For Immediate Release: February 8, 2007

Legislation to Make Group Homes Healthier Approved in Committee

Senator Judy Eason McIntyre wants group home residents to have access to healthier foods and activities. The Tulsa senator may get her wish following the approval of her legislation, Senate Bill 618, on Thursday by the Senate Committee on Health and Human Services.

“These are our mothers and fathers, sons and daughters, and other friends and family members - and they deserve the very best,” Eason McIntyre said. “Families pay good money to ensure that their loved ones are well taken care of, and I believe that should include providing healthy food options and appropriate exercise programs to residents.”

Eason McIntyre explained that the issue was brought to her attention by her assistant who has a daughter living in a group home. The young woman has been a resident for four years and has gained nearly 35 pounds due to the lack of healthy food options and exercise programs.

For this reason, the new law would require that each licensed group home ensure that its residents are provided with healthy food options in addition to those foods of minimal nutritional value.

“We can’t mandate exercise, but we can look at the kinds of food that they have in the vending machines
or that they serve. It’s no different than school districts removing the unhealthy foods in their vending machines and replacing it with more healthy options,” Eason McIntyre noted.

The bill now moves to the full Senate for consideration.

For more information contact:
Senator Eason McIntyre's Office - (405) 521-5598