Childhood Obesity Program Area

RWJF is committed to tackling one of the most urgent threats to the health of our children and families—childhood obesity. Our goal is to reverse the childhood obesity epidemic by 2015.

Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Statement Regarding Release of "In It for Good: 2012" Annual Progress Report by Partnership for a Healthier America

March 7, 2013 | Commentary

RWJF President and CEO Risa Lavizzo-Mourey sees "pockets of progress toward reversing the childhood obesity epidemic," but says more needs to be done.

Statement Regarding The Walt Disney Company's Pledge to Help Prevent Childhood Obesity Through New Marketing Standards

June 5, 2012 | Commentary/Story/Staff and Leadership

"Having fun is an important part of growing up. But kids can’t have fun if they aren’t healthy. We commend Disney for recognizing that, and for making changes in their business model to help kids lead healthier lives.”

New USDA School Meal Guidelines: Paving the Way for a Healthier Future for Millions of Children

January 24, 2012 | Commentary/Story

“These changes are badly needed. Although many schools have made significant improvements to their meal programs, we must ensure that all schools strive to provide more nutritious meals for students."

Major Progress to Improve School Meals

April 6, 2011 | Story

More fruits, vegetables and whole grains, and fewer calories and unhealthy fats.

A Statement by Risa Lavizzo-Mourey on the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act

December 12, 2010 | Story

"We must take every opportunity afforded by this new law to improve the quality of meals, snacks and drinks available to students."

Kids to Congress: Pass the Healthy School Lunch Bill

November 15, 2010 | Story

This op-ed by Risa Lavizzo-Mourey, president and CEO of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, was published November 16, 2010, by The Hill.

RWJF Statement Regarding Industry Pledge to Remove 1.5 Trillion Calories from U.S. Marketplace

May 17, 2010 | Story

The following is a statement by Risa Lavizzo-Mourey, president and CEO of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation.

Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Statement Regarding Evaluation of School Beverage Guidelines

March 7, 2010 | Story

The following is a statement by Risa Lavizzo-Mourey, M.D., M.B.A., RWJF president and CEO.

Turning Research into Action to Reverse the Childhood Obesity Epidemic

May 28, 2009 | Story

An introduction to the complete message from Risa Lavizzo-Mourey.

Reducing Childhood Obesity Requires Everyone Working Together

March 17, 2009 | Commentary/Story

RWJF President and CEO Risa Lavizzo-Mourey, M.D., M.B.A. recently sat down with McKinsey & Company to discuss the Foundation's work on childhood obesity.