Feeding America’s Hungry and Reducing Levels of Obesity

USDA Under Secretary Kevin Concannon

Kevin Concannon, Under Secretary for Food, Nutrition, and Consumer Services in the United States Department of Agriculture, explained the goal that he, USDA Secretary Vilsack and President Obama share:

“We’re very deeply committed to trying to feed hungry children and adults in this country.  But we want to have a positive impact on reducing obesity in this country as well.”

Accomplishing both goals, Concannon said, will require innovations in the programs he oversees and partnerships with the communities they serve.  He outlined several promising ideas:

New Grocery Stores in New York City Food Deserts

An article in today’s New York Times details a proposal by Mayor Bloomberg’s administration to bring full-service grocery stores – and fresh foods and vegetables – to underserved areas of the city.  For the residents in these communities where obesity and diabetes are prevalent, the change could be a boon for health.

“That’s the kind of innovation that we can encourage and bring to other areas of the country,” Concannon said.

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) to Serve Families and Improve the Economy

SNAP, formerly known as Food Stamps, helps 36 million Americans buy healthy food each month.  Simplifying the program to remove barriers and extend access to all eligible people is an important goal, Concannon said.  But increasing aid to children and families is not the only benefit.

“It also benefits the grocery stores, the communities, the families,” Concannon said.  “SNAP brings economic stimulus to cities and regions.”

October Launch of New Food Package for Women, Infants and Children (WIC)

Next month, WIC is rolling out a new food offering for mothers and children across all 50 states.  Concannon says the 9 million participants, which includes 49% of all infants in the US,  will receive more nutritious food, including whole grains, fruits and vegetables.  And, he added, additional stores are joining WIC as suppliers, which could bring healthier foods to all residents in the community.

What’s Next?  Partnerships to Share Innovation

“We do not have all the expertise, and we cannot alone solve the President’s very ambitious and worthy goal of eliminating childhood hunger by 2015,” Concannon said to the audience of early child care and health experts.  “People like you, who are engaged in these issues day to day, are some of the most potent sources of ways for us to introduce innovation.”

To address hunger and obesity in this country, he explained, we’ll need all the good ideas as we can find.

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1. Healthy Kids, Healthy Future » Day Two Wrap-Up: Healthy Kids, Healthy Future — September 24, 2009 @ 5:58 pm

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