Policy Pick: Obesity, Nutrition and the White House

If passed, the Child Nutrition Reauthorization Bill will renew and increase funding for the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC), the Child and Adult Care Food Program, the National School Lunch Program, and others. They were scheduled to expire in September 2009 and have been temporarily continued. The bill would make numerous program improvements and enhance the quality and nutrient value of foods made available to youngsters.

In support of the bill, over 200 members of Congress wrote to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, "Poverty exacerbates children's risk of unhealthy weight gain...children should have access to enough food, and the right food, to help them achieve their potential." The legislators are seeking budget "offsets" to fund the $1 billion increase.

The bill in many ways mirrors the White House Childhood Obesity Task Force's report, Solving the Problem of Childhood Obesity Within a Generation. The report focuses on four goals: families make healthier choices, schools offer healthier meals, children are physically active and families have access to healthful foods.

The action plan's recommendations related to early childhood are:

• Strengthen prenatal care
• Promote breastfeeding
• Evaluate the impact of chemical influences in the environment
• Reduce "screen time"

The report provides direction for the nation, for local leaders, for families, schools, the medical community - all those with an investment in children's health -- to jump into action.

For children 0-5, the need for action is particularly urgent as the early years, including the period a baby spends in-utero, can greatly influence a child's proclivity for weight challenges.

For more information on Solving the Problem of Childhood Obesity Within a Generation or the Child Nutrition Reauthorization bill contact Tessa Charnofsky at TCharnofsky@First5LA.org.

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