An article written by Debra Eschmeyer today in Grist, shed light on something perhaps most of us have not realized…that food policies councils throughout the state and municipal levels have grown but never at a national level.
President Obama’s Task Force on Childhood Obesity actually held a summit last week with the responsibility of putting together an action plan within 90 days for the President that would actually help children born today reach adulthood at a healthy weight. This is a daunting task, considering we lead the world, according to a NY Times report, in eating more packaged food than fresh food.
Our news and blogs are filled with the news about Jamie Oliver’s “Food Revolution” where the British Chef Jamie tries to change the processed food in the local school cafeteria and sets up “healthy food boot camps” for parents, students, school cooks and onlookers, in a town that has been described as the most unhealthiest place in America.
Making the opening remarks at the recently held summit, Michele Obama stated, “This gathering has never happened before at the White House. It’s one where we’re bringing together teachers and child advocates, doctors and nurses, business leaders, public servants, researchers and health experts to talk about one of the most serious and difficult problems facing our kids today, and that is the epidemic of childhood obesity in this country.”
The conversation has begun. Let’s all join in with our ideas as well as our participation.
I’m so energized by Jamie Oliver’s Food Revolution. It’s great to hear that our country’s leaders are also taking a stand – it would be amazing if we could get on the same page and actually see a change in our schools and in our own family’s when it comes to our health. You’re so on track!