subject: New Federal Efforts May Push Junk Food Out Of Schools [print this page] In a move that should be heralded with a resounding YAY!, the New York Times reports that the Obama administration will start the push to get rid of junk food from the nation's schools in the hopes of fighting the obesity epidemic among children.
Legislation is in the works to ban candy and sugary beverages from schools, and requiring school cafeterias to offer more nutritious foods. It would also revamp school breakfast and lunch programs supported by the government. Additionally, schools would have to comply with new nutritional guidelines regarding junk food from vending machines or sold in schools to finance sports and extracurricular programs.
This is definitely a good sign -- as nearly a THIRD of American children are considered overweight or obese, it's time that we started examining what's really in those school lunches and find ways to improve their nutritional content. Although the costs may be higher, it's like we've said before -- there are immediate costs, and there are future, LONG-TERM costs affecting your health and well-being for many years to come.
You can help your child reduce their risk of heart disease and stroke later in life by teaching them healthy eating habits now. Limit the number of days per week your child eats at school. Pack healthy leftovers from last night's dinners in their lunchbox. Talk to your kids about what healthier fare they enjoy. There are plenty of ways to make typical kid's food healthier, such as making peanut butter and jelly with whole wheat bread and organic peanut butter and preserves. Make it a fun affair -- cut up their favorite fruits and veggies into fun shapes, or have your kids cook meals with you. By encouraging your children to eat healthier, you can help them steer clear of junk foods still being offered in schools around the country.
