February 15, 2010

Washington (DC) – “On behalf of the nation’s mayors, I want to commend First Lady Michelle Obama for championing a national movement to end childhood obesity, and providing the national leadership that is desperately needed.

“As the First Lady acknowledged in her remarks to our 78th Winter Meeting on January 20, mayors are leading the way in cities across the nation to promote access to healthy food, as well as designing cities that enhance and encourage physical activity. For many years, our organization has – through summits and meetings - helped mayors share best practices and provided them with the latest research on strategies for addressing obesity. Mayors have a proven track record of changing personal behaviors. But now, we will have the support at the national level that is needed to create a broad consensus for action, and put in place policies that promote healthy lifestyles and access to healthy foods.

“The U.S. Conference of Mayors salutes the First Lady for taking up this movement, and we stand ready to work with her and the entire Administration in the days, months and years ahead as we address what is truly a preventable crisis.”