Following the release of a report from the White House Task Force on Childhood Obesity, Congressman Dennis Kucinich (D-OH) today urged colleagues to support HR 4310, Kucinich’s bill that would revoke tax write-offs for marketing unhealthy food to children. 

“Astonishingly, taxpayer money is being used to fuel the childhood obesity epidemic because the costs of marketing junk food and fast food to children are tax deductible.. 

“My bill, HR 4310, not only attacks a root cause of childhood obesity, but it also helps fund anti obesity programs.

“A child’s still developing brain can’t tell the difference between fact and opinion and can’t yet think critically.  It is no match for a $10 billion industry that exploits this vulnerability using cartoons, cross branding with popular toys, giveaways, and myriad other methods to develop brand loyalty and shape judgment as early as possible.  Established early, these affinities are the most enduring.  Put simply, marketing pays or they wouldn’t do it.

“I commend the First Lady for her dedication to reversing the disturbing trend of childhood obesity and for shedding light on the problem of food marketing to children. Congress and the White House must act now, and HR 4310 gives us the opportunity to do so in a fiscally responsible way.”

###