GMA Applauds Anti-obesity Bill
WASHINGTON -- The Grocery Manufacturers Association yesterday gave its endorsement to Cong. Mary Bono's (R-Calif.) Improved Nutrition and Physical Activity Act (IMPACT), H.R. 5698, which aims to provide sustainable obesity solutions.
IMPACT will provide grants to communities for collaborative approaches that increase physical activity, improve nutrition, and promote healthy eating behaviors. The act will also provide funding to train health professionals to identify and treat patients who are overweight, obese, or suffer from eating disorders. Companion legislation was introduced in the Senate last summer by Sen. Bill Frist (R-Tenn.).
"To combat obesity successfully, we must all do our part to provide families and communities with the resources they need to establish healthy dietary and physical activity habits. As the food and beverage industry continues to pursue initiatives that will provide consumers with new, more healthful choices, we believe that Cong. Bono's IMPACT legislation will be a necessary part of the nationwide efforts to promote obesity solutions that work," noted GMA s.v.p. of government affairs Mary Sophos in a statement.
The association has backed IMPACT since its initial introduction in the House and the Senate during the 107th Congress of 2001-2002.
GMA member companies employ over 2.5 million workers in all 50 states and account for more than $680 billion in sales.
IMPACT will provide grants to communities for collaborative approaches that increase physical activity, improve nutrition, and promote healthy eating behaviors. The act will also provide funding to train health professionals to identify and treat patients who are overweight, obese, or suffer from eating disorders. Companion legislation was introduced in the Senate last summer by Sen. Bill Frist (R-Tenn.).
"To combat obesity successfully, we must all do our part to provide families and communities with the resources they need to establish healthy dietary and physical activity habits. As the food and beverage industry continues to pursue initiatives that will provide consumers with new, more healthful choices, we believe that Cong. Bono's IMPACT legislation will be a necessary part of the nationwide efforts to promote obesity solutions that work," noted GMA s.v.p. of government affairs Mary Sophos in a statement.
The association has backed IMPACT since its initial introduction in the House and the Senate during the 107th Congress of 2001-2002.
GMA member companies employ over 2.5 million workers in all 50 states and account for more than $680 billion in sales.