Recently, Rep. McCarthy joined New York State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli, at the Park Avenue Elementary School in Westbury, to address New York’s childhood obesity crisis.  DiNapoli issued a report detailing the effect of childhood obesity on the cost of public and private medical expenses. 

“Too many children go without the proper education and nourishment to live healthy lifestyles.  We must do everything we can to make sure that children get the nutrition they need and develop healthy eating habits that will stay with them throughout their lives,” said Rep. McCarthy. 

A nurse for over 30 years, Rep. McCarthy has seen firsthand the risks and illnesses that can result from obesity.  As the Chairwoman of the Subcommittee on Healthy Families and Communities of the Education and Labor Committee, she has been working to bring attention to the issue of childhood obesity.  In order to avoid more serious health problems that can occur and the millions of dollars in healthcare costs that we face as a result, it is important to address this issue as early as possible.

Last May, the Congresswoman held Congressional hearings to address this issue and hear from experts who agreed about the seriousness of the problem.  “In many cases, children here on Long Island eat the majority of their meals in school, which is why it’s so important the schools serve food that is healthy.  This year, I was able to secure over $1 billion to include fresh fruits and vegetables in school nutrition programs.  These programs are crucial to ensuring that children get healthy meals in school instead of junk food and I will continue to push for the reauthorization of these programs when I return to Congress next year,” Rep. McCarthy stated. 

Childhood obesity is found in all 50 states and affects all social and economic levels.  “I am pleased that Comptroller DiNapoli has chosen to tackle such an important issue and I am optimistic that his report will lead to action on all levels to combat childhood obesity,” McCarthy said. 

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