Building on a $500 million pledge made in 2007, the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF) announced yesterday that it will commit an additional $500 million over the next ten years to help all children grow up at a healthy weight. Speaking about progress in reversing the childhood obesity epidemic and the Foundation’s newest commitment on the PBS NewsHour, Risa Lavizzo-Mourey, president and CEO of RWJF, issued a challenge: “We have got to renew our efforts and increase the momentum, spread these successes, so that all children have the opportunity to grow up at a healthy weight.”

Encouraged by recent signs of progress in turning rates around, RWJF views this investment as critical to building a Culture of Health in communities across the United States.

At an event announcing the funding commitment at Edward Reynolds West Side High School in New York, First Lady Michelle Obama lauded the Foundation’s trailblazing work on childhood obesity, and its ongoing commitment to children’s health. “Today, with this additional investment, RWJF has thrown down the gauntlet. They are in. They’re setting the standard for what it means to be a champion.”

Watch Risa Lavizzo Mourey on PBS NewsHour.

For more information, visit the following:

Robert Wood Johnson Pledges $500-Million More to Fight Childhood Obesity, Chronicle of Philanthropy

Michelle Obama Touts Gains in Anti-Obesity Campaign, New York Observer

Investing in a Healthier Tomorrow, Let’s Move Blog

What can $1 billion do to prevent childhood obesity, PBS NewsHour

Foundation throws $1B into fight against child obesity, Politico Pro