

Cleveland passed a healthy default drinks policy for restaurant kids’ meals in the city, making water, nonfat or 1% milk, or 100% fruit juice in a serving size of no more than 6 ounces the default beverage in meals for children.

American Heart Association - Cleveland & Neighborhood Leadership Institute
Ohio Healthy, Accessible Food and Drinks - 2020

Columbus adopted a default beverage policy to make healthy drink options the default for kids and families when they dine out.

American Heart Association – Ohio
Ohio Active, Equitable Communities - 2014

The Ohio legislature passed HB290, making it easier for schools to open their gymnasiums, pools, playgrounds, running track, athletic fields and other facilities to public use during non-school hours.

American Heart Association – Ohio

Policy Wins

Oklahoma Healthy, Accessible Food and Drinks - 2022

Oklahoma allocated $1.1 million for nutrition incentive programs that helps low-income families purchase fresh fruits and vegetables.

Oklahoma Institute for Child Advocacy
Oklahoma Preemption Efforts - 2021

Advocates defeated a bill that would have preempted local ordinances on tobacco.

American Heart Association – Oklahoma
Oklahoma Family Economic Supports - 2020

Oklahoma voted to expand Medicaid in the state and prevent state lawmakers from limiting or reversing expansion.

Oklahoma Institute for Child Advocacy
Oklahoma Active, Equitable Communities - 2019

A temporary penny sales tax was approved by 71.7% of Oklahoma City voters to raise a projected $978 million over eight years, with $87 million allocated for sidewalks, bike lanes, trails and streetlights to support safe active transportation.

American Heart Association – Oklahoma
Oklahoma Active, Equitable Communities - 2018

The City Council in Oklahoma City, OK, unanimously approved an updated comprehensive plan that implements Complete Street standards, ensuring transportation infrastructure is designed to enable safe access and use for all people.

American Heart Association – Oklahoma
Oklahoma Active, Equitable Communities - 2017

Oklahoma City voters approved a $967 million bond package and a temporary continuation of a penny sales tax, to provide funding for infrastructure and public safety investments, including active transportation projects and improvements.

American Heart Association – Oklahoma
Oklahoma Healthy, Accessible Food and Drinks - 2017

Oklahoma City, OK, City Council unanimously passed a resolution implementing a healthy vending policy, followed by a policy memorandum from the City Manager detailing the policy requirements.

American Heart Association – Oklahoma
Oklahoma Healthy, Accessible Food and Drinks - 2015

Tulsa, OK, adopted a healthy food procurement vending policy to ensure there are healthy food and beverage options served on city owned and leased properties.

American Heart Association – Oklahoma

Policy Wins

Oregon Healthy, Accessible Food and Drinks - 2023

Secured $4.168 million to support the Double Up Food Bucks program to support increase access to fruits and vegetables for SNAP participants.

Double Up Food Bucks Coalition and American Heart Association – Oregon
Oregon Healthy, Accessible Food and Drinks - 2023

Successfully passed legislation and appropriations that significantly increased access to healthy school meals covering 76% of schools.

Healthy School Meals for All Coalition and American Heart Association – Oregon
Oregon Healthy, Accessible Food and Drinks - 2023

Successfully passed legislation and appropriations that significantly increased access to healthy school meals covering 76% of schools.

Healthy School Meals for All Coalition and American Heart Association – Oregon
Oregon Healthy, Accessible Food and Drinks - 2021

Oregon included $4 million earmarked for SNAP incentives, nearly tripling the allocation for Double Up Food Bucks for SNAP participants to double their dollar to purchase fruits & vegetables at farmers markets, farm shares and participating markets.

Double Up Food Bucks Coalition and American Heart Association – Oregon
Oregon Infants, Toddlers and Early Childhood - 2020

Multnomah County established a "Preschool for All" program (universal preschool). The program prioritizes the community’s children who currently have the least access, children who speak languages other than English, & children experiencing poverty.

American Heart Association – Oregon
Oregon Healthy, Accessible Food and Drinks - 2019

The Oregon legislature appropriated $1.5 million to support infrastructure development and expand access to the Oregon SNAP incentives program.

American Heart Association – Oregon
Oregon Preemption Efforts - 2018

Oregon voters protected the right of local governments to pass local sugary drink taxes by voting against a beverage industry led constitutional ballot initiative.

