Food is a fairly significant aspect of my life. I have struggled mightily with food. With my weight. And I'm conscious of it. So I have a sensitivity to people who struggle with their weight.

Quality, affordable housing is a key element of a strong and secure Iowa.

The rise of childhood obesity has placed the health of an entire generation at risk.

One out of every 12 jobs in the economy is connected in some way, shape or form to what happens on the farm.

If we can get people to focus on fruits and vegetables and more healthy foods, we'll be better in terms of our healthcare situation.

We have a long tradition in this state of caring for our neighbors - it is truly an Iowa value.

Proper school nutrition must be complemented by activities outside of the cafeteria. The decisions parents make to keep their kids healthy are critical in fighting this battle on the home front.

People working together in a strong community with a shared goal and a common purpose can make the impossible possible.

There are a lot of farmers and ranchers who are struggling. I get on my knees every day. If I had a rain prayer or a rain dance I could do, I would do it.

The lack of access to proper nutrition is not only fueling obesity, it is leading to food insecurity and hunger among our children.

The future of healthcare security should include flexibility from the federal government to allow us to serve the state's most vulnerable citizens.

Your mind is working on your future based on a suggestion. The question is on whose suggestion it's working on: Yours or others?

One either has to believe in a God who's terribly prejudiced, or disbelieve the teachings of such exclusionary theologies. Religions have taught us that 'we are better than they.'

It became sort of a snowball effect, with guys trying to deal in their own way with 9/11, whether it was drinking or whatever.

Infuse heart, soul, spirit and passion because talent is not enough

The poor know they are in need.

Last night I ordered a whole meal in French. Even the waiter was amazed - it was a Chinese restaurant!

That's what our training is for, we practice not panicking, we practice breathing, we practice looking directly at the thing that scares us until we stop flinching, we practice overriding our Can't.

O, to bring back the great Homeric time, The simple manners and the deed sublime: When the wise Wanderer, often foiled by Fate, Through the long furrow drave the ploughshare straight.

The two things I enjoy the most about writing are the first page of a book and the last. What's in between is very hard work.

True contentment comes with empathy.