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Michelle Obama’s Let’s Move! Campaign

By now you’ve probably heard about the Let’s Move! campaign backed by Michelle ObamaMichelle Obama's Let's Move! Campaign. Fruits & veggies play a significant role in the fight to end the increasing rate of childhood obesity. Fruits And Veggies More Matters.org but … let’s refresh.

The Let’s Move! campaign was inspired by the fact that the obesity rate in children has tripled over the past 30 years, and their expected lifespan is now less than their parents! Obama along with the Department of Education, the USDA, and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services want to put a stop to this trend.

Produce For Better Health Foundation supports this effort and through our Fruits & Veggies—More Matters initiative, we can help … and so can you! Read Our Press Release

The White House Task Force on Childhood Obesity released a report that presents a series of 70 specific recommendations to help combat the childhood obesity epidemic, many of which can be implemented right away. Fruits And Veggies More Matters.org 
June 2010: Chefs Move to Schools

May 2010: White House Task Force Releases 70 Recommendations
                   10 Things You Can Do

About the Campaign

 
Fruits and vegetables play a significant role in Let’s Move, as the campaign focuses on helping schools and grocery stores offer better options by introducing more fruits, less sugar, more vegetables, less fat, more knowledge, and fewer empty calories.

The Plan

  1. Provide accessible and affordable healthy food
  2. Provide healthier foods in schools
  3. Help children be more physically active
  4. Give parents the support they need to teach children about making healthy choices
The Process
  1. Improve Labeling Methods. Develop FDA-approved labeling methods that are more nutritionally-sound and consumer-friendly [by the end of 2010]. Efforts are already being made for proper labeling on soda fountains and vending machines.
  2. Reauthorize Child Nutrition Act. Over the next year the USDA will attempt to double the schools that meet the Healthier US Schools Challenge by reauthorizing the Child Nutrition Act in an effort to improve the quality of school meals, increase the number of kids participating, and make sure schools have the resources needed to make changes.
  3. Encourage Physical Activity. Children need about 60 minutes of play daily. To get this amount, they need safe routes to walk and ride to school, parks, playgrounds, and community centers for after school, as well as sports, dance or fitness programs that are enticing. The President’s Active Lifestyle Program gives incentives to children for exercising 60 minutes, five days/week.
  4. Increase Access to Proper Nutrition. Lack of access to proper nutrition is a main reason why many children are not eating enough fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Through the Healthy Food Financing Initiative, $400 million a year will provide financing to bring grocery stores to underserved areas and help convenience stores carry healthier food options.
The Parents … What Can You Do?

Remember This: Eating Habits Your Kids Learn Now … Stick!

Studies have shown that children who learn about proper nutrition and the reasoning behind healthy choices are less likely to be overweight in adulthood. So … be a role model for your children and give them the tools necessary to decrease their risk of developing weight-related diseases. One of the best things you can do is to make eating fruits and vegetables part of your daily balanced diet. Then … help your kids learn about nutrition. Learning at an early age is important and can be fun and one of the best ways to learn … is by doing.

Getting kids involved in meal preparation enhances their interest and increases the chance that they’ll at least try what the help to prepare. Our kid-friendy recipes will stir up some fun while teaching your children science, math, culture and healthy eating habits. Also, direct your kids to our Kids’ Healthy Eating Website for games and other fun ways to learn about and enjoy your fruits and vegetables. Learn more in our Get Kids Involved in Healthy Meal Planning & Shopping section.

And for you? Sign up for our free newsletter - Fruit & Veggie Voice -  and get monthly recipes, nutrition facts and other tools to keep your family happy and healthy.

See 10 Things Parents Can Do to Join Obama’s Efforts

 
 
 
 
 
 
Fruits And Veggies More Matters.org