American Heart Association – Oregon
Oregon Active, Equitable Communities - 2017

Oregon HB 2017 was passed, allocating $125 million in funding over ten years to the Safe Routes to School fund.

American Heart Association – Oregon
Oregon Active, Equitable Communities - 2016

Portland, OR, voters passed a motor fuels tax, Portland’s first local funding source dedicated to active transportation infrastructure, estimated to generate $64 million over four years.

Fix Our Streets Portland Campaign
Oregon Active, Equitable Communities - 2016

Clackamas, Multnomah and Washington counties, OR, secured $3.5 million for Safe Routes to School, including $1.5 million for a regional Safe Routes to School program and $2 million for street improvements near low-income schools and trails.

Bicycle Transportation Alliance
Oregon Healthy, Equitable Schools - 2015

Oregon passed a competitive foods policy to ensure the nutritional quality of foods available in schools.

Upstream Public Health

Policy Wins

Pennsylvania Healthy, Accessible Food and Drinks - 2025

For the past 15 years Philadelphia has had a SNAP incentive program called Philly Food Bucks, but since 2020, the City had not invested in the program, thereby limiting its impact and reach in the community. However, through collaboration and diligence, AHA and coalition members were able to secure a new appropriation of $500,000.

American Heart Association - Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania Healthy, Accessible Food and Drinks - 2023

Advocates successfully defended the Philadelphia's sugary drink tax from repeal which provides significant funding for high-quality early childhood education, school programs, and other investments in the community.

American Heart Association – Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania Healthy, Equitable Schools - 2022

Philadelphia, Pa., passed legislation ensuring all schools have at least one bottle filling station per hundred students and one per floor by 2025.

PennEnvironment Research and Policy Center, Inc.
Pennsylvania Healthy, Equitable Schools - 2022

Philadelphia, Pa., approved funding for 2,000 hydration stations at schools to ensure that all students have access to safe, clean drinking water.

PennEnvironment Research and Policy Center, Inc.
Pennsylvania Active, Equitable Communities - 2022

Chester County, PA passed a complete streets policy increasing safety and efficiency while enhancing the social equity needs of the transportation system.

American Heart Association – Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania Infants, Toddlers and Early Childhood - 2022

Successfully advocated for the appropriation of over $4 million invested by county commissioners into early childhood education.

American Heart Association – Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania Infants, Toddlers and Early Childhood - 2021

The Philadelphia City Council approved an increase in subsidy reimbursement rates for child care programs, which will increase the number of early child care spots for eligible children.

American Heart Association – Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania Preemption Efforts - 2020

Advocates defeated a preemption bill that would have jeopardized sugary drink taxes in the state.

American Heart Association – Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania Active, Equitable Communities - 2020

The Philadelphia fiscal year 2021 budget includes $20 million in funding for safe and equitable bike and pedestrian projects.

American Heart Association – Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania Healthy, Accessible Food and Drinks - 2019

The Philadelphia City Council approved an ordinance to make the default drink in kids’ restaurant meals a healthy option, like water, milk or 100% juice.

American Heart Association – Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania Active, Equitable Communities - 2019

The Philadelphia City Council approved the city’s budget, which included $15 million in bike and pedestrian funding.

American Heart Association – Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania Healthy, Accessible Food and Drinks - 2019

Advocates in Philadelphia successfully opposed legislation to repeal the existing sugary drink tax.

American Heart Association – Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania Preemption Efforts - 2018

A bill preempting sugary drink taxes was successfully defeated in the Pennsylvania legislature.

American Heart Association – Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania Healthy, Accessible Food and Drinks - 2016

Philadelphia, PA, City Council passed a 1.5 cent per ounce sweetened beverage tax with a 13-4 vote.

American Heart Association – Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania Healthy, Accessible Food and Drinks - 2016

Philadelphia adopted nutrition standards for vending machines on city owned and leased property.

American Heart Association – Pennsylvania

Policy Wins

Rhode Island Healthy, Equitable Schools - 2025

This campaign was in support of RIght from the Start 2025’s top priority - funding for the Child Care for Child Care Educators pilot program. This program is designed to attract and retain childcare educators by covering the cost of care for frontline staff. Working closely, RI Kids Count, Parents Leading for Educational Equity and AHA are steering committee members for RIght from the Start, a legislative and budget campaign to advance state policies for young children and their families in Rhode Island. As a result, funding was secured.

