Purpose & Structure
The Missouri Council for Activity and Nutrition (MOCAN) is a coalition composed of representatives from statewide and local agencies, institutions, organizations, other coalitions, and individuals who collaborate to implement policy, systems and environmental change to improve physical activity and eating behaviors of Missourians. MOCAN also serves as an advisory body for the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services and is funded by University of Missouri Extension SNAP Ed. This includes serving as Missouri’s State Nutrition Action Council (SNAC) to maximize nutrition education and obesity prevention efforts by improved coordination and cooperation among the State agencies, Food Nutrition Service (FNS) nutrition assistance programs, public health agencies, and other organizations.
MOCAN consists of a Steering Committee and several Work Groups including Child Care, Food Systems, Healthcare, Healthy Aging and Fall Prevention, Physical Activity, Schools and Worksites. Members find shared interest in one or multiple work groups to work collaboratively.
Mission
MOCAN fosters and supports strategies to improve the overall well-being and quality of life of Missouri residents. MOCAN fosters collaboration between members and Work Groups as well as with federal, state, and local stakeholders. Members are active policy makers, educators, practitioners, and advocates of healthy living and encourage collaborative partnerships and best practices across environments.
Major Values
- Nutrition and activity — Healthy eating and physical activity promotes overall health and prevents or improves chronic disease outcomes.
- Evidence-based approach — Evidence-based approaches must be used to improve nutrition and increase physical activity.
- Many levels of influence — For approaches to be effective, individual, local, and state stakeholders must support the changes being implemented.