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FOOD AND BEVERAGE COMPANIES LAUNCH NATIONAL EFFORT TO COMBAT OBESITY

Primary objective: Address obesity issue with solutions based on science, behavior and balance

Washington, D.C., January 15, 2003 - The food and beverage industry, partnering with other related companies and associations, today launched a national effort to get practical information into the hands of parents, teachers, communities and policymakers about effective solutions for tackling obesity.

The American Council for Fitness and Nutrition (ACFN) will advocate realistic solutions to improve the health of all Americans, particularly youth. ACFN will also address obesity in America with comprehensive, constructive public policies based on sound science and behavioral research. ACFN is a non-profit organization founded by a broad coalition of food and beverage companies, trade associations, and other related industries and associations.

Specifically, the American Council for Fitness and Nutrition supports:

  • Increasing the number of students who engage in physical activity for 30 minutes a day in schools;
  • Increasing effective nutrition education in schools;
  • Increasing support for applied research on achieving behavior change to support fitness and nutrition education goals.

“The Council’s goal is to help Americans, especially children and parents, develop eating and exercise habits that lead to a balanced and healthier lifestyle,” said Council spokesperson Alison Kretser, a registered dietitian. “We will work with leading health, nutrition, fitness and behavioral experts to help Americans set achievable goals for lifetime health.”

ACFN members will draw on their collective resources to achieve a greater impact than any single organization. Food and beverage companies around the country already support programs that foster better nutrition education and more opportunities for activity. Through ACFN, these programs and others that are making a difference for Americans will be identified, supported and promoted as models for other communities to adopt.

“A consensus is building that achieving a healthier lifestyle, especially for America’s children, has to emphasize balancing daily activity and nutrition habits,” added Kretser. “The Council and its members are part of that growing consensus and are dedicated to finding constructive, long-term solutions.”

CONTACT
Laura Sheehan
202.715.1526
laura@acfn.org

Christine Tucci
202.715.1517
christine@acfn.org


ABOUT THE AMERICAN COUNCIL FOR FITNESS AND NUTRITION:
The American Council for Fitness and Nutrition (ACFN) is a non-profit organization that brings together food and beverage companies, associations, and health and nutrition advocates to work toward viable long-term solutions to the nation's obesity epidemic. ACFN represents a diverse group of organizations and is guided by an advisory board of experts in the fields of nutrition, physical activity and behavior change. ACFN works with partners to raise awareness of programs and policies that seek to improve health and wellness in America. For more information, please visit www.acfn.org.