Regulating School Meals in Response to Childhood Obesity

REGULATING SCHOOL MEALS IN RESPONSE TO CHILDHOOD OBESITY 2

Regulating School Lunches in Response to Childhood Obesity

My final paper is going to be on childhood obesity. I selected this topic because I see it as a problem in the United States that needs more attention. Only recently has anything been done to help and teach these children better eating habits i.e. School meals. I myself grew up on fried foods and mashed potatoes, but it was not until later years that I learned healthier ways of making the same foods. I see children these days staying inside playing video games, instead of going outside and playing. I think kids are spoiled rotten and parents are just taking the easy way out with them by letting them play video games. I believe childhood obesity is a real concern that will only get worse if appropriate action is not taken.

I have limited my topic to how school meals have changed recently to reflect the Healthy, Hunger- Free Kids Act of 2010. There are many factors involved in changing school meals. All of these need the support of the school administration, funding, and the support of the parents. In some cases I have read about, this is proving to be successful, but only when done gradually over time. One instance where Michelle Obama enacted a trial period for one month ended poorly because it was too many changes at once.

In this paper I plan to argue about the benefits of eating healthier. There are many long term medical benefits from healthier eating and exercise. Obese children are at a higher risk of type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol. Better eating also makes for a more active and happy child. I do know some parents feel that they know best when it comes to what their children eat, but in this case the benefits outweigh the costs. The facts are straightforward, and every parent wants what is best for their child.

REGULATING SCHOOL MEALS IN RESPONSE TO CHILDHOOD OBESITY 3

References

Godfrey, J. (2011). The Local Food Dude: Executive Chef Tim Cipriano Transforms New Haven School

Lunches. Mary Ann Liebert, Inc. Retrieved from Ashford online Library on February 22, 2011.

Hellmich, Nanci. (2011). USDA calls for Dramatic Change in School Lunches. USA Today. Retrieved from

Google search on February 22, 2011 at: http://www.usatoday.com/yourlife/food/diet-nutrition/2011-01-12-schoollunch13_ST_N.htm

Koffler, Keith. (2011). Secret Michelle Lunch Menu Program Causes School Upheaval. Retrieved from

Google search on February 23, 2011 at

http://www.whitehousedossier.com/2011/02/09/secret-michelle-lunch-menu-program-school-upheaval/