MPHA Issue Priority
Childhood Obesity
Massachusetts is experiencing an epidemic of childhood obesity and overweight. Between 25-30 percent of the state’s 10- 17-year olds are overweight or obese. These children face serious health consequences, including higher risk of developing diabetes, asthma, heart disease, depression, and low self esteem.
The time to prevent obesity is childhood, and schools are excellent place to start. “An Act to Promote Proper School Nutrition” (H. 4376), sponsored by Representative Peter Koutoujian, requires healthy standards for drinks and snacks sold in public schools. The bill has been approved by two legislative committees, Public Health and Health Care Financing, and is currently in the House Ways and Means Committee.
MPHA has garnered over 90 organizational endorsements for the School Nutrition Bill, generated hundreds of letters-to-the-editor, editorials, and news stories, and mobilized thousands of people to contact their legislators in support of the bill. Please join us in helping pass this important legislation!
For more information, or to get involved, please contact Terry Mason: tmason@mphaweb.org or 617-524-6696, ext. 103.
Learn about other priority issues of MPHA.