The First Lady’s remarks at the West Side High School made pointed reference to special interests “throwing every resource they have at this issue, and we know that sometimes our kids’ health isn’t exactly their first priority.” She also acknowledged the difficulties childhood obesity prevention advocates face, as “voices of naysayers can be intimidating.”
The First Lady’s barbs seemed directed mostly toward the processed food and beverage industries, their friends in Congress and their biggest ally, the School Nutrition Association, when she noted that there are plenty of folks “waiting for us to declare victory and turn our attention to other matters.”
“We’ve seen this firsthand with our battles on school lunches,” she continued, as she went on to praise RWJF’s total investment of over $1 billion to tackle child obesity, calling them “committed to seeing through to the end.”
Mrs. Obama also highlighted gains made in the past eight years, including kids’ school lunches filled with fruits and vegetables and whole grains as well as “creative efforts to get kids active during the day.” She also noted how grocery stores are now “cropping up in under-served areas,” and that convenience stores are selling fresh produce..