WASHINGTON, DC--(Marketwire - May 12, 2010) - National Parent Teacher Association (PTA®) applauds the White House Task Force on Childhood Obesity for a report released yesterday outlining specific ways to empower parents and caregivers to make healthy choices for their families, improving school foods, increasing access to healthy, affordable foods, increasing physical activity, and protecting the health of children at the earliest and most vulnerable stages of their development. The report details 70 recommendations to help eliminate childhood obesity within a generation.
The Task Force consists of several cabinet secretaries and high ranking officials from the Obama Administration. Building upon the work of the First Lady Michelle Obama's Let's Move! campaign, the Task Force received input from over 2,500 different public and private groups in developing this comprehensive strategy.
National PTA has worked closely with the First Lady, Congress, members of the Task Force, and many other stakeholders in order to ensure that parents and youth are given the tools necessary to turn every child's potential into reality. With the report released yesterday, we are pleased to say that our voices were heard loud and clear.
We look forward to partnering with the many diverse stakeholders in order to successfully implement this common sense approach to ensure that this generation of Americans is not the first to have shorter, less healthy lives than their parents.
PTA is emboldened in our efforts by the direction the Task Force has set forth yesterday, and we remain as committed as ever to addressing one of the greatest public policy challenges of our lifetime. There is neither time nor effort to waste with implications ranging from our national economy to our military readiness.
PTA has worked to improve child health outcomes since its inception in 1897, including efforts that resulted in the creations of the U.S. Public Health Service, the school lunch program, and the Department of Health and Human Services at the federal level. In addition, we have consistently provided a platform for parents to advocate for children and work together to support generations of Americans.
About National PTA
National PTA® comprises millions of families, students, teachers, administrators, and business and community leaders devoted to the educational success of children and the promotion of parent involvement in schools. PTA is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit association that prides itself on being a powerful voice for all children, a relevant resource for families and communities, and a strong advocate for public education. Membership in PTA is open to anyone who wants to be involved and make a difference for the education, health, and welfare of children and youth.
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Contact Information:
Contacts:
James Martinez
Office: (312) 670-6782 Ext. 321
Cell: (312) 623-4560