School nutrition is once again under the microscope. Cited as being developed to battle the epidemic of childhood obesity, these guidelines will ban sweet and salty foods from being sold in any way at schools. Kids can still bring in their own lunches and other food situations, special occasions, are apparantly not impacted by these guidelines.
According to the AP story:
Concerned about the rise of obesity in young people, Congress asked the Institute of Medicine to develop a set of standards for foods that would be available in schools.
The Institute responded Wednesday with a two-tier system designed to encourage youngsters to eat more fruits, vegetables and whole grains and to avoid added sugars, salt and saturated fats.
“The alarming increase in childhood obesity rates has galvanized parents and schools across the nation to find ways to improve children’s diets and health, and we hope our report will assist that effort,” said Virginia A. Stallings, head of the committee that prepared the report.
Let’s be realistic – school lunches and snacks are not the cause of childhood obesity. Lack of activity and poor nutrition outside of school are much more significant contributors. Even school administrators don’t feel these guidelines will accomplish what they are designed to do:
The School Nutrition Association, which represents school food service directors, applauded the report but said it believes “it will be ineffective in making change happen.
“Any voluntary guidelines, such as those of this report, are unenforceable and present a major challenge for schools to incorporate,” the Association said.
The Center for Consumer Freedom worried that the report could lead to a government “no child with a fat behind” program.
The growing rate of obesity is caused by lack of physical activity rather than overeating, argued the group, which describes itself as representing restaurants, food companies and individuals.
“These decrees may seem surreal, but many schools have already implemented similar measures. Birthday celebrations are a thing of the past with cupcakes banned in classrooms across the nation. Many schools forbid parents from bringing their kids fast food,” the Center said in a statement.
The last paragraph is true. Many of these guidelines are already being followed. However, I don’t feel cupcakes and sweets should be banned – that does not solve anything. As I’ve mentioned in the past, parents and schools should partner together with food choices. If a class party is planned, and parents are aware, they can help their kids make healthier choices that day. In the end, isn’t that what it boils down to for all of us? Moderation and choice. “You want a cupcake, honey? Sure – but let’s have extra veggies today and no dessert with dinner.”
Two other points to consider. School nutrition is only one part of a child’s overall nutrition. Despite best efforts in school, the nutrition of a child’s diet through out the day is what matters most. Also, these guidelines are not expected to be finalized and approved for years – at least 3.
A true team effort in and out of the home is what will teach our kids to be healthy. And, as parents, if our kids are overweight, we can help them considerably but realizing we played a major role in having that occur. We buy the food. We prepare the food. We give the kids the food. No other way to slice that pie.
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