When it comes to fighting childhood obesity, Senator Tom Harkin understands the complexity of this challenge and is well positioned to lead the fight on Capitol Hill. One of Washington’s leading public figures, he is a trailblazer on issues involving health care, education and agriculture. Senator Harkin has, over the years, set his sights on tackling rising rates of obesity and using public policy to make America’s children — and adults — healthier.

A Des Moines native, Senator Harkin grew up working on farms and in a bottling plant, experience that gave him insight into the role that agriculture plays in the lives of Americans. Indeed, after being elected to the Senate, he even returned to Iowa for a stint as a farmer.

“I’m alarmed by the effect that obesity is having on our country,” says Senator Harkin. Fortunately, as Chair of both the Senate Agriculture Committee and the Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services and Education, Senator Harkin is uniquely positioned to take action.

Senator Harkin has adopted a holistic approach to reversing the obesity epidemic. Recognizing that the epidemic cannot be fixed with a silver bullet solution, he advocates a comprehensive approach in the areas of agriculture and nutrition policy, physical activity, transportation and community design. Senator Harkin argues that a broad-based solution is the key to making America’s children healthier — now and in the future. Joined by Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), he has elevated the school nutrition environment to the forefront of public debate, outlining the importance of fruits and vegetables in places where potato chips and sugary sodas have long reigned supreme.

While describing the challenges we face in preventing childhood obesity, Senator Harkin emphasizes moving beyond a fruitless blame game for America’s epidemic of childhood obesity and related chronic diseases. “Isn’t it…obvious that any successful effort to fight obesity, diabetes, heart disease and other preventable conditions must mobilize all sectors of our society and economy: individuals, families, corporations, employers, schools and government at all levels?”

Senator Harkin says crucial elements in reversing the obesity epidemic include: the need to translate research findings into workable solutions for policy-makers; the need to focus on nutrition standards in schools; and the need to emphasize physical activity among young people. “My vision is to have every community in America focused on promoting health and preventing disease — instead of just dealing with the bad consequences of obesity, diabetes and heart disease.” Along with Senator Brownback (R-KS), Senator Harkin also co-chairs the FCC Task Force on Media and Childhood Obesity. In this endeavor, they are undertaking a sizable and critical task—examining the impact of media and advertising on children's health.

“My hope is that Americans can come together around common-sense policies to protect and promote the health of our children,” said Harkin. “Ideally, it will lead to a broader discussion of the role of public policy in promoting better health for all Americans.”