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SENATE APPROVES ‘SENSIBLE’ OBESITY SOLUTION


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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Based in Washington, D.C., the Grocery Manufacturers Association is the voice of more than 300 leading food, beverage and consumer product companies that sustain and enhance the quality of life for hundreds of millions of people in the United States and around the globe.

Founded in 1908, GMA is an active, vocal advocate for its member companies and a trusted source of information about the industry and the products consumers rely on and enjoy every day. The association and its member companies are committed to meeting the needs of consumers through product innovation, responsible business practices and effective public policy solutions developed through a genuine partnership with policymakers and other stakeholders.

In keeping with its founding principles, GMA helps its members produce safe products through a strong and ongoing commitment to scientific research, testing and evaluation and to providing consumers with the products, tools and information they need to achieve a healthy diet and an active lifestyle. The food, beverage and consumer packaged goods industry in the United States generates sales of $2.1 trillion annually, employs 14 million workers and contributes $1 trillion in added value to the economy every year.
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