Responding to the call to end hunger, eat healthy food and increase physical activity

President Biden convened the first White House Conference on Hunger, Nutrition and Health in more than 50 years, announcing a bold goal to end hunger and increase healthy eating and physical activity across the country by 2030. We gathered experts from

As co-chairs of the President’s Council on Sports, Fitness, and Nutrition, we are committed to responding to that call to action and joining all of us at this pivotal moment in renewing our shared commitment to creating a healthier America. We invite Americans to join us.

At least 1 in 10 U.S. households are food insecure, and more Americans are relying on emergency food systems every day. For many families, the COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated food insecurity and exposed health disparities and inequalities in food systems that have yet to fully recover. Meanwhile, the prevalence of diabetes, obesity, and other diet-related diseases continues to rise. These diseases do not spare any part of society. All of us have a loved one suffering from a diet-related illness.Malnutrition and physical inactivity are estimated to cause more than 10,000 deaths and 21,000 new cases of diabetes. weekly In the US.

Less than half of adults and less than one in four young people consume the recommended amount of physical activity, with 60 minutes per day for 6-17 year olds and 60 minutes per week for adults. At least 150 minutes. This lack of physical activity leads to $117 billion in health care costs and ranks among the top 10 leading risk factors for death and disability in the United States, along with malnutrition.

These challenges disproportionately harm lower-income Americans. People who live in rural communities. People of Black, Latinx, or Indigenous racial and ethnic backgrounds. COVID-19 has exacerbated health risks for tens of millions of Americans with chronic conditions, leading to stark differences in their access to healthy food, their ability to live healthy lives, and their ability to thrive. Shined a light.

These challenges to the physical health and well-being of millions of Americans are also having a negative impact on their mental health. Approximately half of Americans will be diagnosed with a mental health disorder at some point in their lives. Healthy eating and physical activity are very important for our bodies, minds, and spirits. Our collective failure to address these challenges head on has resulted in lives and livelihoods being lost, billions of dollars in untold health care costs, and, if left unchecked, our health care system. can have a devastating impact. There are both moral imperatives and broader economic benefits to taking action.

Last fall, for the first time in a generation, the president announced a whole-of-government approach to defeating hunger, promoting healthy eating and physical activity, and driving the changes needed to improve health for all. declared. The White House provided a blueprint outlining ambitious, achievable, and sustainable actions the federal government will take to fundamentally change the nation’s food, nutrition, and health policies.

Speaking as passionate advocates for these issues, and proud co-chairs of the council tasked with supporting this national strategy, we believe that the scale of the problems we face is not limited to government alone. I know I can’t handle it. Therefore, we are calling for a whole-of-society approach, a commitment of all Americans working together to create innovative solutions and the political will to tackle these challenges head-on.

As a council, we play our role by building cross-sector partnerships that include major men’s and women’s professional sports leagues. They can help understand and communicate the importance of access to nutritious food and the connection between healthy eating, physical fitness, and health. and an overall sense of well-being.

You might be wondering what qualifies a chef and a WNBA player to start a movement to help fellow Americans live healthier lifestyles. We are both committed to using our power to create the change we seek, from sharing a meal with our neighbors after a natural disaster to opening up about our mental health to reduce harmful stigma. I have seen firsthand the power of community. Government, nonprofits, the private sector, and Americans from all walks of life come together to pursue this common purpose.

More than a year has passed since the historic White House meeting. We have and will continue to play our part in a future of rich, nutritious food without hunger, diet-related diseases and health disparities. The urgency of this time cannot be overstated. The measure of a great nation begins with the health, well-being, and safety of its people. We all have a stake in the outcome. There are no further obligations or responsibilities. For more information on how to join this movement, please visit https://health.gov.

José Andrés is a chef, educator, and humanitarian. Elena Delle Donne is a two-time WNBA MVP and Olympic gold medalist. They co-chair the President’s Council on Sports, Fitness and Nutrition. The President’s Council on Sports, Fitness, and Nutrition is a federal advisory committee comprised of athletes, chefs, medical professionals, anti-hunger activists, and academics that promotes physical activity and healthy eating for Americans of all ages. is.