It's not just about pizza, cookies and chocolate milk any more.
As kids return to school, they will see that the traditional school meals are healthier than ever before.
In 2010, ACS CAN worked closely with Congress and the Obama Administration to pass a law establishing new, healthier standards for school breakfasts and lunches. Just five years later, more than 90% of schools are meeting or exceeding the standards established in that law.
Most importantly, the results are being seen and felt across the nation. Childhood obesity rates have finally stabilized and even fallen for very young children.
According to the American Cancer Society, around one-third of all cancer deaths are linked to poor diet, physical inactivity, and being overweight, contributing to nearly 200,000 cancer deaths each year. And that's why ACS CAN has been so active in its work to prevent childhood obesity.
This fall, Congress is required to re-approve those standards. Once again, ACS CAN is working hard to ensure we don't lose ground in this effort.
Schools provide a unique setting to start children on a path to healthy eating, which can reduce their future risk of cancer. I think we can all agree that is even more exciting than pizza day.