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On May 11, 2010, the White House Task Force on Obesity released to President Obama its report and action plan to solve the problem of childhood obesity within a generation. The President-ordered report is a result of the Let’s Move! initiative that was launched in February.
Download the full report
In general, the recommendations suggest voluntary, industry driven solutions to the challenges confronting childhood obesity. The report also continues the trend set out by First Lady Michelle Obama of taking a systematic, comprehensive approach to tackling childhood obesity.
As expected, the report challenges the foodservice industry to take action in a number of areas.
It encourages multi-unit restaurants to begin displaying calorie counts as soon as possible. The report suggests that all restaurants should examine portion sizes, and improve children’s menus and make healthy options the default.
The report does indicate that physical activity is a factor in childhood obesity and makes recommendations toward increased activity levels. WRA has maintained for many years that physical activity has to be part of the solution for obesity, along with nutrition.
The report identifies food advertising as an environmental factor during childhood that is partially responsible for childhood obesity. It notes that prepared and processed food is easily accessible and inexpensive, and that “screen time” is directly associated with childhood and adult obesity.
The report also contains a section on food pricing, suggesting that “the potential influence of food prices on consumption necessitates consideration of the extent to which changes in farm, tax, and subsidy policies might affect consumption patterns.” The tax policy section side-steps the federal tax issue, but recognizes that consumers may be fairly responsive to price changes in food and beverage items and that “price plays a significant role in consumer choice.” The report recommends an analysis of the effect on state and local taxes and points to “calorie-sweetened sodas, fruit drinks and sports drinks” as a potential target.
A summary of seventy (70) recommendations outlined in the report begins on page 89. Here are some of the highlights:
- Recommendation 2.4: Restaurants should consider their portion sizes, improve children’s menus, and make healthy options the default choice whenever possible.
- Recommendation 3.7: Schools should be encouraged to make improvements in their school meal programs through the HealthierUS Schools Challenge in advance of updated Federal standards.
- Recommendation 3.9: Food companies should be encouraged to develop new products and reformulate existing products so they meet nutritional standards based on the Dietary Guidelines and appeal to children.
- Recommendation 4.9: Analyze the effect of state and local sales taxes on less healthy, energy-dense foods.
- Recommendation 4.10: The food, beverage, and restaurant industries should be encouraged to use their creativity and resources to develop or reformulate more healthful foods for children and young people.
The Wisconsin Restaurant Association will continue to provide updates and information to the foodservice industry on obesity recommendations and obesity-related issues as they develop.
Download Solving the Problem of Childhood Obesity Within a Generation (PDF) – Full report by the White House Task Force on Obesity
Learn more about WRA’s Healthy Lifestyles Initiative
WRA Members: View resources in Members Only (Note: Visit "Edit Member Info" to enhance Dining Guide listings)
Read WRA news item from March 24, 2010: Chains Will Have to List Calories on Menus, Boards
Review NRA press release from May 11, 2010
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