Principles and a Decision‐Making Process for Accountable Partnership Engagement to Create Healthy Food and Active Living Environments in the United States

Abstract

ObjectiveVoluntary engagement strategies are used by national governments, industry and non‐governmental organizations to address obesity and non‐communicable diseases (NCDs) through research, policy, programs and advocacy in the United States (U.S.) and globally. Clear principles and procedures are needed to ensure that alliances and cross‐sectoral partnerships with the food, beverage and entertainment industries are trusted, effective and accountable.DesignWe conducted a desk review of electronic databases, United Nations System and U.S. federal agency websites, and grey literature to identify principles, procedures and a decision‐making process to assist institutional stakeholders optimize voluntary engagement to address obesity and NCDs.ResultsExamples of philanthropic, transactional and transformative partnerships are describedimageWe propose five principles to guide public‐private partnerships (e.g., public interest, innovation, compatibility, stewardship and accountability) and a six‐step decision‐making process and toolkit to guide voluntary partnership engagementimage.ConclusionsA systematic and transparent approach that emphasizes principles, procedures and a decision‐making process can guide institutional partners to synergize efforts to create healthy food and active living environments to address obesity and NCDs.