The Junk-food Loophole
The US Institute of Medicine, charged with the mission of "advisor to the nation to improve health," recently released its report on "Nutritional Standards for Food in Schools." Their findings are not surprising.
First, the report noted the rising rate of obesity among children. The report then addressed recommendations to alleviate the problem:
- Eliminate products high in fat.
- Eliminate products high in sugar.
- Eliminate products high in sodium.
It was recommended the following be placed on the school's menu:
- Fruit
- Vegetables
- Whole grains
- Nonfat or low-fat dairy
Their recommendations included all foods offered in the school setting, including foods sold in vending machines, school stores and offerings at school-related events. They expressed concern that "responses of school districts to meeting wellness policy requirements have not been consistent." Their report is available at the Institute of Medicine's website.
Great ideas, but tough to implement.
Most would probably agree with the institute's goal: decrease childhood obesity. In the process, students will become more healthy, better behaved and, in fact, better students. (See our newsletters on Nutrition and Academic Success and Childhood Obesity.)
There have been efforts to regulate food in schools for more than thirty years. First, the federal government tried to restrict food and beverage sales. Lawsuits by industry and complaints by students, teachers and parents resulted in those restrictions being modified to the point of non-existence. Then, in the 1980s the US Agriculture Department created a "mandatory standard" that defined junk-food under four categories: soft drinks, water ices, chewing gum and candy. This new rule prohibited the sale of foods from these categories during the regular school lunch period. This "mandatory standard" is still with us today.
The report by the Institute of Medicine recommends changing that stardard. The issue today sits before Congress.
Some schools see the handwriting on the wall and are issuing their own, tougher standards. Already, 27 states have adopted more stringent requirements for foods served during lunch and after school. Some districts have even opted for more "nutritional education" for students that they might make their own "good choices."
As with most controversial issues dealing with mandates for how to govern the schools, if the schools act first to establish their own responsible guideline, for their own students, in their own backyard, there will be little need for others to issue mandates.
The Advantage Press, Inc. publishes a number of "Academic Learning Packets" that are specifically designed to promote nutritional awareness and better health. These packets are very easy to administer and may provide schools with just the type of curricular enhancement they are looking for. Mention this newsletter on your Purchase Order and we will take 10% off your entire order.
The Advantage Press is pleased to make available a new program designed to easily fit within the school week and provide all students with the tools necessary to make better eating choices. Healthy Food of the Week is a nutrition program designed by Blue Ribbon Award Winning PE Educators. It has been tried and tested in a number of diverse schools. It encourages students, parents and the school community to make healthy food choices a part of their daily routine.
This newsletter is freely distributable.