Strong Support for New Campaign

Jasmine Messiah is an 8-year-old girl whose school has no healthful options at all. This is exactly the situation faced by millions of children. Without access to healthful food, many children are at risk for obesity and other health problems. This is a question of fundamental fairness and decency.

Congress has yet to act to protect the rights of these children. As it stands, children are exploited by government programs that place fatty, meaty, cheesy dishes in schools as a way of reducing agricultural commodities and boosting farm income at the expense of children’s health. We believe that every child, no matter how disadvantaged, has a right to good nutrition and good health. Their schools need and deserve solid support every step of the way.

Since the advertisements first appeared, many people have asked how they can help. Tens of thousands have joined the call for healthier meals for children. If you have not yet done so, please visit www.HealthySchoolLunches.org to sign a petition to Congress for healthier meals for children. You will also find useful information on how to make changes in schools in your area.

Some people have been struck by the new advertisement in which Jasmine’s school contrasts with the school chosen by the first family, and some have asked whether the ads draw too sharp a contrast. All indications are that the president is fully supportive of better health for children. No one in the first family has raised any objection at all to the advertisements or the campaign of which they are a part. Quite the contrary, the advertisements raise a crucial issue in a way that is respectful and in no way intrudes on the president’s family privacy.

In 2007, the American Medical Association, the American Public Health Association, and other groups called for healthier meals for children in schools, including vegetables, fruits, and healthful nondairy vegetarian foods. But the problem of childhood obesity cannot be solved unless Congress decides to tackle this issue. For more information on how you can help, please visit www.HealthySchoolLunches.org.

home | about us | contact us

This Web site does not provide medical or legal advice.
This site is for information purposes only.
full disclaimer | privacy policy