Major Leagues Team Up with White House in Game Changer for Health & Nutrition
February 16, 2024
Fourteen United States sports leagues and players associations are joining forces with the White House to tackle America's physical activity and nutrition challenges head-on. Last week, the Biden-Harris Administration announced a hard-hitting lineup of new partnerships. Together, they’re pledging a common goal: to boost healthy lifestyles across the nation.
The historic partnership with the President’s Council on Sports, Fitness and Nutrition is the latest strategy in a commitment to end hunger and reduce diet-related diseases by 2030, made last year as part of a dedicated White House Challenge to End Hunger and Build Healthy Communities. The urgent intervention comes amid rising national levels of serious health challenges like diabetes, a leading cause of death across the country. Considering the link between diabetes and a combination of poor nutrition and inactivity, adopting healthy habits really can be life changing.
And getting the nation’s most beloved leagues on-team with this messaging packs a real punch. “We’re incredibly grateful that sports leagues and players associations have entered into this partnership,” said Stephen Benjamin, director of the White House Office of Public Engagement. “They will utilize their collective reach to help promote healthy lifestyles.”
The NFL, NHL and PGA Tour are among those committing to expanding access to their programs, integrating nutrition education and promoting healthy living. In terms of specific commitments, several leagues have pledged to increase the reach of existing community fitness programs. The NFL’s PLAY60, for example, empowers millions of young people to be physically active for at least 60 minutes a day. Similarly, MLB is bolstering its global PLAY BALL initiative, which encourages physical activity and good nutrition for young people. The NBA and WNBA will continue developing programming and events that promote youth physical activity and action to combat food insecurity – building upon activities taking place during this weekend’s All-Star Game in Indianapolis.
Other leagues and associations are focusing on healthy nutrition and hunger. MLS has pledged to provide 2.5 million meals for communities in need through stadium food recovery programs in 2024, and the NWSL's Players Association will collaborate with players and other teams to raise awareness on the importance of healthy eating.
The President’s Council on Sports, Fitness, & Nutrition is a federal advisory committee that aims to promote healthy, accessible eating and physical activity for all Americans, regardless of background or ability. Chef José Andrés and the WNBA’s Elena Delle Donne serve as Council Co-Chairs. This new partnership hopes to extend far beyond stadiums and arenas. From community events to educational initiatives, the impact is expected to be felt in neighborhoods and households across the nation.