Let’s Move! Celebrates 5 Years

Abstract

Editor’s Note: This special feature serves as a complement to the MyPlate Message Chronicles. Since the Let’s Move! initiative launched in 2010, Let’s Move! and the US Department of Agriculture Center for Nutrition Policy and Promotion have worked in close partnership. MyPlate serves as the foundation for the healthy eating messages promoted by Let’s Move!It may seem hard to believe that 5 years have passed since First Lady Michelle Obama launched Let’s Move! The Let’s Move! initiative, dedicated to solving the challenge of childhood obesity within a generation, has grown tremendously during that time, tackling the issue from every angle. Parents, caregivers, elected officials, schools, health care professionals, community organizations, private sector companies—everyone has a role to play in reducing childhood obesity. Let’s Move! has worked to ensure that efforts are being made at every level, that together we are moving toward a healthy future for our children.As nutrition experts, registered dietitian nutritionists (RDNs) are an essential part of the fight. RDNs have the knowledge and skills to help drive positive changes at an individual, community, and national level. In Washington, DC, RDNs employed by federal agencies such as the US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and US Department of Agriculture (USDA) have supported the work of Let’s Move! by helping to create policies and programs that encourage physical activity and good nutrition. Outside of the capital, RDNs throughout the country have reached children and families directly, inspiring better eating habits and active play. For all of your hard work, we thank you!Although we are making progress, the fight is not over. This column highlights some of the unique initiatives under the Let’s Move! umbrella and illustrates the numerous ways RDNs can continue to work alongside Let’s Move! in 2015.Let’s Move! Cities Towns and CountiesThe National League of Cities (NLC) works in partnership with HHS, and with the support of USDA, the National Association of Counties, and other nonprofit organizations to assist local elected officials who join Let's Move! Cities, Towns, and Counties (LMCTC) as they implement policy and environmental changes to prevent childhood obesity.Cities, towns, and counties participating in LMCTC are encouraged to accomplish five measurable and achievable goals and are then awarded bronze, silver, and gold medals for achieving specific benchmarks in each of the five goal areas. One of the LMCTC goals asks for MyPlate to be prominently displayed in all municipally- or county-owned or -operated venues that offer or sell food and/or beverages as a way to empower and educate parents and caregivers. To date, over 450 sites representing more than 70 million people have joined the initiative. Over 20 sites have been recognized nationally for receiving gold medals in all five categories. To learn more, visit HealthyCommunitiesHealthyFuture.org.Let’s Move! Faith and CommunitiesLet’s Move! Faith and Communities (LMFC), an effort led by HHS, encourages faith-based and neighborhood organizations to initiate, expand, and coordinate activities that make their communities places of wellness for kids and families. Trusted leaders in communities and congregations can empower individuals and families to make better choices to improve the health of our nation’s children. RDNs can access the free online trainings and toolkits offered by LMFC to help guide their community toward health. The resources show how faith-based and neighborhood organizations can play an important role in transforming neighborhoods, engaging communities, and promoting healthy choices. To learn more, visit hhs.gov/partnerships/letsmove/.Let’s Move! Museums & GardensThrough Let’s Move! Museums & Gardens, museums of all types—from children’s museums and public gardens, to zoos, science centers, and art and history museums—inspire healthy habits. With their impressive reach, museums and gardens across the country have used interactive exhibits, outdoor spaces, gardens and programs to encourage families to eat healthy foods and increase physical activity. Learn more at imls.gov/about/letsmove.aspx.Let’s Move! in Indian CountryLet's Move! in Indian Country (LMIC) seeks to improve the health of American Indian and Alaskan Native children who are affected by childhood obesity at some of the highest rates in the country. Tribal governments, Urban Indian Centers, private businesses, youth leaders, and the nonprofit sector are each asked to play a key role by working together to raise the next generation of healthy American Indian and Alaskan Native children. LMIC seeks to acknowledge and advance the work that Tribal leadership