RI Kids Count, Parents Leading for Educational Equity and American Heart Association - Rhode Island
Rhode Island Infants, Toddlers and Early Childhood - 2024

Rhode Island advocates secured over $7 million in the state budget to support Head Start and Early Head Start programs.

Parents Leading for Educational Equity, RI Kids Count, Right from the Start and American Heart Association - Rhode Island
Rhode Island Infants, Toddlers and Early Childhood - 2024

Rhode Island lawmakers invested over $9 million to increase access to the childcare assistance program and support the recruitment and retainment of childcare providers.

Parents Leading for Educational Equity, RI Kids Count, Right from the Start and American Heart Association - Rhode Island
Rhode Island Healthy, Accessible Food and Drinks - 2023

Rhode Island expanded access to no-cost school meals by having the state cover the cost of reduced-price meals for qualifying students.

American Heart Association - Rhode Island
Rhode Island Infants, Toddlers and Early Childhood - 2023

Secured $3 million in state appropriations for Head Start and Early Head Start classrooms in FY24 that will be used to reopen/maintain much-needed Head Start and Early Head Start classrooms in Rhode Island.

American Heart Association – Rhode Island
Rhode Island Infants, Toddlers and Early Childhood - 2023

Rhode Island appropriated $11 million to preserve pre-k seats at risk due to expiring federal grant and to address the ECE staffing crisis by investing in childcare educators and staff.

American Heart Association - Rhode Island, Parents Leading for Educational Equity, RI Kids Count, Right from the Start
Rhode Island Healthy, Accessible Food and Drinks - 2022

Rhode Island approved an $11.5 appropriation to fund a Retail SNAP Incentives Pilot Program that will provide a discount on fresh fruits and vegetables at grocery stores.

American Heart Association – Rhode Island
Rhode Island Active, Equitable Communities - 2021

Providence passed a complete streets policy to create safe, more accessible and more equitable streets for everyone.

American Heart Association – Rhode Island
Rhode Island Healthy, Equitable Schools - 2021

Rhode Island passed S459 and H5738, which requires water bottle filling stations in new constructions and major renovations in schools so kids have increased access to free, easily accessible, safe and good-tasting

American Heart Association – Rhode Island
Rhode Island Infants, Toddlers and Early Childhood - 2021

Rhode Island allocated $15 million for physical improvements to and development of licensed Early Childhood care and education facilities.

American Heart Association – Rhode Island
Rhode Island Active, Equitable Communities - 2018

More than 78% of Rhode Island voters approved a bond referendum to allocate $10 million to bike and recreation projects.

American Heart Association – Rhode Island
Rhode Island Healthy, Equitable Schools - 2018

The Rhode Island Governor signed Senate Bill 2350A/House Bill 7419A into law, prohibiting advertising and marketing of unhealthy foods and beverages on school property.

American Heart Association – Rhode Island
Rhode Island Infants, Toddlers and Early Childhood - 2017

Rhode Island Department of Children, Youth and Families updated licensing rules for child care centers, improving nutrition, physical activity and screen time standard.

American Heart Association – Rhode Island
Rhode Island Active, Equitable Communities - 2016

Rhode Island voters approved the $35 million Green Economy Bonds, which included $10 million for the State Bikeway Development Program to design and construct bikeways throughout the state.

Yes on 6 Coalition
Rhode Island Healthy, Equitable Schools - 2016

Rhode Island now has a smart snacks competitive foods policy in all schools to ensure the nutritional quality of foods in schools.

American Heart Association – Rhode Island

Policy Wins

South Carolina Healthy, Accessible Food and Drinks - 2024

Targeted lobbying efforts were used to expand access to no-cost school meals by ensuring the state budget included funds to cover the cost of reduced-price meals for qualifying students in South Carolina.

American Heart Association - South Carolina
South Carolina Healthy, Accessible Food and Drinks - 2023

Successful campaign to secure funding supporting a SNAP incentive program increasing access to healthy food.

American Heart Association – South Carolina
South Carolina Preemption Efforts - 2022

Advocates defeated a bill that would have preempted local ordinances on tobacco.

