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Activities

Pediatrics

Environmental Health

Special Needs

Electric school bus press conference

Healthy housing- radon, carbon monoxide, smoke detectors, lead

Nutrition

Unpacking America’s Obesity Crisis: Reflections from the Fed Up Film Screening and Panel Discussion. It brought together public health advocates, environmental leaders, and civil rights voices. Organized by Laura Turner Seydel of the Turner Foundation and the Environmental Working Group (EWG), and hosted by film producer Laurie David, the event spotlighted the urgent public health crisis of obesity in America and the systemic forces driving it.

The Film: A Wake-Up Call on Food Industry Practices
Fed Up is a documentary that confronts the root causes of America’s obesity epidemic, particularly among children. It explores how the food industry has engineered products to be addictive, marketed unhealthy options to youth, and resisted meaningful regulation. The film also critiques the lack of political will to enact reforms that prioritize public health over corporate profit.

Through interviews with experts, families, and policymakers, Fed Up reveals how sugar-laden diets, misleading food labels, and aggressive advertising have contributed to rising rates of obesity, diabetes, and other chronic illnesses.

The Panel: A Multidisciplinary Call to Action
Following the screening, a panel discussion featured:

Heather White, Executive Director of the Environmental Working Group

Rev. Gerald Durley, civil rights leader and environmental justice advocate

A pediatric health expert specializing in nutrition and community health

Together, the panelists examined the intersection of food policy, environmental health, and social equity. Key topics included:

The role of processed foods and added sugars in childhood obesity

The disproportionate impact of poor nutrition on low-income and minority communities

The need for transparent food labeling and stronger regulatory oversight

Strategies for empowering families to make healthier choices

The importance of integrating nutrition education into schools and community programs

Rev. Durley emphasized the moral imperative of protecting children from exploitative industry practices, while Heather White called for policy reforms that hold corporations accountable and prioritize consumer safety.

Moving Toward Solutions
The discussion underscored that addressing obesity requires more than individual willpower—it demands systemic change. Recommended actions included:

Supporting legislation that limits sugar content and improves food labeling

Advocating for school lunch reform and access to fresh produce

Promoting community gardens and urban agriculture

Educating families about nutrition and food preparation

Holding elected officials accountable for public health policy

Conclusion
The Fed Up screening and panel served as a powerful reminder that food justice is inseparable from environmental and social justice. By exposing the tactics of the food industry and amplifying voices committed to change, the event galvanized attendees to take action—at the dinner table, in their communities, and through civic engagement.

Press

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Feb 3, 2025

Thousands of Metro Atlanta homes on water lines may contain lead | Water systems ask residents to help identify them

Jan 7, 2025

How to Cut Your Baby’s Nails Without Crying

Jan 17, 2024

Class Notes and Alumni Updates From Orthopedic Surgeons

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Oct 25, 2022

Analysis Reveals Lead Contamination in Georgia's School Water

Oct 25, 2022

Air Quality: How to Reduce Your Toxin Burden

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Dec 2, 2021

Environment Georgia Issues New Toolkit on Lead in School's Drinking Water

Jul 30, 2021

Moms Make News: Electric Bus Tour Pulls Out All the Stops!

Jul 18, 2021

Mother's Organization Wants to Electrify Yellow School Buses

May 20, 2020

EPA Appoints New Members to Children’s Health Protection Advisory Committee

Jan 18, 2019

5 People Calling Out EPA Acting Head Wheeler for Putting Polluters First

Oct 15, 2018

The Impacts of the Ash

Aug 7, 2018

Today is National Back to School Day: Coalition urges new action for clean, green and healthy schools for all children

Jun 13, 2018

Experts share their favorite 60-second self-care routines for busy moms

Jul 13, 2017

Campaign to keep phthalates out of Kraft cheeses

Apr 26, 2018

Proposed loosening of coal ash rules draws overwhelming opposition at EPA hearing.

April 20, 2016

The Crossroads of Climate Change and Allergies

Apr 26, 2018

Proposed loosening of coal ash rules draws overwhelming opposition at EPA hearing.

Apr 6, 2016

For several Georgia counties, an invisible Flint level water crisis looms

Mar 16, 2016

Concerned about clean water

Jan 27, 2016

U.S. Commission on Civil Rights Announces Date to Conclude Briefing Related to its 2016 Enforcement Report, Environmental Justice: Toxic Materials, Poor Economies, and the Impact on the Environment of Low-Income, Minority Communities

Mar 16, 2016

Keeping Children Safe from Dangers in Toys and Games

Nov 20, 2015

Atlanta EPA Clean Power Plan Hearings and Rally

Nov 19, 2015

Morehouse College hosts Black clergy, leading stakeholders for Obama's Clean Power plan

Apr 30, 2015

Kansas House of Representatives holds hearing on bill to inform city residents of fluoridated water's health risks

Nov 26, 2013

Consumer Advocates Warn About Dangerous Toys as the Holiday Shopping Season Begins

Oct 30, 2013

‘Stroller Brigade’ Lobbies Against Toxins

Oct 30, 2013

Maine Moms Rally for Changes in Chemical Safety Bill

Oct 30, 2013

Dr. Yolanda Whyte Speaks to the ‘Stroller Brigade’

Oct 29, 2013

Hundreds Call on Congress to Protect Families from Toxic Chemicals at DC Stroller Brigade

Oct 29, 2013

Moms Demand Congress Clean Up Toxic Chemicals in ‘Stroller Brigade’ at the Capitol

July 13, 2013

Atlanta Leaders Move to Protect the Planet and Public Health

Jun 5, 2013

Fluoride-Year 2012 Review

Mar 23, 2013

Jennifer Beals for toxic chemical law reform

Feb 22, 2013

Rep. Lewis Teams Up With Fmr. Falcons Player For Cause

Feb 8, 2013

Pediatrician Yolanda Whyte, National Expert of African Americans and Fluoride, Speaks in Portland

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Oct 9, 2012

Doctor: Tomorrow’s health begins with today’s children — Local audience gets tips on how to create a healthier environment

Oct 4, 2012

Health expert to speak in Muscatine

May 31, 2012

City of Milwaukee Full 8-hour Fluoride Hearing: Substitute resolution relating to reduction of the concentration of fluoride in Milwaukee’s drinking water.

May 23, 2012

Vallone Calls For An End To Fluoridation In NYC

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May 31, 2011

Voices From Across the Region: Tell EPA to Limit Mercury Pollution

May 27, 2011

Residents Flood This Week’s EPA Mercury Hearings

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May 27, 2011

What Are We Waiting For?

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