National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month Statement by Nancy Easton

National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month is coming to an end, but the conversation has to be ongoing. Childhood obesity can be a difficult but necessary conversation. We focus 100% on health. Every day we’re in schools addressing our Nation’s childhood obesity epidemic with students, families, teachers, cooks, Departments of Education, and our community & corporate partners. 

Think about the 1-2 times a year that you’re really sick; you might make it into the office, but when you do, you’re not at your best. After a few days you might be back in your regular routine, appreciating your good health, but imagine feeling this way every single day of your life. That’s how an overweight or obese child feels every day; she has little chance to grow up to be healthy and productive. 

1 in 3 American children are overweight or obese. We spend nearly $200 billion on obesity related illness each year in health costs – $14 billion on childhood obesity.

Our kids are sick and that is why are proactive in disrupting the status quo. We work with the federal lunch program and within the school systems to make systemic, long-term changes. Today, we work in nearly 200 schools across 5 states, serving 97,000 students daily. Our chefs and coaches provide healthy school lunches and active recess periods, and educational programming to support these systemic changes.

Our work is built on the power of partnerships and authentic relationships. It’s people talking to people that makes change happen.