Tom Harkin presented with HSPH’s Healthy Cup Award

The Harvard School of Public Health’s (HSPH) Nutrition Round Table recently presented Sen. Tom Harkin from Iowa with the third annual Healthy Cup Award on May 18 for “his leadership in developing policies that support and promote good nutrition, healthier lifestyles, and disease prevention” and for playing a key role in the national health care reform bill signed in March.

The Nutrition Round Table is a group that helps to bridge the gap between scientific advances and sustainable changes in food policy, practices, and products, with a focus on obesity, healthy lifestyles, global nutrition, and chronic diseases.

Harkin, who succeeded the late Sen. Edward Kennedy as chair of the Health, Education, Labor and Pension Oversight Committee in September 2009, was presented the award as part of a lecture and reception at the School, and was cited for his efforts to address obesity issues in children, cardiovascular disease, and women’s health issues, as well as other efforts to lead the way toward a healthier country.

“We couldn’t have asked for a better person to follow in this important role,” said Walter Willett, chair of the HSPH Department of Nutrition, who presented the award. Harkin has shown “tremendous leadership over the years, putting wellness and health on the American agenda.” To read the full story, visit the Harvard School of Public Health Web site.