Health Kids, Healthy Families a natiowide grassroots initiative to improve the health and wellbeing of the nation's children
Children’s Health is becoming a national priority. Many of the health conditions – including skyrocketing rates of obesity and diabetes, behavioral and academic challenges and the growing incidence of ADD– are linked to the poor nutritional options and the pesticides and toxics in our food, schools and homes.
Here are the staggering facts: - In forty years, obesity rates have more than doubled among children age six to ten.
- Type 2 diabetes, called “adult” onset diabetes, is now diagnosed in kids as young as three. In fact, around 40% of all newly diagnosed cases of adult type 2 diabetes occur in children.
- Youth drink an average of 18 oz. of sweetened carbonated drinks each day.
- Over 30% of youth eat French fries every day.
- The 2002 U.S. Farm Bill provides over $100 billion in federal subsidies – primarily to support cheap grain and corn. Vegetables, fruits and nuts and organic produce receive minor if any federal support making their costs relatively higher.
- Seventeen percent of children in the United States have been diagnosed with one or more developmental disabilities.
Though right now the picture looks bleak,
citizens nationwide are taking action to restore and protect the precious health of our children. Successful community programs are demonstrating that we can provide our children with better options in schools, replace sugar-filled and processed food choices with wholesome foods, and at the same time work with families and communities to help facilitate better food choices and reduce children’s exposure to pesticides and hazardous cleaning products. Through the Healthy Kids, Healthy Families initiative, the Campaign is mobilizing consumers nationwide to create healthier schools and healthier homes.