American Heart Association – South Carolina
South Carolina Preemption Efforts - 2021

Success campaign to defeat harmful preemption legislation.

American Heart Association – South Carolina
South Carolina Preemption Efforts - 2020

Advocates defeated preemption proposals that would have effectively prevented any local flavored tobacco ordinances and any local tobacco retail licensure ordinances.

American Heart Association – South Carolina
South Carolina Healthy, Accessible Food and Drinks - 2018

Spartanburg County, SC, enacted a binding administrative policy that requires healthy vending options on all county owned property.

Eat Smart Move More South Carolina
South Carolina Healthy, Accessible Food and Drinks - 2018

The mayor of Charleston, SC, signed a healthy vending policy covering all city owned and leased properties.

Eat Smart Move More South Carolina
South Carolina Healthy, Accessible Food and Drinks - 2017

Columbia, SC, City Council passed a healthy vending and food service resolution to ensure that healthier food and beverage options are available on local public property.

Eat Smart Move More South Carolina
South Carolina Healthy, Equitable Schools - 2016

South Carolina adopted a competitive foods statewide policy to ensure the nutritional quality of foods in schools.

Eat Smart Move More South Carolina

Policy Wins

Tennessee Family Economic Supports - 2025

This Voices for Healthy Kids funded campaign for paid leave for state employees is an example of coalition collaboration. This campaign securing paid leave for state employees was completed successfully when the bill was passed with very few ""no"" votes.

Tennessee Paid Leave Coalition and American Heart Association - Tennessee
Tennessee Infants, Toddlers and Early Childhood - 2023

Successfully passed legislation creating the childcare improvement fund and then established $15 million in funding over three years to allocate grants to nonprofit organizations for establishing new childcare programs or making improvements to existing programs, increasing access to quality childcare in Tennessee.

American Heart Association – Tennessee
Tennessee Healthy, Equitable Schools - 2022

Rutherford County School Board officially passed a policy ensuring all newly constructed schools, as well as those undergoing major renovations, will be equipped with adequate water bottle filling stations.

American Heart Association – Tennessee
Tennessee Healthy, Equitable Schools - 2021

The Board of Education in Hamilton County approved the installation of water bottle filling stations in all newly constructed or majorly renovated schools.

American Heart Association – Tennessee
Tennessee Infants, Toddlers and Early Childhood - 2018

The child care licensing regulations were streamlined to cover both centers and home-based care, establishing strong statewide nutrition, physical activity and screen time standards.

American Heart Association – Tennessee
Tennessee Active, Equitable Communities - 2016

The Nashville, TN, mayor amended an executive order (passed by her predecessor) to strengthen the city’s Complete Streets policy, expanding access to all modes of transportation for all users and promoting equity and transparency.

American Heart Association – Tennessee

Policy Wins

Texas Preemption Efforts - 2025

Senate Bill 2858, referred to as the “Death Star” bill, sought to weaken local authority in passing public policy – tobacco/smoke-free, certainly, but this broad preemption bill would have impacted other policy areas as well. The AHA coordinated a collective defense plan among tobacco partners. The primary tactic was to focus on members of the House Calendars Committee to ask them not to schedule the bill for a hearing. These efforts proved successful, and the bill was not scheduled – dying at Sine Die.

American Heart Association - Texas
Texas Preemption Efforts - 2023

Successfully fought harmful preemption threat to local authority that could have prevented local work on tobacco regulation, and potentially impacted other American Heart Association - policy areas as well.

American Heart Association - Texas and Every Texan
Texas Healthy, Accessible Food and Drinks - 2023

Worked to pass legislation that will make it easier for people to access SNAP .

American Heart Association – Texas
Texas Healthy, Accessible Food and Drinks - 2023

Secured $6 million in funding for a SNAP incentive program ensuring SNAP participants will have more access to fruits and vegetables.

American Heart Association – Texas
Texas Active, Equitable Communities - 2022

On July 19th, 2022, the El Paso City Council unanimously approved a Complete Streets policy to improve the safety, health and quality of life for all who use El Paso streets

American Heart Association – Texas
Texas Preemption Efforts - 2021

Advocates defeated a bill that would have preempted local ordinances on tobacco.

