For years we have been hearing that obesity, including childhood obesity, has reached epidemic proportions. As such, the nation's top scientists and leaders in the health care industry have been brainstorming ways to find a solution. One of these solutions is more stringent policies that limit fat, sodium, and sugar in foods sold at school. Sounds good, right? As with many things the idea did not translate as well into reality (in my humble opinion). In California bake sales, and other similar fundraisers, are no longer permitted on school property. Soda, including diet soda, will be banned from schools in several states but sports drinks will continue being sold. The above picture (courtesy of the NY Times) frightens me, "Anna X. L. Wong, a kindergarten teacher at Jefferson Elementary, incorporates "good foods” versus “bad foods” into the curriculum." What happened to everything in moderation? Should a 5 year old really associate cake on their birthday as bad and thus feel guilty? I am going to lean towards no. Click HERE to read the full article from the NY Times.
Should healthy food be served in schools? Absolutely. But do I think that bake sales are the root of the childhood obesity problem, no. Some schools are choosing to celebrate children's birthdays with extra recess, decorative pencils, or a birthday book club. I think those are wonderful alternatives, because most likely the child will be having cake at home. But what about the high school band raising money for new uniforms? Or the cheerleading team fundraising to travel to nationals? Or ASB raising money for prom to lower the ticket price? One thing that is not taken into account is what the money goes to. Many high school campuses have a student store that sells shirts, key chains, soda, ice cream, and such. The money generated by the student stores (as well as soda and vending machines) is then used to purchase school books and computers. Do I believe that elementary school students should have access to soda machines and vending machines? No, but I do think that high school students are old enough to decide for themselves. There are vending machine options that provide healthy options such as yonaturals and nutri-matic. Additionally, what happened to good old fashioned physical education? When my parents were in school you had to either be on a team sport or be enrolled in P.E. every semester, when I was in high school only 1 year of P.E. was required. More and more schools have cut P.E. from their budget, and for some kids that is their only opportunity to exercise. History proves that banning does not work, simply look at prohibition. Perhaps instead of banning foods that are deemed "bad," we should focus on nutrition education and the importance of physical activity.
Should healthy food be served in schools? Absolutely. But do I think that bake sales are the root of the childhood obesity problem, no. Some schools are choosing to celebrate children's birthdays with extra recess, decorative pencils, or a birthday book club. I think those are wonderful alternatives, because most likely the child will be having cake at home. But what about the high school band raising money for new uniforms? Or the cheerleading team fundraising to travel to nationals? Or ASB raising money for prom to lower the ticket price? One thing that is not taken into account is what the money goes to. Many high school campuses have a student store that sells shirts, key chains, soda, ice cream, and such. The money generated by the student stores (as well as soda and vending machines) is then used to purchase school books and computers. Do I believe that elementary school students should have access to soda machines and vending machines? No, but I do think that high school students are old enough to decide for themselves. There are vending machine options that provide healthy options such as yonaturals and nutri-matic. Additionally, what happened to good old fashioned physical education? When my parents were in school you had to either be on a team sport or be enrolled in P.E. every semester, when I was in high school only 1 year of P.E. was required. More and more schools have cut P.E. from their budget, and for some kids that is their only opportunity to exercise. History proves that banning does not work, simply look at prohibition. Perhaps instead of banning foods that are deemed "bad," we should focus on nutrition education and the importance of physical activity.
*step off of soapbox*
I would LOVE to hear opinions on
this whether you agree or disagree!