Nourishing the Mind, Body and Soul Debating Junk Food in Schools By Ms. E. Murphy

USA Today (2004) explains that due to childhood obesity Texas schools are banning all friend foods and limiting sugar and fat in all meals served in school cafeterias. The Boston Globe (2004) explains that the Massachusetts legislature is seeking to overhaul school cafeterias because of the obesity problems in children. They want to ban soft drinks, require cafeterias to only serve low-fat food, and only stock vending machines with healthy foods. They also plan to require 120 hours of physical activity per year for students. What Does the News Say?

Congress passed a law (P.L ) requiring that all schools participating in the National School Lunch program need to establish a local wellness policy by the school year. This wellness policy would include nutrition education, physical education, and the types of healthy food the school would serve. THIS MEANS SCHOOLS MUST FOCUS ON THE HEALTH OF THEIR STUDENTS. Since 1946 the federal government has supported the National School Lunch Act, which provides students with safe and nutritious lunches. THIS MEANS SCHOOLS HAVE AN OPPORTUNITY TO HELP STUDENTS BECAUSE THEY MUST PREPARE MEALS FOR KIDS THAT MUST MEET CERTAIN STANDARDS. What Does the Law Say?

A judge threw out a case in 2003 in which people (children and adults) were suing McDonald’s for making them fat. He said that there wasn’t enough evidence. THIS SHOWS THAT PEOPLE ARE CONCERNED ABOUT OBESITY BUT THAT IT IS UP TO PEOPLE TO MAKE WISE CHOICES. In 2005 New York Teenagers are suing McDonalds for making them fat. THIS SHOWS THAT KIDS WANT TO BE HEALTHY AND LEARN NUTRITION AND THAT OBESITY IS A TRUE PROBLEM IF EVEN KIDS ARE RECOGNIZING IT. What Do the Courts Say?

1.Students will be getting nutritious and balanced meals, which will help combat childhood obesity. 2.Students will learn to make better choices about their diet, which will serve them well in future years 3.Students will be less likely to get the “crash and burn” syndrome that happens when you eat a lot of junk food. 4.Schools that have a strict food policy in the cafeteria report improved behavior. 5.Schools that have a strict food policy in the cafeteria report improved academic performance. “Pros” of Having a Strict Cafeteria Policy

1.It costs more to have healthy food so costs may increase. 2.Healthy foods tend to be prepared fresh so food personnel staff may need more training and more time.. 3.The District may lose money if they rely on vending machine proceeds. 4.Students may dislike the food and refuse to eat it, making the program unsuccessful. 5.Students may bring “banned” food to school instead and sell it to other students.. “Cons” of Having a Strict Cafeteria Policy

I recommend to the committee that they make the cafeteria at Nichols Middle School a healthy cafeteria. Childhood obesity is a problem and we need to model appropriate eating habits in the school if we ever expect children to learn. Besides, studies show that behavior and grades will improve if students eat healthy, nutritious meals. A successful school is a reflection of a healthy cafeteria. MY RECOMMENDATION

1.Only water, low-fat milk, and 100% natural juices will be offered as beverages. 2.There will always be fresh fruit available. 3.A salad/sandwich bar with all the fixings and a low-fat dressings will be offered. 4.All food choices will correspond to the requirements in the new food pyramid. 5.Low fat ice cream, cookies, and granola will be offered, but students can only buy one. 6.Hot soups will be offered daily. Characteristics of Our New Cafeteria