Food Policy Since 2009: The Obama Administration’s Policies and Michelle Obama’s Bully Pulpit

Abstract

This chapter analyzes the efforts by First Lady Michelle Obama to use the bully pulpit to influence U.S. food policy and considers the interactions of her formal policy with the policy efforts of her husband, President Barack Obama. Topics include the White House Garden as a demonstration garden for healthy eating and an analysis of the four aspects of her Let’s Move campaign: Healthy Choices: better nutrition labeling, a revamped food pyramid, and regular monitoring of the body mass index (BMI) of children. Healthy Schools: reauthorization of the Child Nutrition Act for improved school lunches and expansion of the Healthier US Schools Challenge, a 2004 initiative to recognize schools that are reaching certain goals concerning promotion of nutrition and physical education. Physical Activity: revamping the President’s Physical Fitness Challenge program and increasing participation; and enlisting professional athletes to encourage kids to exercise 60 min per day. Access to Affordable Healthy Food: eliminating urban and rural food deserts.