Democrat or Republican, few First Ladies have been as relatable to the everywoman as Michelle Obama. That’s not to say Laura Bush’s quiet politeness and literary background or Hilary Clinton’s “bull-by-the-horns” version of healthcare reform weren’t equally important or equally beneficial for our country. It’s just that somewhere between the DIY vegetable garden in the South Lawn of the White House and the wardrobe from Talbot’s and J.Crew (read: NOT Saks or Barney’s), Michelle Obama seems to effortlessly tap into the hearts and homes of the everymom, because she is one. Good thing too, since she’ll no doubt need the support of women, moms and teachers across America this summer as she tackles the growing epidemic of childhood obesity.

The most recent initiative in Michelle Obama’s ongoing battle against the sad state of our children’s waistlines zeroes in on the educational and nutritional backslide America’s school aged kids call summer break. Dubbed “Let’s Read. Let’s Move,” the initiative aims to contend both with children’s lack of physical activity and healthy eating habits during their off months, and also with their tendency to lose up to three months of reading progress in that time. The First Lady, alongside congressional leaders, officially launched the program on June 8, 2010 – and jump started progress by supplying underprivileged youth with “healthy lifestyle kits” packed with healthy snacks, reading material and activity equipment like swim goggles.

The ideas and motivation behind “Let’s Read. Let’s Move” are rock-solid. The statistics on unhealthy kids are staggering, and Type 2 Diabetes among children under 12 is rapidly spiraling out of control. Truthfully, parents and educators ultimately bear responsibility for these alarming trends – and if Michelle Obama can reach out to those American mothers who already connect with her, turning an unhealthy summer break into an educational, nutritious and healthy one for our country’s children may be easier than we think.