March 17, 2010

WASHINGTON (AP) -- First Lady Michelle Obama is urging the
nation's largest food companies to speed up the fight against
childhood obesity by producing healthier foods and cutting back on
the marketing of unhealthy foods to children.

Speaking to a meeting of the Grocery Manufacturers Association
today, Mrs. Obama urged members to "step it up" and put less fat,
salt and sugar in foods. The association's membership roster
includes Kraft, Coca Cola and General Mills.

Among the leaders voicing support for Mrs. Obama is former
President Bill Clinton. He partnered with the American Heart
Association on a similar campaign in 2005. In praising her, Clinton
said a lot of kids in school will relate better with the first
lady.