RECOGNIZING THE FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF CHILDREN AND FAMILIES

On 2026-07-14, Representative Frederica S. Wilson (D-FL-24) delivered a floor speech titled "RECOGNIZING THE FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF CHILDREN AND FAMILIES" in the House.

RECOGNIZING THE FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF CHILDREN AND FAMILIES

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 114 (Tuesday, July 14, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 114 (Tuesday, July 14, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E684] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] RECOGNIZING THE FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF CHILDREN AND FAMILIES ______ HON. FREDERICA S. WILSON of florida in the house of representatives Tuesday, July 14, 2026 Ms. WILSON of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and commend the Florida Department of Children and Families' efforts to promote healthy eating habits and increased activity for the children of Florida. The Department of Children and Families (DCF) has proclaimed June 26, 2012, as ``DCF-Make Healthy Happen Miami Day.'' Under the leadership of its program called Communities Putting Prevention to Work, DCF is dedicated to increasing health awareness in Miami Dade County. DCF is particularly focused on the health of Miami's young people. The Department of Health of Miami-Dade County was awarded 14.7 million dollars in order to fund the Communities Putting Prevention to Work Program (CPPW). The CPPW initiative seeks to boost our youth's health by instituting regulatory policies over certain foods and by encouraging more exercise. DCF pursues its goals for Miami's children through a series of activities. Through its CPPW program, the Department of Children and Families formed a partnership with institutions, like Publix, Home Depot, Short Chef, and Johnson and Wales. Together with these institutions, the CPPW was able to provide children with hands-on experiences with healthy foods. These experiences provided these children with a realistic way of approaching healthy eating. A community that encourages healthy lifestyles ultimately produces healthy and active citizens. Now more than ever, it is important that we provide our citizens with the resources they need to help increase their health. The DCF's ``Make Healthy Happen Miami Dade'' draws attention to initiatives taken by the CPPW and other groups to make healthy happen for Miami. Please join me in recognizing the Department of Children and Families for its commitment to our children and increasing health in Miami Dade County. ____________________