First Lady Michelle Obama Heads the Newly Established Task Force to Fight Childhood Obesity

 

Today, President Obama signed a Presidential Memorandum establishing a task force on childhood obesity, a cause taken on by First Lady Michelle Obama.

 

“It’s done, honey,” the president said upon signing it.

 

“Now we work,” she responded.

 

According to the White House, the new task force is charged with developing an interagency action plan to solve the problem of obesity among our Nation’s children as part of the First Lady’s Let's Move campaign.

 

The President applauded the work already done by the First Lady and her task force.

 

“I am so proud of the work that the First Lady, along with the Cabinet Secretaries behind me, has done in trying to tackle one of the most urgent health issues that we face in this country, and that is the increase of childhood obesity. And because of the outstanding planning that they've done, they are going to be rolling out a terrific plan of action that involves the private sector as well as government agencies coordinating much more effectively a lot of public information out there to help parents make good decisions about allowing their children to be active and eating healthier.” (whitehouse.gov)

Speaking at an event later, the First Lady explained what motivated her to take this on: "These words – 'overweight' and 'obese' – they don’t tell the full story.  This isn’t just about inches and pounds or how our kids look.  It’s about how our kids feel, and how they feel about themselves.  It’s about the impact we’re seeing on every aspect of their lives." (whitehouse.gov)

Note: Photo from Official White House Website. Whitehouse.gov

Cheri Cabot

Cheri is a freelance writer living in Southern California.  She has two grown children and is the proud grandmother of three.

You can find Cheri’s home page at www.ccabot.gather.com

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at www.theobamawatch.gather.com.