Read Michelle Obama’s message below to squelch the childhood obesity epidemic to literally save children’s lives.

Dear Friends:

Since we launched Let’s Move! in February, we have been so encouraged by the outpouring of ideas and support we’ve received from individuals and organizations across the country. And today, I am very proud to release the action plan from our Interagency Childhood Obesity Task Force, Solving the Problem of Childhood Obesity within a Generation. This report provides a national road map that will help us solve the epidemic of childhood obesity in a generation so that children born today will reach adulthood at a healthy weight.

For the first time, we’re setting measurable goals, benchmarks, and outcomes to help us tackle this challenge one child, one family, and one community at a time. We want to marshal every resource – public and private sector, mayors and governors, parents and educators, business owners and health care providers, coaches and athletes – to ensure that we are providing each and every child the happy, healthy future they deserve.

This action plan focuses and expands on what we can do together to:

• Create a healthy start on life for our children, from pregnancy through early childhood
• Empower parents and caregivers to make healthy choices for their families

• Serve healthier food in schools
• Ensure access to healthy, affordable food
• Increase opportunities for physical activity

Your work on this issue has been crucial to getting us to this point, and that’s why I wanted to make sure you have a copy of the full report. We know that we cannot meet these goals without your continued efforts and input. So, thank you again for all of your support and I look forward to working with you in the months and years ahead. Now, Let’s Move!

Sincerely,

Michelle Obama