Altarum Institute Policy Roundtable to discuss role of WIC in childhood obesity prevention

Altarum Institute (www.altarum.org)Mar 19 2010

This Altarum Institute Policy Roundtable will consider the role of the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (“WIC”) in childhood obesity prevention, how the program is already addressing the childhood obesity epidemic, and – with the reauthorization of the Child Nutrition Act imminent – what policy changes may be needed to ensure WIC can be successful in addressing childhood obesity. At least half of all children in this country are touched by WIC at some point in their lives, and abundant evidence suggests that obesity disproportionately affects children targeted by this program. The WIC program is in a unique position to reach an already at-risk population at a very young age and could be a vital tool in addressing the childhood obesity epidemic. Pre- and post-event interviews with speakers can be arranged. Speakers will also be available to answer questions following the presentations.