American Heart Association – Texas
Texas Healthy, Accessible Food and Drinks - 2021

Texas passed a bill to simplify the certification and recertification requirements for Texas seniors and people with disabilities accessing SNAP benefits

American Heart Association – Texas
Texas Healthy, Equitable Schools - 2021

The Austin Independent School District updated its Project Development Manual to include at least one bottle filling station on each floor, wing, or other building section of a school building

American Heart Association – Texas
Texas Active, Equitable Communities - 2020

Dallas County approved $7 million for bike and pedestrian projects, with much of the funding targeting two of the most underserved zip codes in the county.

American Heart Association – Texas
Texas Active, Equitable Communities - 2020

Voters in Austin, TX, approved two ballot measures that will provide $38 million for sidewalk rehabilitation, Vision Zero/pedestrian safety and urban trails, and $5 million for parks and recreation projects in the city.

American Heart Association – Texas
Texas Infants, Toddlers and Early Childhood - 2019

The Texas legislature passed Senate Bill 952 into law, requiring child care licensing regulations be updated to improve nutrition, physical activity and screen time standards for both center-based and home-based childcare programs.

American Heart Association – Texas
Texas Active, Equitable Communities - 2019

Dallas allocated over $8 million to bike and pedestrian projects in city to make streets, sidewalks, and pathways safer for all.

American Heart Association – Texas
Texas Healthy, Accessible Food and Drinks - 2019

Dallas County, TX incorporated healthy vending standards into their contracting process for food vending service providers, ensuring access to healthy food and beverage options on all county property.

American Heart Association – Texas
Texas Preemption Efforts - 2019

Texas advocates worked diligently to stop a broad preemption bill that would have limited local lawmaking power and nullified many existing laws, including 104 comprehensive smoke-free ordinances.

Faith in Texas
Texas Active, Equitable Communities - 2018

The San Antonio, TX, 2019 budget included $9 million for sidewalks and $1 million for bike lanes and other pedestrian safety measures.

American Heart Association – Texas
Texas Active, Equitable Communities - 2018

Voters in Austin, TX, approved two ballot measures that will provide $38 million for sidewalk rehabilitation, Vision Zero/pedestrian safety and urban trails, and $5 million for parks and recreation projects in the city.

American Heart Association – Texas
Texas Active, Equitable Communities - 2017

Voters in Dallas, TX, supported the 2017 Dallas Capital Bond program, securing tens of millions of dollars for walking and biking infrastructure throughout the city.

American Heart Association – Texas
Texas Healthy, Equitable Schools - 2017

Texas SB 1873 requires physical education quality reporting as part of the existing School Health Survey.

American Heart Association – Texas
Texas Active, Equitable Communities - 2017

Travis County, TX, voters approved a transportation bond that allocate approximately $65 million to walking and biking projects over the life of the bond.

American Heart Association – Texas
Texas Healthy, Accessible Food and Drinks - 2016

Austin, TX, approved a budget that had $800,000 earmarked to expand access to nutritious food, including $500,000 for healthy food retail and $300,000 to expand SNAP outreach efforts.

American Heart Association – Texas
Texas Active, Equitable Communities - 2016

Austin, TX, voters approved a transportation bond that included more than $110 million to support a Safe Routes to School program, as well as sidewalk, bikeway and urban trail construction and maintenance.

Bike Austin
Texas Healthy, Accessible Food and Drinks - 2015

Austin, TX, secured funding to establish a healthy corner stores program to increase the availability of healthy food options in Austin.

American Heart Association – Texas

Policy Wins

Utah Healthy, Accessible Food and Drinks - 2021

Advocates prevented $400,000 in SNAP funding from being cut from the state budget, protecting the state's SNAP Double Up Food Bucks program.

American Heart Association – Utah
Utah Preemption Efforts - 2021

Advocates mobilized to prevent a bill that would have preempted the state health department from protecting public health with regard to tobacco.

American Heart Association – Utah
Utah Active, Equitable Communities - 2019

The Salt Lake City Council approved their Capital Improvement Program Projects, which included over $13 million for bike and pedestrian infrastructure, with 82% of the funding dedicated to projects in low income communities.

American Heart Association – Utah
Utah Active, Equitable Communities - 2019

Utah Governor signed House Bill 208 into law, codifying the state’s Safe Routes to School program with a priority to fund projects in low-income communities.

