Advocate for Health
United Way's 10-year health goal is to increase by one-third the number of youth and adults who are healthy and avoiding risky behavior. To achieve this goal, we acknowledge that the current system must be improved, and that the widely-recognized shortcomings in our nation’s health care system callout for major reform.
To demonstrate our support for health reform, the United Way system spent much of March and April participating in White House Regional Forums on Health Reform all across the country. From Michigan and Iowa to Vermont and California, representatives from local, state and the national United Way attended these important forums to encourage the development of pragmatic, non-partisan solutions so that all Americans can enjoy a healthy life.
In addition to urging action on health reform, United Way has joined in urging Congress not to overlook the unique needs of children, the importance of addressing infant mortality, the impact of prevention and the effect of dental health on overall health.
To help the United Way system continue to build momentum, please take a few moments to urge your Members of Congress to make passage of health reform legislation a priority by clicking here.
Congress is expected to reauthorize critical Federal child nutrition programs in the months ahead, including the School Breakfast and the National School Lunch Programs, the Summer Food Service Program (SFSP), the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP), and the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC).
These extraordinarily successful and cost-effective nutrition programs play a critical role in helping children achieve access to quality nutrition, child care, as well as educational and enrichment activities, while improving their overall health, development and school achievement.
A well-written and adequately funded reauthorization bill will further curb hunger and food insecurity in America, help reverse the childhood obesity epidemic in the U.S., improve child nutrition and health, and enhance child development and school readiness. As a result, United Way has asked Congress to enact legislation that:
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assures and strengthens program access and supports participation by underserved children and communities;
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enhances nutrition quality and provides adequate funding; and
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modernizes technology and simplifies program administration and operation.
Please take a few moments to contact your Members of Congress to express your support by clicking here.
For additional information on Federal child nutrition programs and childhood obesity we recommend you review two recent reports issued by the Institute of Medicine (IOM) of the National Academies. In the first report, School Meals: Building Blocks for Healthy Children, the IOM recommends the USDA adopt certain standards with regard to nutrition targets and menu planning. In the second report, Local Government Actions to Prevent Childhood Obesity, the IOM identifies promising actions local government can take to reduce childhood obesity.