Support The Healthy Kids Act

Rhode Island grapples with alarming childhood obesity rates, particularly among African American and Latinx children who exhibit higher rates compared to their White peers. These disparities stem partly from restricted access to nutritious food options. Introducing uniform nutrition standards for children’s meals in restaurants presents an opportunity to mitigate this gap while providing healthier dining choices for families.

Did You Know…

• Childhood obesity has serious, long-lasting health consequences and disproportionately affects marginalized communities.
• In Rhode Island: 1 in 3 children were obese in 2022. 
• 41% of Latinx and Black children in RI are overweight or obese compared to 32% of White children.
• Childhood obesity is associated with costly chronic conditions like diabetes and heart disease. 
• Rhode Island spends nearly $8 billion on annual healthcare expenditures.
• 1 in 4 Rhode Islanders are impacted by diet-related chronic diseases like high blood pressure and diabetes.
• In the United States: Diet-related conditions are the leading cause of death and disability. The combined healthcare spending and lost productivity due to suboptimal diets cost the U.S. economy $1.1 trillion annually..

These compelling figures underscore the urgent need for legislation like the Healthy Kids Meal Act, which aims to safeguard children’s health and curb the pervasive impact of diet-related diseases. This legislation addresses the root causes of childhood obesity and will create a healthier future for Rhode Island’s youth.