    [United States Statutes at Large, Volume 128, 113th Congress, 2nd Session]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

    PROCLAMATION 9156--AUG. 29, 2014

    Proclamation 9156 of August 29, 2014

    National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month, 2014

    By the President of the United States of America

    A Proclamation

    Childhood obesity is one of the most urgent health issues we face in the
    United States. Nearly one in three American children are overweight or
    obese, putting them at risk for many immediate and long-term health
    problems--including high cholesterol, high blood pressure, heart
    disease, diabetes, and cancer. As a Nation, we have a responsibility to
    ensure our children have every chance to fulfill their potential, and
    that starts by providing them with the opportunities to make healthy
    choices. Recent data show progress is possible: obesity rates have
    fallen by 43 percent among children ages two to five years old. But we
    must remain committed to improving the health of kids of all ages. This
    month, we build on our progress and raise awareness of the

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    benefits of healthy eating and active living so our children can lead
    prosperous and productive lives.
    First Lady Michelle Obama's Let's Move! initiative is striving to ensure
    every young person has a chance at a healthy childhood. For more than 4
    years, Let's Move! has brought together stakeholders across the public
    and private sectors to encourage and expand access to physical activity
    and nutritious foods--two components of a healthy lifestyle. Across
    America, more communities have gained access to healthy and affordable
    food and the information needed to make more nutritious choices.
    Businesses are marketing healthier foods to kids, and families are
    buying healthier products.
    Family members, caregivers, and other role models can also play a
    critical role in helping children make healthy choices. Those who
    support our kids can model healthy behaviors by staying active and
    preparing healthy meals at home. Families can plant kitchen gardens,
    cook together, and encourage lifestyle choices that support a healthy
    weight.
    My Administration is working to make sure the hard work parents and
    caregivers are doing to teach kids healthy habits will not be undone
    outside the home. We have fought to improve the overall quality of
    school meals, and as students return to school this fall, they will have
    more opportunities than ever before to make healthy choices--including
    changes in foods offered in vending machines and a la carte lines. This
    past year, my Administration announced a new proposal to prohibit items
    that cannot be sold or served in schools from being marketed in schools.
    These measures build on the progress already made by the Healthy,
    Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010, which this year will allow more than
    22,000 schools across the country to qualify to serve free, healthy
    breakfasts and lunches for all their students.
    Each American has an important part to play as we build healthier
    communities for young people across our Nation. During National
    Childhood Obesity Awareness Month, we continue our work to provide every
    child with healthy food, active play, and a good example to follow. By
    committing to a healthy lifestyle for our families and eating right
    ourselves, we can help turn the tide against childhood obesity across
    our country.
    NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of
    America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and
    the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim September 2014 as
    National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month. I encourage all Americans to
    learn about and engage in activities that promote healthy eating and
    greater physical activity by all our Nation's children.
    IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-ninth day of
    August, in the year of our Lord two thousand fourteen, and of the
    Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-
    ninth.
    BARACK OBAMA