Today I joined First Lady Michelle Obama, Sesame Street and many coalition partners at the White House to continue the mission to end the childhood obesity epidemic. Let’s Move! and Sesame Workshop are partnering with the produce industry to use Elmo, Cookie Monster and Sesame Street’s other furry characters free of charge to help market fruits and veggies to children. Elmo and Rosita joined the First Lady to talk about how important healthy options are.

Michelle Obama talks healthy habits with Rosita and Elmo

“We have seen wonderful improvements across the country among child care providers giving healthy options for children – 98 percent of child care providers report children either ‘improved’ or ‘greatly improved’ their food choices while participating in the program,” said Mel Ming, CEO of Sesame Workshop, in his introduction of Mrs. Obama.

Families and caregivers play a key role making healthy choices for children and teaching children to make healthy choices for themselves.

“Just imagine what will happen when we take our kids to the grocery store, and they see Elmo and Rosita and the other Sesame Street Muppets they love, up and down the produce aisle,” Mrs. Obama said.

Starting healthy habits early can help children make better choices for life. Child care providers across the country deserve a “pat on the back” for making wholesome foods a priority for the children in their care.

Learn more about Let’s Move! Child Care.