Michelle Obama is throwing her weight behind efforts to conquer a big health issue: childhood obesity.  The First Lady announced today that her campaign, Let’s Move, will take a multi-faceted approach to encouraging parents and kids to make healthier choices when it comes to food and exercise.

With over 25 million American kids and teenagers overweight or obese, Mrs. Obama thinks it’s about time to take an ambitious stand against what she calls an epidemic.  “We’ve got to stop citing statistics and wringing our hands and feeling guilty, and get going on this issue,” Obama said.

And she’s using her position as First Lady, and First Mom, to get it done.  “I know from my own experience.  I would move heaven and earth to give my kids all the chance in the world for them to be at the top of their game in every way, shape and form,” she said. “Let’s Move operates under the principle that every family wants the same thing for their kid. So we’re going to figure out how to make it easier for them to get it.”

Her campaign will start with the formation of a task force to study the issue and develop a plan within 90 days.  But Mrs. Obama has already lined up commitments from mayors, business leaders, grocers, school lunch suppliers, foundations, and non-profit organizations, and she is already planting the seeds for some specific initiatives.

Mrs. Obama is planning $400 million in tax credits to encourage grocery businesses to move into low-income areas where people don’t have access to healthy food at a low enough cost because they rely on corner stores and convenience marts.  She also wants to give $25 million to schools to replace deep fryers and soda machines with healthier options, like fresh produce, whole grains, milk, and water.  The campaign will also set up a foundation to monitor the campaign and organize the many groups that are working to combat childhood obesity.

To read more about the dangers of childhood obesity and Michelle Obama’s campaign, click here.

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