IL SR0415

Over one-third of U.S. adults and nearly 17% of youth were obese in 2009-2010, with medical costs associated with obesity estimated at $147 billion in 2008.

The American Medical Association recognized obesity as a disease, noting obesity rates have doubled among adults in the last 20 years and tripled among children in a single generation.

Major city mayors from Chicago, New York, Los Angeles, and 15 other cities requested Congress consider limiting Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits by excluding soda and other sugary drinks.

The resolution urges the U.S. Congress to review SNAP and improve nutritional quality standards by eliminating food and beverage products with minimal nutritional value as defined by the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food and Nutrition Service.

Suitable copies of the resolution shall be presented to members of the Illinois congressional delegation.