WARRENSVILLE HEIGHTS, OH--  OnMay 3, 2012, Congresswoman Marcia L. Fudge (OH-11)  will participate in a panel discussion about child obesity at the screening of an HBO film segment entitled "POVERTY & OBESTIY: WHEN HEALTHY FOOD ISN'T AN OPTION."  The segment is one of a four-part series in the HBO documentary, "THE WEIGHT OF THE NATION" that will air on HBO on May 14 and 15 starting at 8:00 pm.

The panel discussion will take place as part of a public program at the Great Lakes Science Center in Cleveland that will bring together community leaders in Northeast Ohio from the private sector, including  entertainment, restaurants, and healthcare, as well as federal, county and city government to discuss solutions to eradicate the epidemic of childhood obesity.  Congresswoman Fudge will share details of her legislative initiatives to address this health crisis that affects nearly a third of all American children.

In 2010 and 2011, Congresswoman Fudge introduced legislation to designate September as Childhood Obesity Awareness month.  The Congresswoman has also introduced "The Fit for Life Act" and "The Let's Grow Act".  These measures include provisions to improve access to fresh fruits and vegetables in underserved communities, fund efforts to treat obesity in children,and improve nutritional offerings in school meals and in after school and weekend programs for low income children.

Cleveland Screening Details:

WHERE:                The Great Lakes Science Center, 601 Erieside Avenue, Cleveland

WHEN:                  Thursday, May 3, 2012 from 5:30pm to 8:00pm, panel discussion begins at 7:30pm

WHO:                     Panel Discussion:

                Congresswoman Marcia L. Fudge

Karen K. Butler, Director, Cleveland Department of Public Health

Rocco Whalen, Chef/Owner, Fahrenheit Restaurant

Aaron R. Smith, M.D., Assistant Medical Director, External Affairs and Organizational Effectiveness, Kaiser Permanente

  Moderator: Debra Adams Simmons, Editor, The Plain Dealer

For more information about the Cleveland Screening of "The Weight of the Nation," please contact:

Lindsay Fello, G2G consulting (202) 445-0394

Chuck Heald, Kaiser Permanente (216) 704-6119