GMA Applauds Rep. Ron Kind's Comprehensive Obesity Legislation

WASHINGTON, May 5 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Grocery Manufacturers Association (GMA) today commended U.S. Rep. Ron Kind and his fellow cosponsors for introducing comprehensive obesity legislation, The Healthy CHOICES Act.

"The Grocery Manufacturers Association applauds Rep. Kind and his fellow cosponsors' strategy for tackling obesity in America," said Rick Wolford, chairman of the GMA board of directors and chair, president and CEO of Del Monte Foods.  "The Healthy Choices Act framework is both simple and attainable: increase access to healthy, affordable foods, emphasize preventive care and provide exercise opportunities. These three proven elements will help Americans of every age live healthy lives and will be vital to successfully addressing this country's critical obesity challenge."

With a central focus on the prevention and treatment of obesity in adults and children, if enacted The Healthy CHOICES Act would: improve and increase access to nutrition and wellness programs, opportunity for physical activity for adults and children, nutritional information and healthy foods, research and assessment tools, and realign transportation policy to help promote healthy lifestyles.

"We applaud Representatives Kind, Bono-Mack, Blumenauer and Fudge for introducing the Healthy CHOICES Act," said GMA President and CEO Pamela G. Bailey.  "Their extraordinary leadership on this sensible, science-based legislation will help promote healthy eating habits and provide new opportunities for physical activity. 

"All of us – industry, government, parents, schools and non-governmental organizations share the same goal of solving obesity within a generation.  And we agree on how to get there.  GMA and its members are committed to doing our part by providing parents and children with healthy choices, promoting healthy eating habits, enhancing nutrition knowledge, and supporting new opportunities for physical activity at school, in the work place and in our neighborhoods.  Each of us has a role to play and if we all do our part, we can get the job done. 

"We look forward to working with Congress to pass comprehensive obesity legislation with the goal of helping Americans achieve and maintain healthy lifestyles and finally winning the battle against obesity."

The Grocery Manufacturers Association (GMA) represents the world's leading food, beverage and consumer products companies. The Association promotes sound public policy, champions initiatives that increase productivity and growth and helps ensure the safety and security of consumer packaged goods through scientific excellence. The GMA board of directors is comprised of chief executive officers from the Association's member companies. The $2.1 trillion food, beverage and consumer packaged goods industry employs 14 million workers, and contributes over $1 trillion in added value to the nation's economy. For more information, visit the GMA Web site at www.gmaonline.org

SOURCE Grocery Manufacturers Association