Clinton Kicks Off Program to Fight Childhood Obesity

NEW YORK (AP) — Former President Clinton and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation announced an $8 million initiative Monday to fight childhood obesity by promoting healthier food and more exercise in schools.

Speaking at a Harlem public school, Clinton said 285 schools in 13 states had been chosen for the pilot phase of the program, beginning next fall, and additional schools will be able to apply for the program.

The schools will get help in improving the nutritional value of the food served in cafeterias and vending machines, increasing physical activity, providing health lessons and promoting staff wellness.

“What we want to do is to create a national recognition program shining a spotlight on schools that have done a good job, with concrete, innovative steps to create healthier learning environments for children and healthier work environments for staff,” Clinton said.

The effort is part of a campaign undertaken last year by Clinton’s foundation and the American Heart Association. Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee is co-chairman of the initiative, dubbed the Alliance for a Healthier Generation.