What Foods Do You Want to Eat at Work?

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A survey is coming your way.

You should fill it out because your responses will help shape food choices and culture at your worksite, from the snacks on your vending machine to the dishes and beverages served in your cafeteria.

Led by the Health and Human Services Agency in partnership with the Employee Wellness Program, the survey will assist in the development of the County’s Eat Well Standards:  nutrition criteria for all foods and beverages offered by the County. The Eat Well Standards are part of the County’s Food System Initiative, which plays a critical role in creating healthy, accessible and affordable choices.

The survey results will not be used in any way todictate what you eat or bring into the office for personal consumption. The survey takes about five minutes to complete. All responses are confidential.

“We are reaching out to employees to get their input on what foods and beverages they desire and what changes should be made,” said Wilma Wooten, M.D., M.P.H., County public health officer. “Their responses will help us develop the County’s Eat Well Standards.”

The short survey includes questions such as:

  • Does your worksite have a County-operated or leased cafeteria or café within walking distance or access to food and beverage vending?

  • Do you purchase food from the cafeteria or café?

  • Are the foods and beverages served at the cafeteria or café healthy?

  • Does the cafeteria or café promote and offer local or organic foods and beverages?

  • Does the cafeteria or café offer recyclable, compostable, or reusable plates, cups and silverware?

“The County’s vision is to have healthy, safe and thriving residents and communities. That vision starts with our employees,” said William Erese, County wellness coordinator. “The survey is a great opportunity for employees to let their voices be heard and help us achieve that vision.”

The survey will be available to employees until August 22. Employees with no access to a computer at work can get the survey link from their supervisors and complete it at home or using their smartphones.

For more information about the Eat Well Standards survey, contact JuliAnna Arnett, Food System Specialist for HHSA at JuliAnna.Arnett@sdcounty.ca.gov or (619) 692-8248.

YMCA Waives Registration Fees for County Employees

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You don’t need to break a sweat negotiating a membership deal at the gym. Save your energy for the workout and consider joining the YMCA. They are now waiving the $50 registration fee for County employees!

Plus, a Y membership now grants you access to all 17 San Diego County YMCA locations and entry to unlimited group exercise classes. This means you have the flexibility to hit the weights, hop onto a treadmill, swim a few laps or pop into a fitness class near your home or office.

Have a family? Getting healthy at The Y is for everyone! Include family members of all ages. Child Watch for ages 0-12 is included in all Family level memberships.  The Y also allows children ages 7 and over to work out in the fitness area with you!

For information on rates or for information on financial assistance, visit the YMCA online. To be eligible for the offer, you must be a current County employee. Visit your local Y with your employee ID to sign up.

Happy CECO Day!

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In honor of its diamond anniversary, the San Diego County Employees’ Charitable Organization received a proclamation from the County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday recognizing the nonprofit for its leadership, generosity and commitment to the community.

“For 60 years they have been lending a hand to diverse groups and communities in the San Diego region and people in need,” Supervisor Greg Cox said as he presented the proclamation to CECO board members. “CECO encourages support of local nonprofit programs and works to ensure that San Diego is a safe and livable community where all of its residents can thrive.”

Through County employee and retirees’ donations, CECO has distributed more than $6.7 million throughout the San Diego region to local non-profit organizations and employees in crisis since its founding in 1956.

Save the date for CECO’s next anniversary celebration: a lunchtime gathering Friday, Aug. 26 at the County Operations Center. There will be a special star-studded, all-employee band performance with tunes from the ‘50s, when CECO formed, food and other surprise festivities! More details to come. So stay tuned to InSite.

To learn how to donate to CECO, visit them online.

Running Man Challenge Reaches County

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The internet​ phenomenon known as the "Running Man Challenge" has found its way to the County. Our Sheriff's Department was challenged by San Diego Police Department and they accepted. Watch our Sheriff's crew (including search dogs and horses) showcase their dancing chops​.

Many Reactions, a Common Resolve

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The last few weeks, we've all watched a seemingly non-stop rash of horrific, violent incidents unfold. As one has followed another, our hearts have grown heavier, swollen by a gamut of emotions. 

Sorrow. Anger. Despair. Shock. Bewilderment.

You may be having any of those reactions or a mix. Most likely, you're feeling the impact of these events in a somewhat different way than I am. The same goes for the person next to you or any of your co-workers.    

When we come from a variety of backgrounds and experiences, as County employees do, we're going to perceive and feel things in a variety of ways. A violent event may touch you more deeply the more you can say, “that could have been me.” They’re all troubling, but attacks on police, the assault at a nightclub, the shootings of young black men, the massacre at a beach – each may strike us differently.

Having the understanding that reactions vary is the fundamental point of our commitment to diversity. Respecting each other's response and saying there is room for them all to exist here is what we mean by inclusion. 

It's only by that inclusion that we can all stand as one. And while we each may have a unique view of events, we must stand united in opposition to violence. It is simply, without question, never the answer. 

That was the message in one of the most moving displays of solidarity I've ever seen in San Diego. Law enforcement, government officials and community leaders came together in Balboa Park last week to denounce the recent wave of violence targeting police.  

A good portion of our County family is law enforcement officers, and they deserve our wholehearted support. Sheriff Gore told the gathering how much it means to them to know they have the backing of those they're sworn to protect. 

The expression of support at the rally was coupled with a pledge to work even harder at strengthening ties to the community. It's only by engaging with and listening to the people we serve that we can build the mutual trust and respect needed as a foundation for public safety. Having this kind of dialogue - understanding residents' perspectives and feelings, involving them in making strategy - is part of the Live Well Communities effort I talked about earlier this year. The recent events add gravity and urgency to that conversation. 

That collaborative approach is at the heart of the Collective Impact concept that we embrace and promote. It's all about working with the community and numerous partners to achieve our goals.

The recent events prompted a few NBA players to open the ESPY awards with a powerful message. They too spoke against violence and the need to unite communities to bring about change. They ended with LeBron James saying, “We all have to do better.”

We do. I demand excellence from our organization, and receive it, but I also demand that we keep improving. We can be better partners, be more responsive to the people we serve. We can learn more from each other and work harder to ensure an inclusive culture that embraces our differences to build a united team of dedicated public servants, supportive of our public safety heroes and committed to ensuring our region is safe, healthy and thriving for all.

 

Perk Spot Alert: Purrfect Pet Price Cuts

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Adopt Fenway from the San Diego Region shelter. His ID number is A1687888.

 Save a little dough taking care of Fido.

You can get discounts on pet supplies at local San Diego retailers such as Petco through PerkSpot. And if you’re looking for a furry friend, check out the available animals for adoption at the Department of Animal Services.

PerkSpot offers benefits and discounts to County employees through hundreds of service providers and retailers from movie theaters to florists and jewelers. Using PerkSpot is both easy and free! Simply go to SDCounty.PerkSpot.com and shop. If you are new, click on “Create an Account” to complete the registration process.

Each month, one of the most popular PerkSpot deals will be highlighted on InSite.