WASHINGTON, DC – December 13, 2010 – “The Child Nutrition Act reauthorization legislation that the president signed today will help to improve nutrition and physical activity in our nation’s children and has the potential to lead to a more healthy population. With approximately one-third of all cancer deaths attributable to poor diet, physical inactivity and overweight and obesity, it is vitally important that the law signed today become part of a comprehensive nationwide strategy focused on ensuring that today’s children grow up healthy.
“Being overweight increases the risk for cancer recurrence and decreases the likelihood of survival for many cancers. The prevalence of obesity in this country has more than doubled in the past 25 years, and more than one-third of adults – more than 72 million people – are currently obese.
“Obesity among school-age children and adolescents has tripled over the past three decades. Because overweight and obese children are more likely to be overweight or obese as adults, efforts to establish healthy body weight patterns should begin in childhood.
“ACS CAN is committed to promoting disease prevention, including good nutrition, for all Americans in all sectors of society. Throughout the legislative process, ACS CAN supported the reauthorization of the Child Nutrition Act, as well as other initiatives that promote healthy living for children, support the need to update nutrition standards outside of school meal programs and place a stronger emphasis on physical education and health. We thank President Obama, the First Lady and Congress for making the health of our nation’s children a priority.”
FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT:
Christina Saull
(202) 585-3250
[email protected]
Steven Weiss
(202) 661-5711
[email protected]