Deval Patrick joins Michelle Obama in targeting obesity epidemic
First lady Michelle Obama isn’t the only political figure worried about the nation’s obesity problem.
Governor Deval Patrick, a friend of the first lady and President Obama, today launched ChopChop.
It’s a free monthly newsletter published in partnership with ChopChop Magazine.
The aim is to provide Massachusetts families with healthy and easy-to-make recipes that use local produce, to boot.
“We’re committed to finding new ways to fight obesity and reduce chronic disease in Massachusetts,’’ Patrick said in a statement. “This new effort is a way to bring parents and children together in the kitchen to create healthy, nutritious meals while spending time together as a family.’’
ChopChop Magazine is a nationwide quarterly publication focusing on healthy cooking for families.
The ChopChop newsletter is designed to complement the Patrick administration’s Mass in Motion initiative. That program was launched in 2009 to combat obesity and chronic disease in the state by encouraging residents to eat better and be more active.
The first lady has led her own national campaign – “Let’s Move!’’ – to combat childhood obesity in particular.
She has complemented it with a White House vegetable garden and programs focused on exercise.
Meanwhile, the Patrick administration has issued a request for proposals from parties interested in developing the proposed year-round public market on the Rose Kennedy Greenway.
The market will feature fresh produce and flowers and plants grown in Massachusetts, seafood landed in Massachusetts, and specialty foods produced in the Commonwealth, another statement said.
“In the heart of our capital city, the public market will create new economic opportunities for our farmers, fishermen, and specialty food producers,’’ said Patrick. “The market will also showcase the tremendous quality and variety of Massachusetts products.’’
The RFP is the culmination of several months work by the Public Market Commission, which held a series of nine public meetings over the summer and fall to solicit input from the public.
The eventual operator will enter into a lease with the Massachusetts Department of Transportation, which owns the property, for an initial period of five years.
Final proposals are due March 2, 2012. The commission will select an operator.
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