You are what you eat. Californians seem to buy this idea, which is why we have a reputation for healthy living. So why are our kids being sold junk food in our schools? Apparently it’s the same reason given for so many problems: money. School food programs must pay for themselves so the cafeterias have to sell what the kids will buy. And this is junk food, say those in charge.
It could be worse. In the San Ramon Valley Unified School District, the food program must pay for itself. Some school districts expect the food program to pay for other programs so the pressure to push junk food is intense. The Los Angeles Unified School District banned sodas in 2003 and junk food last year, which originally caused it to lose funds needed for after-school activities and sports equipment. But officials stuck to their guns and in June the district signed a contract with Pepsico to sell its water products, juices and sports drinks in return for $2 million back to the schools.
It was with great fanfare that Gov. Schwarzenegger signed a bill in September to set a new nutritional standard for snacks in vending machines and to require school meals to include more fruits and vegetables. When passing the law, legislators noted that obesity is becoming more of a threat than tobacco use for causing deaths in the state. California was the first state in the country to ban the sale of sodas in elementary and middle schools two years ago, and the new law will expand that to the high schools beginning July 2007.
Our school district is working with Sodexho Food Services, a food consulting firm, to provide fare that the students like and is more nutritious. Together they design menus and lunch packages. This sounds good, so why are they selling doughnuts? Why would a potato chip even be considered for sale or a soda? Why should SRVUSD offer junk food at all?
The job of the schools is educating our students and we want them to leave with fit minds and fit bodies. We can’t teach about nutrition and obesity and then serve the students junk food. The double standard in the interest of money is unbelievably shortsighted. We’ll pay now or we’ll pay later in higher medical costs. Just say no! Get the junk food off campus now.
