New School Programs That Aim To Combat Childhood Obesity
It was on the first quarter of 2010 when First Lady Michelle Obama announces the ambitious national goal of resolving the epidemic of child obesity in America. The campaign is called “Let’s Move” and it aims to provide schools, families and communities simple tools to help kids be more active, eat better, and get healthy. Since then, several other healthy campaigns from various sectors followed across all states. And before the year ended, President Obama enacted into law a new nutrition bill – Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act 2010 – that would help improve the quality of foods served in schools.
Another noteworthy event that happened in line with Michelle Obama’s “Let’s Move” campaign was the launching of Fresh Healthy Vending a healthy snacks vending franchise offering where most of the healthy vending machines are placed in schools and in locations where children spend time after school like YMCAs.
Childhood Obesity As A National Security Threat
When First Lady Michelle Obama launched her Let’s Move program she described childhood obesity as a national security threat. “A recent study put the health care cost of obesity-related diseases at $147 billion a year,” Mrs. Obama said. “This epidemic also impacts the nation’s security, as obesity is now one of the most common disqualifiers for military service.”
The statement happened at a ceremony at the White House during the launching of the First Lady’s “Let’s Move” campaign which was attended by many officials of the President’s cabinet. And on December 2010, a few days before ushering the New Year, a new nutrition bill was signed into law by President Barack Obama to promote better eating habits among children.
Study Shows Parental Influence on Kids’ Diets Is Getting Weak
The outside forces being referred to include friends, schools, area stores and advertisers, among others.
While parents are able to heavily influence children’s healthy eating habits there still needs to be a concerted effort outside the home. One of the positive things that happened before 2010 ended is the signing of the new legislation Healthy Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010. This new law aims to set nutritional standards for all food offered in schools.
Prior Obama’s signing of Healthy Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010, several states have been passing memorandums that orders school districts to review their existing nutritional guidelines. In the Baltimore area, many schools have been making menu and curriculum changes. In the spring, officials will launch an advertising campaign aimed at countering ads for unhealthy foods called Get Fresh Baltimore.
The epidemic of childhood obesity is hard to ignore. It impacts the lives of our younger generation and may deprive them with better opportunities if we fail to address the issue. Parental influence should not be taken lightly when it comes to kids’ diets. It is absolutely impossible to watch the kids every minute of the day. However, teaching them the value of nutrition and encouraging them to eat nutritious meals and snacks is an important step to give them a good framework.
Maximizing the Benefit of the Healthy Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010
The signing of the Healthy Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010 raised mixed reactions across the nation. For some, the extra 6-cents increased for each meal served is appreciated, which happened to be the first increase in school lunch reimbursements in about 30 years, but many are not impressed with the 6-cents which is said to be not enough.
Signed into law by President Barrack Obama on December 13, 2010 to address the rising obesity rate and hunger challenges for America’s kids, the Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010 increase the amount of money given to the National School Lunch Program. The bill will give schools an extra 6-cent increase for each meal served.
Healthy Snacks are now Part of a Fast Food Revolution
The vigorous campaign to end childhood obesity has sent even fast food chains to revolutionize their menus and business. And NakedPizza is no exemption to the rule. After launching its franchise company in 2009, NakedPizza has signed area development contracts in Miami, Boulder, Orlando, Tampa, New York, and Kentucky.
Healthy snacks are increasingly expanding and fast foods are taking their small steps to win in the anti-obesity battle that’s currently victimizing both children and adults alike. If McDonald, Wendys, Burger King, and KFC have introduced their healthy meals particularly for children, NakedPizza is living to its mission of delivering a delicious, convenient and affordable pizza that’s part of a healthy lifestyle.
What Kids Think About Childhood Obesity
Nowadays, adults are getting worried with the rising numbers of overweight kids. Kids know it also. In a KidsPoll, 1,168 boys and girls were asked on the issue and it was found out that 52% of them agreed that there are too many overweight kids.
“This is important because knowing there is a problem is the first step to getting answers to solve the problem,” says Dr. Sandra Hassink. Dr. Hassink is a doctor in Delaware who has been helping kids resolve their weight problems. So, read on to find out more about the issue on childhood weight problems.
Fresh Healthy Vending Foods in Schools
According to Philip Brasher on his report yesterday at The Des Moines Register Online, the government wants children to eat nutritious foods such as fruits and vegetables although it seems that they are putting the money where it is advice and expected to be. The U.S. Department of Agriculture spent buying the needs for healthy school lunches in a different manner. For every dollar spent, 55 cents went to chicken, beef and cheese and only 23 cents went to fruits and vegetables.
A group of lowa business leaders were stumped by Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack when he asked them what was the single food item for schools that the U.S. Department of Agriculture spent the most on, and was answered, mozzarella cheese!
Coke Hired PR Firm to Head Off Negative Publicity from PTA Moms
Following proposals from various sectors to ban sodas and other sugary drinks in schools vending machines and cafeterias, Coca-Cola has hired a PR firm to ward off negative publicity pertaining to its beverage products.
In San Francisco, Mayor Gavin Newsom ordered the removal of Coke and other sugary drinks in vending machines on city property as part of the state’s campaign to end childhood obesity. In Philadelphia, its School Reform Commission approved a ban for the sale of all sodas in 2004 in schools for K-12 students. Likewise, New York Mayor Bloomberg says food stamps will no longer be used to buy coke, candy and other sugary beverages.
Soft drinks are considered to majorly impact the soaring rate of childhood obesity in the US; hence, its removal in school vending machines and from within easy access to children is being strictly implemented across states to reduce further increase in obesity cases. Apart from weight gain and obesity, too much consumption of soft drinks is also being linked to other health hazards which included osteoporosis, bone fractures, tooth loss, and diabetes
Obese Kids Prone to Bullying?
Bullies have been around for a very long time. Different kids, regardless of the difference, have always faced problems with bullies, and being overweight falls under the “different” category.
According to one study published in the “Pediatrics” journal, obese children in grades 3 through 6 are more likely to be bullied than children who aren’t overweight regardless of academics, social skills, race, or gender. The study showed that 45% of children in these grades were bullied with obese children being 63% more likely to be bullied.
Jamie Oliver Takes On Schools
In the past, we published an article on a reality show starring Jamie Oliver. Oliver travels to Huntington, West Virginia and works to teach and convince the cooks, staff, and children that fresh food is better than processed.
Mike Howard explained to Oliver that he was up against a lot with his new “food revolution.” Fresh vending options are seen to be too expensive and sadly, not liked by many school aged children. He explained that children are accustomed to processed, golden-brown, fried foods and that fresh healthy vending foods would most likely end up in the garbage.