![]() ![]() ![]() “We applaud HHS for this additional funding that will help to improve the maternal health for all mothers and babies, especially women of color and those most at-risk.” has consistently failed women of color,” Greenberg continued. ![]() The funding, awarded by HHS’ Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), will support home visiting services, increase access to doulas, address infant mortality and maternal illness, and improve data reporting on maternal mortality. “This additional funding will enable local health departments and nonprofits to better address the health care needs of the most vulnerable mothers and their babies.” maternal health care has lagged behind that of other developed countries, particularly for women of color,” noted Sally Greenberg, Executive Director of the National Consumers League. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) for awarding nearly $350 million to states across the country to improve support for safe pregnancies and healthy babies. The Preterm Birth Prevention Alliance (PBPA), a coalition of maternal and women’s health advocates dedicated to improving preterm birth outcomes in the United States and addressing its disproportionate impact on women of color, applauds the U.S. PBPA Commends HHS Funding to Support Maternal and Infant Health So while it’s good to hear that Wal-Mart is going to offer healthier food to its customers, it doesn’t change the fact that the mega-retailer still needs to do far better by its workforce. Four years ago, on the campaign trail, President Obama stated that he wouldn’t shop at Wal-Mart because of its anti-union polices and unfair treatment of workers days later, Michelle Obama resigned from the board of Tree Foods, a Wal-Mart vendor. Even the Obamas themselves have criticized Wal-Mart in the past. Wal-Mart has long been known for fighting unions, paying low wages, and not offering its workers decent benefits. While yesterday’s announcement comes with the White House seal of approval, and could well be an important step toward increased access to healthier food, the retailer’s harsh treatment of its workers still casts a pall on the good this does. However, as the world’s largest retailer, with upwards of 60,000 suppliers, any decision Wal-Mart makes carries considerable weight and has the potential to benefit the most Americans. Similar efforts have been made by smaller food companies and many prominent government officials have voiced strong commitments to nutrition issues NYC Mayor Bloomberg recently announced a plan to reduce sodium in US foods by 25%. Obama explained that the retailer’s commitment to healthier food is a “huge victory for folks all across the country” and is a great sign that her “ Let’s Move” campaign against childhood obesity is gaining traction among business. It also calls for lowering prices on produce and developing a logo to help customers more easily identify healthy food items. The plan calls for reducing the levels of sugar and sodium, and eliminating all trans fat in packaged food. What do First Lady Michelle Obama and the world’s largest retailer have in common? Before yesterday, you would be hard-pressed for an answer, but Wal-Mart and Obama found common cause in the goal of a healthier America on Thursday when they unveiled the retailer’s plans to make the foods it sells healthier and more affordable.
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