First Lady's Healthy Kids Director Understands Good Eating

HEALTH SATURDAY, AUGUST 15, 2015 First lady’s healthy kids director understands good eating ‘We’re all in the same boat when it comes to that’ WASHINGTON: The new director of Michelle completely controlled by Republicans. Many Obama’s initiative against childhood obesity GOP lawmakers say the new rules go too far. knows firsthand the benefits of healthy eat- The School Nutrition Association, an industry- ing. Debra “Deb” Eschmeyer and her new hus- backed group that represents school cafeteria band, Jeff, were preparing to move to workers, has fought the standards. The associ- Ecuador as Peace Corps volunteers when her ation says it favors kids eating healthier but high school sweetheart was diagnosed in argues that many school districts are losing February 2004 with Type 1 diabetes. The trip money because students aren’t buying the was scrapped and Eschmeyer’s life took a dif- new lunches. ferent course. The Ohio native realized other Mrs Obama says 95 percent of schools are people could stave off diabetes by cleaning meeting the science-based requirements. up their diets. She started a produce farm in “There’s not a politician that’s against healthy her hometown of New Knoxville, providing kids,” Eschmeyer told The Associated Press. fresh fruits and vegetables to about 100 fami- “We’re all in the same boat when it comes to lies a week through a community-supported that.” A 2002 graduate of Xavier University agriculture program. She later co-founded an with degrees in international affairs and mar- organization that sends volunteers into keting, Eschmeyer bears a resemblance to underserved schools to plant gardens and actress Bellamy Young, who plays first lady overhaul school lunches. Mellie Grant on the ABC television hit Seven months ago, Eschmeyer’s path led “Scandal.” At the real White House, Eschmeyer to the White House. She’s the senior policy replaced Sam Kass, who arrived with the adviser for nutrition policy and the newest Obamas in 2009, initially as the family chef. He executive director of Michelle Obama’s 5- later added the senior policy adviser and year-old initiative to reduce childhood obesi- executive director titles Eschmeyer now ty. A lifelong child nutrition advocate, holds. She earns $115,000 annually and does Eschmeyer says, “I’m used to getting things not cook for the Obamas. WASHINGTON: First lady Michelle Obama, accompanied by Lets Move! Executive Director done.” On her to-do list: protecting a federal Deb Eschmeyer, second from right, talks with Oneida Gonzalez, 5, center left, and law that introduced healthier foods in Political skills Jefferson Lopez-Martinez, 5, center right, of CentroNia Daycare Center.—AP schools. She’ll also help roll out an updated Instead, the 35-year-old likes to take her “nutrition facts” label on packaged foods and three-person team out for “gym and dins” - a a good idea of how to get it, and it doesn’t Department and is helping the agency find prepare for the post-presidency phase of new workout routine followed by a healthy hurt that she’s utterly charming,” Nestle said new opportunities for conservation in agricul- “Let’s Move,” the first lady’s anti-obesity initia- dinner. Marion Nestle, a food expert and New by email. “If anyone can explain to Congress ture and better ways to help beginning and tive. York University nutrition professor, said why the goals of ‘Let’s Move’ matter, and why organic farmers. Meanwhile, she’s also think- FoodCorps, the school-based program the campaign’s very real gains must be pro- ing about the post-White House future of School districts Eschmeyer co-founded with financial support tected, she can.” “Let’s Move.” She and Mrs Obama have been Congress has already rolled back some of from the federal AmeriCorps national service Eschmeyer says her husband is in excellent reviewing the program with an eye on “mak- the administration’s attempts to make school program, has been “astonishingly successful.” health and is managing his blood sugar with ing sure that we’re not going to lose momen- foods healthier. A law governing child nutri- Creating FoodCorps required “extraordinary an insulin pump, and through healthy eating tum. We’re going to find a way that it sticks,” tion is up for renewal this year, and the social and political skills,” Nestle added, “all of and exercise. He’s also joined her quest for an Eschmeyer said at a forum earlier this year. healthier school foods are expected to come which will come in handy in the White improved food and agriculture system. Jeff “This is something that she’s committed to for under stronger attack now that Congress is House.” “She knows what’s important and has Eschmeyer works at the Agriculture the long haul,” she said of the first lady.—AP.

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