Mayor Michael Bloomberg said he'll keep trying to find "innovative" ways to reduce obesity in poor neighborhoods.

The federal government rejected his effort last week to prohibit the use of food stamps to buy sugary sodas — but said it was interested in exploring a more limited anti-obesity initiative.

"You just have to take a look at the statistics of children in disadvantaged neighborhoods," the mayor said. "Shame on us if we don't do something, and I will talk to anyone in Washington from the president on down if I can get their ear."

The mayor had argued that food stamps should not be used to buy harmful products, but the U.S. Department of Agricultural found problems with the details, including that retailers could be confused about what constituted a sugary beverage.

With the Associated Press