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Saturday, February 20, 2010

Michelle Obama takes childhood obesity campaign to Philadelphia elementary school

Student Albalee Rosa is applauded by Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack and first lady Michelle Obama at Fairhill Elementary School in Philadelphia, Friday, Feb. 19, 2010, as Mrs. Obama's visited Philadelphia as part of her efforts to curb childhood obesity. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke) (Matt Rourke, AP / February 19, 2010)
 
PHILADELPHIA (AP) — First lady Michelle Obama says too many people across the country don't have a grocery store nearby where they can get fresh food.

Mrs. Obama visited the Fairhill Elementary School in North Philadelphia on Friday afternoon as part of her campaign to curb childhood obesity.

She announced plans for more than $400 million in funding to help bring healthy food retailers to underserved communities.

Obama says Philadelphia and the state of Pennsylvania have done great work to increase access to fresh foods and combat obesity.

She says six years ago, the state invested $30 million in fresh food initiatives that helped fund 83 supermarkets statewide.

She also stopped by a North Philadelphia grocery story earlier Friday.
 
 
Matt Rourke, AP / February 19, 2010
First lady Michelle Obama is seen at a Fresh Grocer store in Philadelphia, Friday, Feb. 19, 2010. Obama's visit to the store was to highlight Philadelphia's efforts to get healthy, affordable food to its communities. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)
Matt Rourke, AP / February 19, 2010
First lady Michelle Obama meets with a worker during a visit to a Fresh Grocer store in Philadelphia, Friday, Feb. 19, 2010. Obama's visit to the store was to highlight Philadelphia's efforts to get healthy, affordable food to its communities. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)


Shoppers gather to see First Lady Michelle Obama as she promotes the Fresh Food Financing Initiative at The Fresh Grocer store in Philadelphia, Pa., Feb. 19, 2010. (Official White House Photo by Lawrence Jackson)


First Lady Michelle Obama greets a worker as she promotes her Fresh Food Financing Initiative at The Fresh Grocer store in Philadelphia, Pa., Feb. 19, 2010. (Official White House Photo by Lawrence Jackson)
A United States Secret Service agent accompanies First Lady Michelle Obama as she promotes her Fresh Food Financing Initiative at The Fresh Grocer store in Philadelphia, Pa., Feb. 19, 2010. (Official White House Photo by Lawrence Jackson)

First Lady Michelle Obama delivers remarks on the "Let's Move" health initiative at Fairhill Elementary School in Philadelphia, Pa., Feb. 19, 2010. (Official White House Photo by Lawrence Jackson)

A sign welcomes First Lady Michelle Obama at Fairhill Elementary School in Philadelphia, Pa., Feb. 19, 2010. (Official White House Photo by Lawrence Jackson)

Pr.Obama Town Hall Meeting in NV / Harry Reid



President Obama spoke about the economy at a town hall meeting at Green Valley High School in Henderson, Nevada. In his remarks he announced a $1.5 billion fund for housing financing agencies.