FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
SENATE APPROVES ‘SENSIBLE’ OBESITY SOLUTION
Contact:
Scott Openshaw, Director, Communications, 202-295-3957
Brian Kennedy, Director, Communications, 202-639-5994
Washington, DC, December 10, 2003 – Grocery Manufacturers of America today lauded Senate passage of the Improved Nutrition and Physical Activity (IMPACT) Act calling it a sustainable solution for helping to combat obesity.
"With increasing rates of obesity, it is important that everyone examine how they can help to arrest and reverse this epidemic," said GMA Vice President of Federal Affairs Susan Stout. "IMPACT is a sensible approach for finding long-term, workable obesity solutions, and it is an excellent example of how policymakers can help all Americans lead healthier lives."
The Senate passed the IMPACT Act (S.1172) by unanimous consent yesterday. Introduced by Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist (R-Tenn.) and Sens. Jeff Bingaman (D-N.M.) and Christopher Dodd (D-Conn.) in June, IMPACT would build upon and provide additional funding to existing research and programs that address nutrition education, physical activity and behavioral research. The bill would also provide training for health professionals to identify, treat and prevent overweight and obesity. The bill must now be considered by the House of Representatives.
As a longtime supporter of IMPACT, GMA will continue to support congressional efforts to enact the legislation.
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The Grocery Manufacturers Association (GMA) represents the world’s leading food, beverage and consumer products companies. The Association promotes sound public policy, champions initiatives that increase productivity and growth and helps ensure the safety and security of consumer packaged goods through scientific excellence. The GMA board of directors is comprised of chief executive officers from the Association’s member companies. The $2.1 trillion food, beverage and consumer packaged goods industry employs 14 million workers, and contributes over $1 trillion in added value to the nation’s economy. For more information, visit the GMA Web site at www.gmaonline.org
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