and community members are already doing to improve the health of America Indian and Alaskan Native youth. Learn more at lmic.ihs.gov/.Let’s Move! Child CareAs RDNs know, nutrition and physical activity habits start young, which is why Let’s Move! Child Care (LMCC) works with early care and education (ECE) providers to set young children and families on the right path. LMCC promotes five best practice goals for childhood obesity prevention: increase physical activity, reduce screen time, offer healthy beverages, serve healthy food, and support infant feeding. LMCC offers free online trainings that provide practical strategies for implementing these best practices in ECE settings. The modules are also an opportunity for ECE providers to obtain continuing education units and professional development credits. Learn more at HealthyKidsHealthyFuture.org.Healthy Lunchtime ChallengeThe Healthy Lunchtime Challenge recipe contest will enter its fourth year in 2015. For the past 3 years, kids nationwide have submitted original recipes that are both healthy and delicious for a chance to represent their state as one of the 54 finalists (one winning recipe is chosen from every state as well as from Puerto Rico, Guam, American Samoa, and the US Virgin Islands). Winners are invited to attend a Kids’ State Dinner at the White House hosted by First Lady Michelle Obama, and the winning recipes, based on MyPlate, are compiled into a Healthy Lunchtime Challenge Cookbook.In 2014, the contest also inspired a new collaboration called Kids and Chefs Cook for Success. In this effort, the winners from the Healthy Lunchtime Challenge return to their community and partner with local chefs to teach other youth about healthy cooking.RDNs can help promote the contest by encouraging kids to submit recipes. We hope that the 4th Annual Healthy Lunchtime Challenge will be bigger and better than ever! Learn more at letsmove.gov/kids-state-dinner.Let’s Move! Active SchoolsStudies show that active kids do better academically. That is why over 14,000 schools across the country have enrolled in Let’s Move! Active Schools (LMAS). LMAS, a collaboration with HHS (the President’s Council on Fitness, Sports and Nutrition) and national leading health and education organizations, offers solutions for teachers and administrators. LMAS works with schools to create a customized action plan to incorporate physical activity before, during, and after school for at least 60 minutes a day and ultimately strives to develop a culture in which physical activity and physical education are foundational to academic success. RDNs that work within the school system can get involved as a champion for an Active School or Schools in their area. Learn more at LetsMoveSchools.org.Let’s Move! Salad Bars to SchoolsLet’s Move! Salad Bars to Schools has a simple, yet lofty goal—for every school in the United States to have a salad bar so that every child—from elementary school, to middle school, to high school—has daily access to healthy foods. Let’s Move! Salad Bars to Schools was founded by the Chef Ann Foundation, National Fruit and Vegetable Alliance, United Fresh Produce Association Foundation, and Whole Foods Market. RDNs can assist foodservices directors with the application for a salad bar grant and assist with meal planning to encourage students to try new fruits and vegetables before, during, and after the salad bar is granted. To date, more than 4,000 salad bars have been installed in schools, reaching more than 2 million students. More information can be found at SaladBars2Schools.org.Chefs Move to SchoolsChefs Move to Schools, run by a coalition of partners including USDA, Partnership for a Healthier America, Share Our Strength’s No Kid Hungry, and the School Nutrition Association, pairs chefs with schools in their communities so together they can create healthy meals that meet the schools’ dietary guidelines and budgets, while teaching young people about nutrition and making balanced and healthy choices. RDNs with culinary teaching experience are encouraged to get involved. RDNs can assist in the following areas: gardening, menu and recipe development, culinary training for staff, cooking demonstrations, and in classroom education about healthy eating or cooking. Schools and chefs can sign up at ChefsMoveToSchools.org.Let’s Move! OutsideLet’s Move! Outside, administered by the Department of Interior, was created to get kids and families to take advantage of America’s great outdoors—which abound in every city, town, and community. By linking parents to nearby National forests, parks, trails, and waters—and providing tips and ideas—Let’s Move! Outside helps families develop a more active lifestyle. Learn more at letsmove.gov/lets-move-outside.Let’s Read, Let’s Move!Let’s