5 Changes Made by Michelle Obama?s Let?s Move! Campaign

Wednesday, February 9th marked the one-year anniversary of Michelle Obama?s Let?s Move! campaign, a movement to combat childhood obesity through exercise and better diet within schools and homes. In the last three decades, childhood obesity rates have tripled and the results have had an alarming effect on the health of America?s youth.

Michelle Obama has been making headlines after her recent partnership with commercial super store Walmart in an effort to make sure the company is providing a larger selection of affordable produce and healthy choices for their customers. While some may dispute the effectiveness of this strategy, there is no doubt that Michelle Obama is committed to the cause and helping to implement big changes in an effort to ensure a healthier America.

Now that a year has gone by under the Let?s Move! campaign, we can a look back and reflect on some of the progress that’s been made with the help of our First Lady. Here is a list of five noteworthy Let’s Move! changes made in the last year:

1. The Fruit and Vegetable Alliance, the Food, Family and Farming Foundation and the United Fresh Produce Association have committed over the next three years to put 6,000 salad bars in schools across the country

2. Nearly 2,000 chefs have volunteered to help schools in their community become healthier through the Chefs Move to Schools program

3. All-Clad has donated 1,000 cooking demonstration kits for chefs who are participating in Chefs Move to Schools.

4. Let?s Move! is working to build or  adopt playgrounds so kids have safe places to play and be active.  Communities are also being encouraged to join Safe Routes to School so more kids can bike and walk to school.

5. Nearly 500 communities across America have signed up for Let?s Move Cities and Towns.  Through this program, local leaders are committed to bringing  Let?s Move! to their community.

(Click here for official press release)

Yee-haw! It’s good to see some positive change. When we see action happening in our local community, it motivates us to go out and be part of something great. Addressing the problem of youth obesity in this country is not just something we should do, it’s something we must do if we want our children to live long, productive lives. Inspired by all this progress with our nation’s eating habits, especially in schools and local communities, here’s a quick and easy salad recipe to make healthy strides in your own home!

Healthy Salmon Caesar Salad Recipe

Photos by Flickr user USDAgov and jramspott