American Heart Association – Utah
Utah Preemption Efforts - 2019

Advocates successfully worked with legislators to remove tobacco preemption language out of House Bill 324.

American Heart Association – Utah
Utah Active, Equitable Communities - 2018

The Salt Lake City Council approved a $25 million sales tax initiative to fund improvements to the city’s active transportation system.

American Heart Association – Utah
Utah Infants, Toddlers and Early Childhood - 2017

The child care licensing standards for both centers and home-based care were updated to require more nutritious food service, increased physical activity opportunities and limited screen time to promote a healthier child care environment.

American Heart Association – Utah
Utah Active, Equitable Communities - 2016

Salt Lake County, UT, voters passed a parks and recreation bond measure that included several million dollars in funding for sidewalks, bikeways and walking paths throughout the community.

American Heart Association – Utah
Utah Healthy, Equitable Schools - 2014

Utah Board of Education adopted standards for selling foods outside of meals in schools ensuring that foods meet nutritional quality standards.

American Heart Association – Utah

Policy Wins

Vermont Healthy, Equitable Schools - 2025

Secured an additional $4.5M funding increase to provide subsidies for infant and toddler programs, increasing access for Vermont children. Vermont partners have been working with Lets Grow Kids since 2022 on a multi-year campaign with the goal of ensuring no Vermont family must pay more than 10% of their income for childcare. The partners laid the groundwork in 2022 with funding to shore up childcare centers. In 2023, they passed landmark legislation to set the structure of state funding for the program, including general fund dollars and a .44% increase in the payroll tax. This session, the Governor proposed eliminating some general fund spending on the program and replacing it with some overages/unanticipated revenue from the payroll tax which would not be as stable/permanent. As a result of this campaign, no general fund dollars were cut and – in fact – the program received an additional $4.5M funding increase to provide subsidies for infant and toddler programs.

American Heart Association - Vermont
Vermont Healthy, Accessible Food and Drinks - 2025

In 2022, AHA worked alongside partner Hunger Free Vermont to help pass the pilot universal school meals program. In 2023, AHA then worked to make the program permanent. This year, the Governor proposed eliminating the program in order to “provide $18 million back to the education fund, lessening the impact on property taxes.” AHA and Hunger Free Vermont quickly mobilized and notified our volunteers who then contacted lawmakers with the message that the universal school meals program is working and should not be eliminated. This quick action proved successful, quashing the Governor’s proposal to eliminate the program and ensuring continued food access for students across the state.

American Heart Association - Vermont
Vermont Infants, Toddlers and Early Childhood - 2023

Collaborative work to secure $76.1 million in FY24, including overriding the Governor's veto, to support access to early care and education in Vermont.

Let's Grow Kids and American Heart Association - Vermont
Vermont Infants, Toddlers and Early Childhood - 2022

Vermont approved $6 million in appropriations over three years for early childhood education reforms including expanding eligibility & reducing copays, stabilizing & strengthening the workforce and upgrading failing information technology systems.

American Heart Association – Vermont
Vermont Healthy, Accessible Food and Drinks - 2022

Vermont passed legislation that will provide universal free school meals, giving all kids a chance to thrive and succeed and increasing equity in schools.

American Heart Association – Vermont
Vermont Infants, Toddlers and Early Childhood - 2016

Vermont Department for Children and Families adopted updated licensing standards for center-based and family-based care centers, improving nutrition and physical activity requirements and limiting screen time.

American Heart Association - Vermont

Policy Wins

Virginia Healthy, Accessible Food and Drinks - 2022

For the first time, the Commonwealth of Virginia is funding SNAP incentives with $2 million over two years to improve nutritional access through farmers markets and community food retailers.

American Heart Association – Virginia
Virginia Healthy, Accessible Food and Drinks - 2021

Advocates worked to pass SNAP "Broad-Based Categorical Eligibility," which will result in over $8 million in new SNAP benefits coming into the state.

American Heart Association – Virginia
Virginia Healthy, Equitable Schools - 2021

Richmond Public Schools updated its school wellness policy to make water access in schools a priority for the district.

American Heart Association – Virginia
Virginia Healthy, Accessible Food and Drinks - 2020

The Virginia legislature included a $1.25 million appropriation for SNAP incentives in the 2020-2022 biennium budget.

