Washington, DC- TODAY, Congresswoman Marcia L. Fudge (OH-11) introduced the Fit for Life Act of 2014, legislation to combat the childhood obesity epidemic.  This bill increases access to healthy foods, expands prevention and treatment options for low-income children, and increases opportunities for physical activity for our youth.

Nearly one third of all children in this country are overweight or obese –a rate that has tripled over the past fifty years and disproportionally impacts at-risk communities.  Left unchecked, obesity threatens to create the first generation of Americans with shorter life expectancies than their parents.

"This country must break the cycle of childhood obesity," said Congresswoman Fudge.  "Unless we reverse course, this epidemic will continue to put more of our children and the future of our nation at risk.  I encourage my colleagues to stand with me in this fight and cosponsor the Fit for Life Act."

Fit for Life Act of 2014 supports mobile healthy food programs, expands access to healthy foods for children in child care, and increases coverage for obesity prevention and treatment options for low-income children.  To promote physical activity, it boosts funding for the National Youth Sports Program,  and expands opportunities to take part in joint use agreements, opening existing facilities in low-income areas to community use.  Fit for Life Act of 2014 is backed by the Campaign to End Obesity Action Fund, American Council on Exercise, National Coalition for Promoting Physical Activity, National Recreation and Park Association, National Council of Youth Sports, Action for Healthy Kids and the US Soccer Foundation.

Click here for a section-by-section breakdown of Fit for Life

TOMORROW, Congresswoman Fudge is hosting a briefing in conjunction  with the Campaign to End Obesity entitled "Obesity in Low-Income and Minority Communities: Challenges and Approaches for Highest Impact." 

What:   Congressional briefing

Who:     Congresswoman Marcia L. Fudge; Campaign to End Obesity; Hilary Shelton, NAACP Washington Bureau Director and Senior Vice President for Advocacy; Katie Adamson, Senior Director of Health Partnerships and Policy, YMCA of the USA; and Linda Howard, CEO, Alturnative Fitness

Why:     This briefing will provide an overview of the current obesity epidemic in America.  Panelists will address potential policy solutions to this issue, including increasing access to healthy foods and opportunities for physical activity, and designating resources to these communities for positive impact.

Where: 121 Cannon House Office Building

When: Friday, May 30, 2014 from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.

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