In a statement today, ASCD Executive Director Gene Carter commends First Lady Michelle Obama’s efforts to combat the epidemic of childhood obesity. The First Lady has charged parents, educators, policymakers, and business and community leaders to develop comprehensive solutions that build on proven strategies and mobilize both public and private sector resources.
ASCD has been at the forefront of advocating for systemic approaches to ensure the physical and emotional health of students via school–community health collaborations, strong policies that translate into effective practices, and the creation of a federal interagency committee to address student health. ASCD supports the administration’s creation of a Task Force on Childhood Obesity to end the problem of obesity among our nation’s children and stands ready to advise this task force and help carry out its recommendations.
To read the full statement and get more information on ASCD’s efforts, visit ASCD’s Web site.
Paula Kerner
March 2, 2010
5:31 am
We have taken the ability to actually cook out of the “Cooks” hands at schools. They are ordered to fix what the county says and it is predominately breaded, fried greasy meats accompanied by starches. Things are not fresh. Vegetables are overcooked and loose their nutrients. Processed foods are full of additives and preservatives. And students have no alternatives for protein so those who are vegetarian suffer even more. Studies have shown the huge differences when students eat fresh, organic, low fat, low preservatives meals but the schools fall back on cost. We need more programs that use local farmers to supply what schools need and cooks/planners who actually know nutrition and stick to it.
PEJEAN
March 2, 2010
5:32 am
All students need and deserve daily Physical Education from a highly qualified Physical Educator. Mrs. Obama let’s start there!