Read, Let’s Move! is an initiative to combat summer reading loss and childhood obesity during the summer months when school is out. Let’s Read, Let’s Move! is run by the Department of Education and puts on a monthly summer event series which brings in celebrities, political appointees, and other prominent figures to both read to children and then engage them in physical activity. In addition to the Department of Education’s role, the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS), through the AmeriCorps program, promotes these summer reading programs during the summer months. Learn more at letsmove.gov.Let’s Move! and USDA look forward to your continued support in 2015 and beyond. Together we can build a healthier next generation. Editor’s Note: This special feature serves as a complement to the MyPlate Message Chronicles. Since the Let’s Move! initiative launched in 2010, Let’s Move! and the US Department of Agriculture Center for Nutrition Policy and Promotion have worked in close partnership. MyPlate serves as the foundation for the healthy eating messages promoted by Let’s Move! It may seem hard to believe that 5 years have passed since First Lady Michelle Obama launched Let’s Move! The Let’s Move! initiative, dedicated to solving the challenge of childhood obesity within a generation, has grown tremendously during that time, tackling the issue from every angle. Parents, caregivers, elected officials, schools, health care professionals, community organizations, private sector companies—everyone has a role to play in reducing childhood obesity. Let’s Move! has worked to ensure that efforts are being made at every level, that together we are moving toward a healthy future for our children. As nutrition experts, registered dietitian nutritionists (RDNs) are an essential part of the fight. RDNs have the knowledge and skills to help drive positive changes at an individual, community, and national level. In Washington, DC, RDNs employed by federal agencies such as the US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and US Department of Agriculture (USDA) have supported the work of Let’s Move! by helping to create policies and programs that encourage physical activity and good nutrition. Outside of the capital, RDNs throughout the country have reached children and families directly, inspiring better eating habits and active play. For all of your hard work, we thank you! Although we are making progress, the fight is not over. This column highlights some of the unique initiatives under the Let’s Move! umbrella and illustrates the numerous ways RDNs can continue to work alongside Let’s Move! in 2015. Let’s Move! Cities Towns and CountiesThe National League of Cities (NLC) works in partnership with HHS, and with the support of USDA, the National Association of Counties, and other nonprofit organizations to assist local elected officials who join Let's Move! Cities, Towns, and Counties (LMCTC) as they implement policy and environmental changes to prevent childhood obesity.Cities, towns, and counties participating in LMCTC are encouraged to accomplish five measurable and achievable goals and are then awarded bronze, silver, and gold medals for achieving specific benchmarks in each of the five goal areas. One of the LMCTC goals asks for MyPlate to be prominently displayed in all municipally- or county-owned or -operated venues that offer or sell food and/or beverages as a way to empower and educate parents and caregivers. To date, over 450 sites representing more than 70 million people have joined the initiative. Over 20 sites have been recognized nationally for receiving gold medals in all five categories. To learn more, visit HealthyCommunitiesHealthyFuture.org. The National League of Cities (NLC) works in partnership with HHS, and with the support of USDA, the National Association of Counties, and other nonprofit organizations to assist local elected officials who join Let's Move! Cities, Towns, and Counties (LMCTC) as they implement policy and environmental changes to prevent childhood obesity. Cities, towns, and counties participating in LMCTC are encouraged to accomplish five measurable and achievable goals and are then awarded bronze, silver, and gold medals for achieving specific benchmarks in each of the five goal areas. One of the LMCTC goals asks for MyPlate to be prominently displayed in all municipally- or county-owned or -operated venues that offer or sell food and/or beverages as a way to empower and educate parents and caregivers. To date, over 450 sites representing more than 70 million people have joined the initiative. Over 20 sites have been recognized nationally for receiving gold medals in all five categories. To learn more, visit HealthyCommunitiesHealthyFuture.org. Let’s