FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Grocery Manufacturers Association Endorses Federal Legislation Aimed at Bolstering Physical Activity and Healthy Lifestyle Education in Schools
Contact:
Scott Openshaw, Director, Communications, 202-295-3957
Brian Kennedy, Director, Communications, 202-639-5994
April 24, 2009
WASHINGTON, D.C. - The Grocery Manufacturers Association (GMA) this week urged members of the Unites States House and Senate to make school children’s health a priority in the 111th Congress by cosponsoring the Fitness Integrated with Teaching (FIT) Kids Act of 2009 (S.634/H.R.1585). The FIT Kids Act is sponsored by Representatives Ron Kind (D-WI) and Zach Wamp (R-TN) in the House, and by Senators Tom Harkin (D-IA) and John Ensign (R-NV) in the Senate.
In a letter to Congress, GMA, along with seventy-five other allied stakeholders, encouraged members in both chambers to cosponsor the bill which would increase children’s physical activity throughout the school day and ensure that they learn how to live healthy lives through exercise and diet.
“GMA and its member companies are committed to playing a leadership role in the battle against childhood obesity and we believe schools are a vitally important component in the effort to win this critical fight,” said GMA President and CEO Pam Bailey. “We applaud the sponsors of The Fit Kids Act for their leadership in this important effort and encourage more members of Congress to get on board by cosponsoring this bill.”
“Helping Americans achieve healthy lifestyles is a top priority for the food and beverage industry. The key is energy balance: eating a healthy, balanced diet and engaging in regular physical activity. We stand committed to supporting parents, schools, communities and other stakeholders whose participation is crucial if we are to have any measurable success in reducing obesity - especially childhood obesity,” concluded Ms. Bailey.
For a copy of the letter contact Scott Openshaw, sopenshaw@gmaonline.org or (202) 295-3957.
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Based in Washington, D.C., the Grocery Manufacturers Association is the voice of more than 300 leading food, beverage and consumer product companies that sustain and enhance the quality of life for hundreds of millions of people in the United States and around the globe. Founded in 1908, GMA is an active, vocal advocate for its member companies and a trusted source of information about the industry and the products consumers rely on and enjoy every day. The association and its member companies are committed to meeting the needs of consumers through product innovation, responsible business practices and effective public policy solutions developed through a genuine partnership with policymakers and other stakeholders. In keeping with its founding principles, GMA helps its members produce safe products through a strong and ongoing commitment to scientific research, testing and evaluation and to providing consumers with the products, tools and information they need to achieve a healthy diet and an active lifestyle. The food, beverage and consumer packaged goods industry in the United States generates sales of $2.1 trillion annually, employs 14 million workers and contributes $1 trillion in added value to the economy every year.
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