Fighting Childhood Obesity Starts With The Parents, Says Former President of American Horticultural Society

Childhood obesity is a growing problem in America and has been brought into the political spotlight by the First Lady's "Let's Move" initiative. George Ball, current chairperson of the W. Atlee Burbee Company, says that research by his company has shown that getting kids to eat healthy is a matter of the parents setting a good example. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention recently reported only 26% of U.S. adults consider they eat 3 or more servings of vegetables a day. Ball says if parents actively involve their children in growing fruits and vegetables the children learn to enjoy eating the results. Even fresh produce grown using containers in a home is an improvement over unhealthy alternatives. To educate people about fruits and vegetables Ball previously helped organize community leaders, schools, and churches in establishing local gardens.