More than 23 million kids and teens in this country are overweight or obese. It's an epidemic, and we can't sit idly by and let the situation get worse. Now I can already hear some of you from the far right saying, "Keep the government out of my kid's life!" and I can totally agree. Okay well, I guess I kind of lied there because how in God's name can demanding that our public school lunches be full of healthy choices be a bad thing? We already know that obesity leads to increased risk of heart disease, diabetes, and stroke. Our nation's children deserve a healthy future and, right now, YOU have a chance to help them.
We have a small window of opportunity to improve the school meal program for the first time in 15 years. New standards proposed by the United States Department of Agriculture would work to help reverse this dangerous trend by requiring schools to serve more fruits, vegetables and whole grains -- among other improvements. But in order for these important standards to pass, the USDA needs to hear from all of us before April 13.
I added my voice to the petition. Will you add your voice to this important measure too and co-sign our comment to the USDA? Together, we have the opportunity to make a difference in the health of thousands of American children. Add your voice today!
Petition Target: Julie Brewer, Chief of the Policy and Program Development Branch, Child Nutrition Division, Food and Nutrition Service, USDA
Sponsored by: PreventObesity.net
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P.S.- I am really glad that you stopped by our Environmental Booty Blog and I hope you have learned or shared a thing or two. I hope that , now that you've found us, you won't lose us! You can join our green living online community, subscribe to our posts, download our community toolbar or Tweet with me on Twitter to stay in touch! - Shane*
Photo Credit: Care2