Move! Faith and CommunitiesLet’s Move! Faith and Communities (LMFC), an effort led by HHS, encourages faith-based and neighborhood organizations to initiate, expand, and coordinate activities that make their communities places of wellness for kids and families. Trusted leaders in communities and congregations can empower individuals and families to make better choices to improve the health of our nation’s children. RDNs can access the free online trainings and toolkits offered by LMFC to help guide their community toward health. The resources show how faith-based and neighborhood organizations can play an important role in transforming neighborhoods, engaging communities, and promoting healthy choices. To learn more, visit hhs.gov/partnerships/letsmove/. Let’s Move! Faith and Communities (LMFC), an effort led by HHS, encourages faith-based and neighborhood organizations to initiate, expand, and coordinate activities that make their communities places of wellness for kids and families. Trusted leaders in communities and congregations can empower individuals and families to make better choices to improve the health of our nation’s children. RDNs can access the free online trainings and toolkits offered by LMFC to help guide their community toward health. The resources show how faith-based and neighborhood organizations can play an important role in transforming neighborhoods, engaging communities, and promoting healthy choices. To learn more, visit hhs.gov/partnerships/letsmove/. Let’s Move! Museums & GardensThrough Let’s Move! Museums & Gardens, museums of all types—from children’s museums and public gardens, to zoos, science centers, and art and history museums—inspire healthy habits. With their impressive reach, museums and gardens across the country have used interactive exhibits, outdoor spaces, gardens and programs to encourage families to eat healthy foods and increase physical activity. Learn more at imls.gov/about/letsmove.aspx. Through Let’s Move! Museums & Gardens, museums of all types—from children’s museums and public gardens, to zoos, science centers, and art and history museums—inspire healthy habits. With their impressive reach, museums and gardens across the country have used interactive exhibits, outdoor spaces, gardens and programs to encourage families to eat healthy foods and increase physical activity. Learn more at imls.gov/about/letsmove.aspx. Let’s Move! in Indian CountryLet's Move! in Indian Country (LMIC) seeks to improve the health of American Indian and Alaskan Native children who are affected by childhood obesity at some of the highest rates in the country. Tribal governments, Urban Indian Centers, private businesses, youth leaders, and the nonprofit sector are each asked to play a key role by working together to raise the next generation of healthy American Indian and Alaskan Native children. LMIC seeks to acknowledge and advance the work that Tribal leadership and community members are already doing to improve the health of America Indian and Alaskan Native youth. Learn more at lmic.ihs.gov/. Let's Move! in Indian Country (LMIC) seeks to improve the health of American Indian and Alaskan Native children who are affected by childhood obesity at some of the highest rates in the country. Tribal governments, Urban Indian Centers, private businesses, youth leaders, and the nonprofit sector are each asked to play a key role by working together to raise the next generation of healthy American Indian and Alaskan Native children. LMIC seeks to acknowledge and advance the work that Tribal leadership and community members are already doing to improve the health of America Indian and Alaskan Native youth. Learn more at lmic.ihs.gov/. Let’s Move! Child CareAs RDNs know, nutrition and physical activity habits start young, which is why Let’s Move! Child Care (LMCC) works with early care and education (ECE) providers to set young children and families on the right path. LMCC promotes five best practice goals for childhood obesity prevention: increase physical activity, reduce screen time, offer healthy beverages, serve healthy food, and support infant feeding. LMCC offers free online trainings that provide practical strategies for implementing these best practices in ECE settings. The modules are also an opportunity for ECE providers to obtain continuing education units and professional development credits. Learn more at HealthyKidsHealthyFuture.org. As RDNs know, nutrition and physical activity habits start young, which is why Let’s Move! Child Care (LMCC) works with early care and education (ECE) providers to set young children and families on the right path. LMCC promotes five best practice goals for childhood obesity prevention: increase physical activity, reduce screen time, offer healthy