American Heart Association – Virginia
Virginia Active, Equitable Communities - 2018

The Northern Virginia Transportation Authority is creating a six-year transportation plan that will support bicycle and pedestrian projects that will create or increase multimodal regional access for residents in low to moderate income communities.

American Heart Association – Virginia
Virginia Healthy, Equitable Schools - 2017

The Chesterfield County, VA, School Board adopted an update to the school wellness policy, bringing the school’s competitive food policy into full alignment with USDA standards for school foods.

American Heart Association – Virginia

Policy Wins

Washington Infants, Toddlers and Early Childhood - 2023

$7.5 million in public funding secured for Tribal Early Learning, increasing access to quality, culturally competent childcare for tribal communities in Washington.

The Suquamish Foundation
Washington Healthy, Accessible Food and Drinks - 2022

Washington passed HB 1878 which would expand free meals to over 92,000 students and cover the excess cost for implementing the program.

American Heart Association – Washington
Washington Healthy, Accessible Food and Drinks - 2021

Advocates helped secure additional state investment in the statewide Fruit and Vegetable Incentive Program (FVIP), which provides a match to SNAP shoppers to purchase additional fruits and vegetables

American Heart Association – Washington
Washington Infants, Toddlers and Early Childhood - 2021

Advocates worked for multiple years to develop an Early Head Start pilot program that grew into $18.7-million-funded Early Head Start program, as well as to codify the program into state law.

Washington State Association of Head Start and ECEAP
Washington Healthy, Accessible Food and Drinks - 2021

Seattle, Wash., approved $308,000 of American Rescue Plan Act funds to support the Produce Prescription pilot program through the Seattle Indian Health Board.

American Heart Association – Washington
Washington Healthy, Accessible Food and Drinks - 2019

The Seattle 2020 budget included a $2.7 million investment in the City’s Fresh Bucks program, which offers a match to SNAP participants purchasing fruits and vegetables at authorized retailers.

Childhood Obesity Prevention Coalition
Washington Infants, Toddlers and Early Childhood - 2018

The Washington child care licensing rules were updated for family-home and center-based childcare settings throughout the state, improving nutrition, physical activity and screen time standards.

Childhood Obesity Prevention Coalition
Washington Healthy, Accessible Food and Drinks - 2017

The Seattle City Council approved the mayor’s 2018 budget, which includes $2.4 million for the city’s Fresh Bucks SNAP incentive program. The money is available thanks to the newly enacted sugary drink tax, which generated an estimate $14 million in 2018.

Childhood Obesity Prevention Coalition
Washington Healthy, Equitable Schools - 2017

Washington HB 1235 requires physical education quality reporting at the school, district and state levels, assessing key factors of quality PE to help strengthen physical education programs throughout the state.

Childhood Obesity Prevention Coalition
Washington Healthy, Accessible Food and Drinks - 2017

The Seattle, WA, City Council approved a 1.75 cent per ounce excise tax on sugary drinks, with generated funds used to support public health initiatives.

American Heart Association – Washington
Washington Healthy, Equitable Schools - 2015

Washington secured $5 million in funding for a “Healthy Kids Healthy Schools” grant program that can fund projects such as water bottle filling stations.

American Heart Association – Washington
Washington Active, Equitable Communities - 2015

Washington SB 5988 secured $75 million for the Bicycle and Pedestrian Safety Grant Program, $89 million for the Bicycle and Pedestrian Safety Project List and $56 million for Safe Routes to School as part of a 16-year transportation package.

Childhood Obesity Prevention Coalition
Washington Active, Equitable Communities - 2015

Washington HB 1299 secured $15.3 million for walking and biking infrastructure to support active transportation across the state.

Childhood Obesity Prevention Coalition

Policy Wins

West Virginia Healthy, Accessible Food and Drinks - 2025

West Virginia Food and Farm Coalition and American Heart Association - West Virginia

American Heart Association - West Virginia
West Virginia Preemption Efforts - 2025

A bill was filed in the West Virginia legislature that – if passed – would have preempted local tobacco control efforts. Partner organizations leaned on lawmakers to ensure the bill did not move through the session. The West Virginia legislative session adjourned April 12, 2025 and this preemptive effort was successfully defeated.

