Hello, and thanks for visiting our blog! Our names are Jessica, Lindsey, and Cassandra.We are all aspiring
educators at Salem State University. This semester we are enrolled in the course
Arts and Social Studies in Elementary Education. One of our assignments is to
participate in a service learning project. For our project we have decided to
look at childhood obesity and the ban of junkfood from many schools across the
country. We hope that by reading our blog you will gain new insight on the issue
and realize just how controversial it is.
To be considered obese one must have a body mass index, BMI, that is thirty or higher. Body Mass Index is commonly used to measure obesity because it usually correlates to the percentage of body fat that an individual has, but it is not the only measure that goes into consideration. It has been found that about thirty three percent of adults and about twelve percent of children are considered obese in the United States. And in 2010 it was reported that at least twenty percent of the population in all states was obese. This is a major issue, and must not go unnoticed. Being obese puts one at risk for heart disease, cancer, and stroke to name a few. One policy that has been recently created in an attempt to improve nutrition, which would in return improve obesity, was the Healthy, Hunger- Free Kids Act. The first lady, Michelle Obama made great contributions in the creation of this act, and it was signed by President Obama in 2010. This act implemented the first major change to school lunches in fifteen years! The new standards align school lunches with the latest nutritional science. The legislative branch created the policy and the United States Department of Agriculture, or the USDA, over sees the act. This policy provides funding and sets policy for the USDA's child nutrition programs. These program's include the National School Lunch Program, the School Breakfast Program, the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children, the Summer Food Service Program, and the Child and Adult Care Food Program. Our opinions on the issue:Cassandra- I believe that their is not enough attention surrounding the issue. I know that when I came across the fact that at least twenty percent of the population in each state is obese or more, I was in shock. It is obvious that nutrition and obesity is not an issue that should just be sweeped under the rug, because both can have detriment effects to our health. Being a future teacher it is important to be aware of these issues and to help educate students on how important eating healthy is. If a child is not healthy it not only affects them physically, but it will affect their academic performance as well. I believe that the implementation of the Healthy, Hunger- Free Kids Act, is a great start. I have seen the act in action at Horace Mann School, and the children seem to be responding positively to the programs the act provides. I am hopeful that future students will recognize the importance of their health through education and as a result lead a better life style.
Jessica - I believe that obesity and nutrition is a huge issue in our country today. When I read the statistics about the percentages of obese adults and children living in the country I am shocked. I feel as if there isn't enough information taught to people about proper nutrition. I also believe that in our fast paced society it is easier to grab the fast, unhealthy foods. As a country it is important to put an emphasis on healthy eating and make these foods more readily available. As a future teacher I believe that in order to make any detrimental changes to the obesity epidemic we must start in the schools. Although I think that banning junk food is inappropriate, I do think that there are many ways to reach the children. Healthy, nutritious foods need to be made more available. I also think that nutrition should be taught to children at early ages. If they grow up knowing what good food choices are it will be easier for them to maintain healthy eating habits into adulthood, and they will also pass these on to their children. The Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act is a great start to implementing nutrition education in schools. Although I haven't experienced any school implementing the act I can only imagine that children will respond positively if the teachers and administrators make it seem exciting.
Lindsey- Becoming aware of health issues is the first step in children changing their existing eating habits. Since children spend most of their lives in school, it is important for the administration in our schools to make a point to inform children of the consequences that their food choices can make. I do think that children should have the choice as to what they eat and don't eat. However, they need to be strongly informed about what these choices actually mean for their lives and ultimately their education. With Programs like Healthy, Hunger- Free Kids Act, students can be aware of the foods that are not going to benefit their bodies which in return will affect their education. Since gaining a strong educational background is our main goal in school, students need to make every effort possible in order to gain the best possible schooling experience necessary. Our jobs as teachers is to help students reach the highest level of success possible. Because students do not purchase their own food at home, it is also important to make sure that parents are on board for this campaign as well. Children and their parents should be allowed to make their own decisions on what to eat. However, the administration should do everything in their power to inform both students and their parents in what programs like Healthy, Hungry- Free Kids Act are meant to do. These programs can make great strides towards battling the struggle of obesity in our country.
http://www.fns.usda.gov/cnd/Governance/Legislation/CNR_2010.htm
