Open Letter to Mrs. Obama
A letter I wrote last December to our First Lady
Ben Chapman, December 31, 2016
Dear Mrs. Michelle Obama & The Obama Foundation,
I write this letter asking for advice. For the past eight years, we have been blessed to have a First Lady who addresses the obesity crisis that America is experiencing. You have led us not only with speeches and rhetoric, but also with your actions and example. You drove a nation-wide conversation on a complex topic, and for that I am thankful. However, looking back on our recent election and the discussions dominating the debate stage, media, and family dinner table, it is clear that our work is not done. Politicians continually underestimate proper nutrition and exercise as minor social issues. It is not widely acknowledged that the high obesity rate in our country costs each and every American over $700 each year, and the poor nutritional health of our citizens reduces the strength of our military, weakens our workforce, and compromises our quality of life.
Currently, I am a sophomore in college studying to be a registered dietitian. My goal is to improve school nutrition through public policy, in the hope that proper nutrition for children will create a well-fed citizenry in the future. Unfortunately, this task will be impossible if we do not continue the conversation you started. It has been an honor to have you as our First Lady, but now it is up to us to carry the flag. As someone experienced in this type of advocacy and policy-making, what advice do you have for someone who wants to advance this issue and make it a national priority?
Thank you for your service to our country.
Yours Sincerely,
