The Kid's Gotta Eat

Recently Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack gave a speech before the National Press Club in which he laid out the need to improve nutrition in schools.  We couldn't agree more!

As we've pointed out on here numerous times over the last several months, the food and beverage industry is committed more than ever before to do our part to help reduce obesity - especially childhood obesity.  A critical aspect to winning that battle is a robust school-based component.  Meaningful changes must be made to the school environment! 

So we resoundingly agree with Sec. Vilsack, the First Lady and the Obama Administration that there should be a science-based national uniform standard for foods served and sold in our children's schools.  And, the national school breakfast program should be expanded.  A balanced diet - including starting the day off with a good breakfast and eating a healthy lunch - along with physical education and nutrition education can play a key role in reducing our nation's childhood obesity problem.

So, in addition to a national standard for foods and beverages served and sold in our children's schools, more has to be done to promote physical activity and nutrition education in schools and after-school programs.  Everyone has a role to play in this critical fight: the private sector, the public sector and parents must unite to combat this public health challenge.

The food and beverage industry is committed to working with the USDA, the other federal agencies, Congress and the Obama Administration to promote healthy eating habits, greater access to healthy choices, and more physical activity and nutrition education.