First Lady Promotes "Let's Move" Campaign At Miami Park
MIAMI (CBSMiami) – First Lady Michelle Obama was in Miami Tuesday to promote her "Let's Move" initiative by announcing a new partnership aimed at providing more healthy snacks to activity time to kids, especially after school.
The Boys and Girls Clubs of America, the National Recreation and Park Association and the Partnership for a Healthier America outlined their commitment to help more than 5.5 million children live healthier lives over the next five years.
"Everybody here knows that kids who eat well and stay active tend to have better grades, they have better attendance. They have fewer disciplinary problems at school," Michelle Obama said at the event at Gwen Cherry Park in Miami. "We're now ensuring that more and more of our kids wills tay healthy throughout the entire arc of their day."
Actress Amy Poehler was on hand to introduce the First Lady, a nod to her role on the show Parks and Recreation.
"I can't believe I'm here and Mrs. Obama is right next to me," Poehler joked. "It's like she is my own audience listening to my jokes. This is a dream."
Mrs. Obama's dream is to see more children engage in at least 30 minutes of physical activity each day.
She's celebrating the 4th anniversary of her "Let's Move" campaign with events in multiple cities this week.
Miami-Dade Schools Superintendent Alberto Carvalho said the county leads the charge in healthy practices at schools.
"The First Lady has recognized Miami Dade County Public Schools as the highest performing district in the country as far as fitness and healthy eating by developing indoor fitness drills for all elementary schools," Carvalho told CBS4's Lauren Pastrana.
Rep. Frederica Wilson was at the event, as well as Miami-Dade Mayor Carlos Gimenez.
Gimenez explained the healthy initiatives are a budget priority.
"There may be some things that we are doing today we may not be able to do in the future," Gimenez said. "But the priorities that we have are public safety, children and the elderly. Those services are all higher on our list."
Earlier Tuesday, the First Lady threw her support behind new USDA rules that would phase out the advertising of sodas and junk food at public schools.
She also called for the extension of the free lunch and breakfast program.
She wants every snack and meal to include a fruit and/or vegetable.
Mrs. Obama applauds Miami-Dade county for all the work done so far to benefit kids.
"I can't wait to see all the great things you're doing. If we keep moving, and we keep doing our part just like all of you here keep doing in Miami, then I know that we'll be able to give our children the bright healthy futures they deserve," the First Lady said.
As part of her campaign, Mrs. Obama encourages people to share their fitness experiences with her via social media using the hashtag #LetsMove.
She said if she receives enough responses, the President or Vice President might plan a special surprise.