By Mark Scott
Buffalo, NY – Several prominent New Yorkers have taken on the cause of combating childhood obesity. Governor David Paterson's wife, Michelle, is engaged in a statewide initiative to reduce the obesity rate. And now US Senator Kirsten Gillibrand is targeting the problem with a four-point plan.
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The rate of childhood obesity nationwide has risen over the past 30 years from just five percent of children to now more than 18 percent. Left unchecked, the problem only worsens as people grow older. An estimated 60 percent of all residents in Western New York are either overweight or obese.
Tuesday, Gillibrand held a statewide conference calls with reporters, noting she's met with children who are considered obese.
"We can't afford to let our children grow up in a culture of obesity," Gillibrand said. "If our children are going to have the opportunity to reach their potential, they need a healthy start."
Under her four-part plant, Gillibrand would ban trans-fats and reduce junk food in schools. She would also provide funding to community centers to create more physical activity for children. And Gillibrand would increase federal reimbursements to schools so that they could, for instance, serve healthier chicken breasts rather than cheaper fried chicken nuggets.
As Congress takes on the issue of passing new health care legislation, Gillibrand says now is the time for lawmakers to also combat childhood obesity.