WASHINGTON — The Grocery Manufacturers Association here expressed its support for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ community prevention and wellness campaign.
The initiative aims to increase physical activity, improve nutrition and decrease obesity and smoking in U.S. communities.
“Helping to reduce childhood obesity and encouraging healthy lifestyles is a top priority for the food and beverage industry,” said Robert Brackett, senior vice president and chief science and regulatory affairs, GMA, in a statement. “The new HHS initiative is a great example of ways our society can work together to win the battle against obesity. A healthy diet combined with regular physical activity is the key to healthful living.”
As part of the Communities Putting Prevention to Work program, to be led by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, communities and tribes can apply for $373 million in cooperative agreement funds.
Funded communities might do things like work to make high-fat snack foods and sugar-sweetened beverages less available in schools and use media to promote healthy choices.
Close to $280 million in funds will be made available to states, territories, and organizations to support, extend and evaluate the reach of the community projects.
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