December 15, 2009
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Asher Corson
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(202) 683-7869
*****PRESS RELEASE*****PRESS RELEASE*****
CHEH INTRODUCES “HEALTHY SCHOOLS ACT OF 2009”
BILL SUPPORTED BY AMERICAN HEART ASSOCIATION WILL FIGHT CHRONIC HEALTH PROBLEMS AND TEACH STUDENTS TO LIVE HEALTHY LIVES
(Washington, D.C.) Councilmember Mary M. Cheh (Ward 3) introduced the “Healthy Schools Act of 2009” last week to extend educational reform efforts to improve student health and to include teaching healthy living habits in schools. The legislation will promote the health and physical well-being of all students in public schools. In particular, it is designed to combat the childhood obesity epidemic in the District of Columbia, which according to the CDC, is the worst in the nation.
The comprehensive legislation will address nutrition, health and wellness on many fronts. It will:
- Raise school nutritional requirements to meet national standards.
- Establish a farm-to-school program.
- Require increased physical activity.
- Promote green schools through recycling, composting, clean air, and school gardens.
- Improve school asthma treatment and allergy management.
“While children are in the care of the school system, it is our responsibility to teach and encourage healthy living habits,” said Councilmember Cheh. “The research is quite clear: healthy students learn better and live longer.”
The legislation has garnered the support of the American Heart Association, DC F
arm-to-School Network / Capital Area Food Bank, Common Good City Farm, DC Central Kitchen, DC Environmental Education Consortium, DC Hunger Solutions / Food Research Advocacy Council, Rooting DC, America the Beautiful Fund, and WashingtonYouth Garden.
Click here for a link to the legislation and here for a link to a legislative memo explaining the bill.
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