Skip to main content

Building a Healthier Future Through Partnership

Posted by Jackie Haven, Deputy Director, USDA Center for Nutrition Policy and Promotion in Food and Nutrition Initiatives
Mar 13, 2014
Dr. Janey Thornton, FNCS Deputy Under Secretary
Dr. Janey Thornton, FNCS Deputy Under Secretary

On March 12-14 the Partnership for a Healthier America (PHA) will host their 2014 Building a Healthier Future Summit in Washington, DC. Dr. Janey Thornton, Deputy Under Secretary for Food, Nutrition, and Consumer Services (FNCS), will be in attendance on behalf of USDA.

“I’m thrilled to see so many partners coming together in support of a healthier next generation,” said Dr. Thornton.  “Although we have collectively made strides toward reducing the impact of childhood obesity, there is still much work to be done.”

The Summit, which is touted as one of the “premiere gatherings of leaders working to end childhood obesity”, brings together nonprofit, academic, and government leaders with business and industry influencers. The PHA’s web site states that, “the Summit is about action, not talk.”

The 2014 Building a Healthier Future Summit will discuss health equity for all communities; showcase a variety solutions being implemented nationwide and in communities to reverse current obesity trends; and feature First Lady Michelle Obama as the Keynote Speaker in the closing plenary.  A hallmark of this Summit is ample time for attendees to participate in breakout sessions on a multitude of topics to encourage collaborative solutions.

As a MyPlate National Strategic Partner, USDA has collaborated with PHA on numerous projects.  One example is the MyPlate Recipes Pinterest project which launched in February 2013. The project brought together some of the nation's top recipe creators to offer thousands of tasty MyPlate-inspired recipes for families looking for healthier meals. The account boasts over 128,000 followers and more than 6,000 recipes.  You can even find a board devoted to the First Lady’s Favorites!

USDA is excited to be a part of the 2014 Building a Healthier Future Summit! We continue our shared vision of building a healthier next generation by making the healthy choice an easier choice for all families.

Deputy Under Secretary Food and Nutrition Service Dr. Janey Thornton. USDA Photo by Ken Hammond.
Deputy Under Secretary Food and Nutrition Service Dr. Janey Thornton. USDA Photo by Ken Hammond.