beverages, serve healthy food, and support infant feeding. LMCC offers free online trainings that provide practical strategies for implementing these best practices in ECE settings. The modules are also an opportunity for ECE providers to obtain continuing education units and professional development credits. Learn more at HealthyKidsHealthyFuture.org. Healthy Lunchtime ChallengeThe Healthy Lunchtime Challenge recipe contest will enter its fourth year in 2015. For the past 3 years, kids nationwide have submitted original recipes that are both healthy and delicious for a chance to represent their state as one of the 54 finalists (one winning recipe is chosen from every state as well as from Puerto Rico, Guam, American Samoa, and the US Virgin Islands). Winners are invited to attend a Kids’ State Dinner at the White House hosted by First Lady Michelle Obama, and the winning recipes, based on MyPlate, are compiled into a Healthy Lunchtime Challenge Cookbook.In 2014, the contest also inspired a new collaboration called Kids and Chefs Cook for Success. In this effort, the winners from the Healthy Lunchtime Challenge return to their community and partner with local chefs to teach other youth about healthy cooking.RDNs can help promote the contest by encouraging kids to submit recipes. We hope that the 4th Annual Healthy Lunchtime Challenge will be bigger and better than ever! Learn more at letsmove.gov/kids-state-dinner. The Healthy Lunchtime Challenge recipe contest will enter its fourth year in 2015. For the past 3 years, kids nationwide have submitted original recipes that are both healthy and delicious for a chance to represent their state as one of the 54 finalists (one winning recipe is chosen from every state as well as from Puerto Rico, Guam, American Samoa, and the US Virgin Islands). Winners are invited to attend a Kids’ State Dinner at the White House hosted by First Lady Michelle Obama, and the winning recipes, based on MyPlate, are compiled into a Healthy Lunchtime Challenge Cookbook. In 2014, the contest also inspired a new collaboration called Kids and Chefs Cook for Success. In this effort, the winners from the Healthy Lunchtime Challenge return to their community and partner with local chefs to teach other youth about healthy cooking. RDNs can help promote the contest by encouraging kids to submit recipes. We hope that the 4th Annual Healthy Lunchtime Challenge will be bigger and better than ever! Learn more at letsmove.gov/kids-state-dinner. Let’s Move! Active SchoolsStudies show that active kids do better academically. That is why over 14,000 schools across the country have enrolled in Let’s Move! Active Schools (LMAS). LMAS, a collaboration with HHS (the President’s Council on Fitness, Sports and Nutrition) and national leading health and education organizations, offers solutions for teachers and administrators. LMAS works with schools to create a customized action plan to incorporate physical activity before, during, and after school for at least 60 minutes a day and ultimately strives to develop a culture in which physical activity and physical education are foundational to academic success. RDNs that work within the school system can get involved as a champion for an Active School or Schools in their area. Learn more at LetsMoveSchools.org. Studies show that active kids do better academically. That is why over 14,000 schools across the country have enrolled in Let’s Move! Active Schools (LMAS). LMAS, a collaboration with HHS (the President’s Council on Fitness, Sports and Nutrition) and national leading health and education organizations, offers solutions for teachers and administrators. LMAS works with schools to create a customized action plan to incorporate physical activity before, during, and after school for at least 60 minutes a day and ultimately strives to develop a culture in which physical activity and physical education are foundational to academic success. RDNs that work within the school system can get involved as a champion for an Active School or Schools in their area. Learn more at LetsMoveSchools.org. Let’s Move! Salad Bars to SchoolsLet’s Move! Salad Bars to Schools has a simple, yet lofty goal—for every school in the United States to have a salad bar so that every child—from elementary school, to middle school, to high school—has daily access to healthy foods. Let’s Move! Salad Bars to Schools was founded by the Chef Ann Foundation, National Fruit and Vegetable Alliance, United Fresh Produce Association Foundation, and Whole Foods Market. RDNs can assist foodservices directors with the application for a salad bar grant and assist with meal planning to encourage students to try new fruits and vegetables before, during, and after the salad bar is granted. To date, more than 4,000 