American Heart Association - West Virginia
West Virginia Healthy, Accessible Food and Drinks - 2025

This Voices for Healthy Kids-funded effort to secure appropriations for a SNAP incentive program and allow program participants to further stretch their dollars was truly a collaborative campaign. Success was achieved when the Governor signed the budget on April 17, 2025.

American Heart Association - West Virginia
West Virginia Preemption Efforts - 2024

Advocates in West Virginia defeated a reoccuring preemption threat that would have removed local control to regulate tobacco and nicotine products.

American Nonsmokers' Rights Foundation
West Virginia Preemption Efforts - 2023

Defeat of a dangerous preemption bill, written by an attorney for Reynolds American (tobacco company) that would have negatively impacted local authority over tobacco products

American Heart Association – West Virginia
West Virginia Preemption Efforts - 2022

Advocates defeated a bill that would have preempted local ordinances on tobacco and other commercial products.

American Heart Association – West Virginia
West Virginia Healthy, Equitable Schools - 2022

West Virginia passed a water bottle filling station policy that requires new buildings and major renovations to include filling stations providing kids access to fresh water.

American Heart Association – West Virginia
West Virginia Preemption Efforts - 2020

Advocates in West Virginia defended against several preemptive bills to protect the rights of local governments.

The American Nonsmokers’ Rights Foundation
West Virginia Preemption Efforts - 2019

Preemptive language was successfully removed from a West Virginia bill, preserving the rights of local governments to regulate the sale, marketing and use of tobacco products.

American Heart Association – West Virginia
West Virginia Active, Equitable Communities - 2015

West Virginia passed SB 238, allowing members of the community to use school property for recreational use outside of school hours.

American Heart Association – West Virginia

Policy Wins

Wisconsin Healthy, Accessible Food and Drinks - 2024

Advocates successfully saved $200k of a proposed $300k cut to the SNAP Incentive program, funding the program through at least 2025.

American Heart Association - Wisconsin
Wisconsin Healthy, Accessible Food and Drinks - 2024

Wisconsin allocated $425,000 to establish a statewide SNAP incentive program working to decrease nutrition insecurity.

American Heart Association - Wisconsin
Wisconsin Infants, Toddlers and Early Childhood - 2023

A successful campaign for $27 million in state funding to expand eligibility for the WI Shares Child Care Subsidy program.

Kids Forward and American Heart Assoication - Wisconsin
Wisconsin Healthy, Accessible Food and Drinks - 2023

Over $235k of funding in Dane County, Wisconsin went to support a SNAP incentive program, increasing access to healthy foods.

American Heart Association – Wisconsin
Wisconsin Infants, Toddlers and Early Childhood - 2023

A successful campaign for an appropriation of $27 million in the state budget, allowing for eligibility expansion for the WI Shares Child Care Subsidy program.

Kids Forward and American Heart Assoication - Wisconsin
Wisconsin Healthy, Accessible Food and Drinks - 2022

Milwaukee County, Wis., allocated $1.1 million of American Rescue Plan Act funds to the Milwaukee Market Match program, which provides matching dollars to participants in the Food Share for purchasing fruits and vegetables at farmers markets.

American Heart Association – Wisconsin
Wisconsin Healthy, Equitable Schools - 2022

School Wellness Policy in Madison, Wisconsin was updated to require all new and renovated school buildings to include adequate water bottle filling stations, increasing access to no-cost, clean drinking water.

American Heart Association – Wisconsin
Wisconsin Healthy, Accessible Food and Drinks - 2021

Advocates worked to ensure the state did not lose its eligibility for enhanced SNAP funding of $50 million.

American Heart Association – Wisconsin
Wisconsin Healthy, Accessible Food and Drinks - 2019

The mayor of Madison, WI, signed an executive order implementing nutrition standards for vending machines on all city-owned or managed properties, helping ensure nutritious foods are available to employees and the public.

American Heart Association – Wisconsin
Wisconsin Active, Equitable Communities - 2018

The Milwaukee, WI, City Council adopted a new Complete Streets policy, which will expand transportation options for all users regardless of age, race, ethnicity, income or ability

Wisconsin Bike Fed

Policy Wins

Wyoming Preemption Efforts - 2020

There was a successful campaign in Wyoming to defend against preemptive language in the tobacco tax bill, stopping the legislature from removing local authority on tobacco control.

American Heart Association – Wyoming
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