WHAT WE LEARNED AT THE WHITE HOUSE

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Sara Conte and her daughter Hannah were invited to a Kids State Dinner at the White House to celebrate the winners of the Healthy Lunchtime Challenge (part of the Let's Move Campaign). 

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What an honor to be a part of this year's Healthy Lunchtime Challenge, a unique initiative spearheaded by Michelle Obama through her Let's Move Campaign. My daughter Hannah was Oregon's winner of the recipe contest - selected from over 1,200 recipes nationwide. 

All Kale Caesar (click here for the recipe, featured in The Oregonian) was Hannah's golden ticket - inspired by her love for Caesar salad and her hungry belly. 

We had an amazing trip and learned a lot in the process.

1. The Community Cares

In the barrage of news about shaky political campaigns, terrorist attacks and general atrocities, we were impressed that our community took a moment and promoted an issue important to families nationwide - healthy kids! One in three kids in America is either overweight or obese. We have to get moving (and eating properly) to reverse this trend. 

Thank you to all who jumped on board this initiative and gave voice to some of the solutions that can make a healthy difference. 

Special thanks to KPTV Fox 12, Good Day Oregon, Senator Jeff Merkley, Dave's Killer Bread, KATU, AMNW, The Oregonian and the Portland Tribune for your coverage (click links to view). The feedback we've received from our community is inspirational. Let's get healthy!!

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2. Corporations Count

The Healthy Lunchtime Challenge could not have happened without the support of its sponsors. Thank you to United, The Westin, Newman's Own Foundation, Rachel Ray's Yumm-O and more. We so appreciate your commitment to improving the lives of our children - one healthy lunch at a time. 

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​3. Smart Women Move the Needle

Wow, Michelle Obama is an inspiration. Smart, funny, down to earth and compassionate. She launched the Let's Move Campaign in 2010 to unite the country around kids' health. Boy, has she moved the needle on an awfully big challenge. 

Click here to read about the successes of the program. Go Michelle, go! 

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