First lady Michelle Obama was joined by a special guest in a pair of public service announcements celebrating the third anniversary of her Let’s Move! initiative.
Sesame Street’s Big Bird helps Obama encourage children to eat healthy and exercise in the PSAs, both of which were filmed in the White House. One of the spots posted to Youtube features the first lady and Big Bird in what appears to be the White House kitchen, suggesting ideal snacks for children such as oranges and bananas. In the other spot, Big Bird shows off his dance moves as an example of practical exercise.
“So fun exercising at White House, @FLOTUS!” was posted on Sesame Street Twitter account on behalf of Big Bird. “Hope your husband didn’t mind all the loud stomping. I’m not exactly light on my feet.”
Let’s Move! is an anti-obesity campaign launched by Obama in February 2010. In the years since, the program has spread beyond American borders, with the first lady hosting events in London for last year’s Summer Olympics, and celebrities like David Beckham and Beyonce endorsing the campaign.
Last month, reports suggested that the Let’s Move initiative might have been abandoned, but the new PSAs prove that it will continue during the Obama administration’s second term.
Obama and Let’s Move! have been the target of criticism due to mandatory regulations placed on public school lunches by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Calorie restrictions and increased lunch prices have upset parents and students alike across the country. With Obama acting as the face of America’s healthy eating movement, she has taken some of the blame.
Obama will embark on a two-day tour to Midwestern cities next week, making stops in Chicago, Clinton, Miss., and Springfield, Mo. Her publicity stops also included appearances on “Good Morning America,” “The Dr. Oz Show” and “Late Night with Jimmy Fallon.” In addition to Let’s Move! Obama is also heavily involved with the Joining Forces initiative to assist military families.