salad bars have been installed in schools, reaching more than 2 million students. More information can be found at SaladBars2Schools.org. Let’s Move! Salad Bars to Schools has a simple, yet lofty goal—for every school in the United States to have a salad bar so that every child—from elementary school, to middle school, to high school—has daily access to healthy foods. Let’s Move! Salad Bars to Schools was founded by the Chef Ann Foundation, National Fruit and Vegetable Alliance, United Fresh Produce Association Foundation, and Whole Foods Market. RDNs can assist foodservices directors with the application for a salad bar grant and assist with meal planning to encourage students to try new fruits and vegetables before, during, and after the salad bar is granted. To date, more than 4,000 salad bars have been installed in schools, reaching more than 2 million students. More information can be found at SaladBars2Schools.org. Chefs Move to SchoolsChefs Move to Schools, run by a coalition of partners including USDA, Partnership for a Healthier America, Share Our Strength’s No Kid Hungry, and the School Nutrition Association, pairs chefs with schools in their communities so together they can create healthy meals that meet the schools’ dietary guidelines and budgets, while teaching young people about nutrition and making balanced and healthy choices. RDNs with culinary teaching experience are encouraged to get involved. RDNs can assist in the following areas: gardening, menu and recipe development, culinary training for staff, cooking demonstrations, and in classroom education about healthy eating or cooking. Schools and chefs can sign up at ChefsMoveToSchools.org. Chefs Move to Schools, run by a coalition of partners including USDA, Partnership for a Healthier America, Share Our Strength’s No Kid Hungry, and the School Nutrition Association, pairs chefs with schools in their communities so together they can create healthy meals that meet the schools’ dietary guidelines and budgets, while teaching young people about nutrition and making balanced and healthy choices. RDNs with culinary teaching experience are encouraged to get involved. RDNs can assist in the following areas: gardening, menu and recipe development, culinary training for staff, cooking demonstrations, and in classroom education about healthy eating or cooking. Schools and chefs can sign up at ChefsMoveToSchools.org. Let’s Move! OutsideLet’s Move! Outside, administered by the Department of Interior, was created to get kids and families to take advantage of America’s great outdoors—which abound in every city, town, and community. By linking parents to nearby National forests, parks, trails, and waters—and providing tips and ideas—Let’s Move! Outside helps families develop a more active lifestyle. Learn more at letsmove.gov/lets-move-outside. Let’s Move! Outside, administered by the Department of Interior, was created to get kids and families to take advantage of America’s great outdoors—which abound in every city, town, and community. By linking parents to nearby National forests, parks, trails, and waters—and providing tips and ideas—Let’s Move! Outside helps families develop a more active lifestyle. Learn more at letsmove.gov/lets-move-outside. Let’s Read, Let’s Move!Let’s Read, Let’s Move! is an initiative to combat summer reading loss and childhood obesity during the summer months when school is out. Let’s Read, Let’s Move! is run by the Department of Education and puts on a monthly summer event series which brings in celebrities, political appointees, and other prominent figures to both read to children and then engage them in physical activity. In addition to the Department of Education’s role, the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS), through the AmeriCorps program, promotes these summer reading programs during the summer months. Learn more at letsmove.gov.Let’s Move! and USDA look forward to your continued support in 2015 and beyond. Together we can build a healthier next generation. Let’s Read, Let’s Move! is an initiative to combat summer reading loss and childhood obesity during the summer months when school is out. Let’s Read, Let’s Move! is run by the Department of Education and puts on a monthly summer event series which brings in celebrities, political appointees, and other prominent figures to both read to children and then engage them in physical activity. In addition to the Department of Education’s role, the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS), through the AmeriCorps program, promotes these summer reading programs during the summer months. Learn more at letsmove.gov. Let’s Move! and USDA look forward to your continued support in 2015 and beyond. Together we can build a healthier next generation.