Alexandria, Va., - February 9, 2010 - The National School Boards Association supports and commends First Lady Michelle Obama's "Let's Move" initiative to combat widespread childhood obesity.

Anne L. Bryant, NSBA's executive director, said the initiative — announced Tuesday at a White House ceremony — is an excellent opportunity for school districts and the public to work together to improve student nutrition and physical fitness.

"School boards are acutely aware of the importance of ensuring that children have access to healthy and nutritious food," Bryant said. "This initiative is an excellent opportunity to focus attention on a problem that has the potential to shorten the lifespan of future generations and dramatically affect our already struggling economy."

Working with and through state school boards associations, NSBA announced that it will help identify at least one local school board member in every state to serve as a visible champion in the campaign against childhood obesity. NSBA also will work with the states to promote participation in the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Healthier USSchool Challenge.

Bryant noted that numerous studies have shown a direct correlation between health and academic achievement.

"The First Lady is right on the mark when she says that common sense, innovative solutions are needed to empower families and communities to make healthy decisions for their children," Bryant said. "To be successful, this initiative will require local, state, and federal agencies to work together toward a common goal."

NSBA's School Health Programs works with state associations and the federal government to develop policies that local school boards can adopt to support student health. Information and materials on childhood obesity can be found at www.nsba.org/schoolhealth.  More information on the First Lady's initiative is available at http://letsmove.gov.

Founded in 1940, the National School Boards Association (www.nsba.org) is a not-for-profit organization representing State Associations of school boards and their member districts across the United States. Its mission is to work with and through all its State Association members to foster excellence and equity in public education through school board leadership. NSBA achieves that mission by representing the school board perspective in working with federal government agencies and national organizations that impact education, and provides vital information and services to state associations of school boards throughout the nation.

Contact:
Linda Embrey, Communications Office
National School Boards Association
703-838-6737; lembrey@nsba.org
www.nsba.org/schoolhealth
http://schoolboardnews.nsba.org
http://boardbuzz.nsba.org