Michelle Obama is continuing her crusade to attempt to slim down America’s children by hosting two attention-getting events on the South Lawn of the White House in the next week.
Today she is hosting a kids’ soccer clinic as part of her “Let’s Move!” campaign to fight childhood obesity. The first lady will be joined by female soccer stars Nicole Barnhart, Rachel Buehler, Lorie Lindsey, and others.
A few days later, On Oct. 11, Mrs. Obama will lead an attempt on the South Lawn to break the Guinness World Records title for the most people doing jumping jacks in a 24-hour period. “Today Show” weatherman Al Roker will host the event.
The first lady started the Let’s Move! campaign last year, but so far it is unclear whether her high-profile efforts are having an impact. Fast food restaurants continue to enjoy massive popularity. Under pressure to offer healthier food options for kids, McDonald’s started providing the option of substituting apple slices for fries with its Happy Meal. But only 11 percent of parents order the apple slices for their children instead of the fries.
However, Mrs. Obama — citing the grim statistic that one in three children in America are obese, up from one in nine 30 years ago —continues her efforts. She has planted a White House vegetable garden and uses it draw attention to healthy eating practices. On Wednesday, she led a group of children in harvesting fall vegetables, which were then used by White House Executive Chef Cristeta Comerford as toppings on a grilled pizza.
"In the end, we know that solving our obesity challenge won't be easy and it certainly won't be quick. But make no mistake about it, this problem can be solved," Michelle Obama said. "This is our obligation, not just as parents, who love our kids, but as citizens who love this country."