This week, the U.S. Department of Agriculture announced that more than 3,700 schools throughout the nation are now certified in the HealthierUS School Challenge (HUSSC), an initiative that aims to boost the health and nutrition of our children. The HUSSC is one of the key parts of First Lady Michelle Obama’s “Let's Move!” campaign to end childhood obesity within a generation.

“Let’s Move!” offers strategies to combat childhood obesity and provides many resources for parents and other caregivers. In support of the First Lady’s campaign, America’s beverage companies voluntarily placed clear calorie information on the front of every bottle, can and pack we produce, making it easier for parents – and all consumers – to choose the beverage that is right for them and their families.

In addition, our industry – through its national School Beverage Guidelines – removed full-calorie soda from all schools and replaced them with lower-calorie, smaller-portion options. Through the guidelines, beverage calories shipped to schools have been reduced by a dramatic 88 percent since 2004.

The beverage industry has a longstanding commitment to our nation's children, and we are proud to be doing our part to help reduce childhood obesity.

To learn more about how the beverage industry is delivering initiatives that will have a lasting, positive impact in communities nationwide, visit www.deliveringchoices.org.