Progress for FIT Kids Act in US House of Representatives

By Laura Fillenwarth

HSC has long  been a supporter of the FIT Kids Act, a bill that promotes physical activity and physical education in schools. The FIT Kids Act would require local and state education agencies to provide an annual report to families including information on school health and physical education programs, the amount of time students spend in required physical education classes, and whether a school follows a curriculum that adheres to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines (CDC). The CDC recommends at least one hour of physical activity every day for children and adolescents.

On April 21 the FIT Kids Act passed the US House of Representatives. The measure still needs to go through the Senate, where it currently has 23 co-sponsors. The House passage of the FIT Kids Act brings us one step closer to improving physical activity guidelines in schools.

In addition to supporting school fitness, the bill also encourages schools to participate in the USDA’s HealthierUS School Challenge which provides recognition to schools that meet standards for physical activity, physical education, nutrition education and the food served in schools. (The HealthierUS School Challenge is the initiative that First Lady Michelle Obama is encouraging schools to take on as part of her Let's Move campaign.) HSC is currently working with Chicago Public Schools (CPS) and the USDA Midwest to provide support to schools as they take on the challenge. Through this effort, schools can address health disparities and work to create equal access to healthy school environments.

Thank you to the US House of Representatives for passing this important piece of legislation.

Comments

[Lisa Minor]

This is awesome. I am a big promoter of coordinated school health and this falls right in line with that. I think it is so essential that students be taught the importance of a healthy diet and exercise. The studies are already out there that show how good health impacts academic success. Folks just need to take time to listen and act. This is one awesome way to do it. Thanks for sharing.
Lisa Minor

[jane tilly]

So when is Obama going to sign the HR1585 fit kids act? Is this lip service or will it get done?

[Laura Fillenwarth]

Thank you Lisa and Jane for your comments.

Jane, the FIT Kids Act, H.R. 1585, has passed in the House but still needs to pass in the Senate before President Obama signs the bill. The legislation is currently in the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions and the first step is to get the bill out of committee. In the next couple weeks, HSC will send an alert targeting this committee to try to get them to take action on this legislation. In the meantime, feel free to contact your Senators and let them know how important this legislation is to you.