Clinton Announces School Nutrition Initiative
Former President Bill Clinton, along with the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, on Monday announced the Alliance for a Healthier Generation, an $8 million initiative that aims to improve the health of school-aged children by promoting healthier food and more exercise, the AP/Minneapolis Star Tribune reports.
According to the AP/Star Tribune, obesity rates in children ages six to 19 have tripled over the past 40 years, which raises their risk of type 2 diabetes and other diseases. The pilot phase of the program, which will begin next fall, will give 285 schools in 13 states the resources to improve the nutritional value of cafeteria food and vending machine products, increase physical activity among students, provide health education and promote staff wellness.
According to the AP/Star Tribune, the effort is a part of a year-old campaign by Clinton's foundation and the American Heart Association. Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee (R), who lost 110 pounds after being diagnosed with diabetes, is co-chair of the campaign (Matthews, AP/Minneapolis Star Tribune, 2/13).