White House Task Force on Childhood Obesity Praised
Statement of CSPI Nutrition Policy Director Margo G. Wootan
May 11, 2010
The White House has laid out a comprehensive strategy that if made a national priority and implemented should reduce obesity. From urging companies to improve restaurant children’s meals and reduce unhealthy food marketing to getting good food in and junk food out of schools, the recommendations are bold, yet achievable.
Straight away, Congress could deliver on many of the Task Force recommendations by completing the child nutrition reauthorization. With one day’s attention, the Senate could pass the Agriculture Committee’s bill, which would provide a historic increase in school lunch funding, get junk food out of vending machines, and help schools implement stronger nutrition and physical activity wellness policies.