Illinois has the fourth-highest youth obesity levels in the nation. Chicago Public Schools now offer free universal breakfasts for every student. It is true that kids learn better when their stomachs are full, but full of what?
The Chicago Tribune reported a 10-year old finishing three "non fat" donuts and a sugary drink for breakfast - a full 600 calories, 18 grams of fat, and 36 grams of sugar. Why? Students are allowed a free choice of three items to choose for breakfast. Three donuts are unusual but almost always a donut is combined with Frosted Flakes, syrupy French toast and sugary juice. Which kid would rather opt for an apple and scrambled eggs when give these choices?
A recent Yale study shows that if students are not offered sweets, they will make a healthy choice. Furthermore, researcher Kelly Brownell showed that students select twice the recommended portion of high-sugar cereal and only the recommended portion in low-sugar cereal. Which begs the question: Why not offer healthy choices only?
Oh, the word 'doughnut' does not appear on any Chicago school menu, so don't blame the parents!
In Arlington, VA two teachers (PE and Music) embraced a healthy food drive in their school three years a go by developing characters called Dr. B and Dr. C. As part of their gimmick, they dress up with healthy food hats, run nutritional tip during announcements, play "destruct the couch potato" and other commercials, and challenge students to show off what they were eating. Three years of hard work, they were recently honored with Governor's Nutrition and Physical Activity Award Program. The school also added more PE per week - 30 minutes more than is required by state. Two people making a huge difference.
Just when you thought it was safe to go in the water, the Dairy Council announced a new campaign called "Raise your hand for chocolate milk". The idea is to emphasize that sugary flavorings are ways to get kids to drink milk. Reason being that milk contains nutrients that soda and water do no provide.
One can only deduct that milk consumption is declining in schools or soft drink and water usage are increasing. Why spend $1 million if the current choice of natural, white milk is not threatened? So it is back to choices issue for kids - and we know what they will select.
An a money issue dairy producers. As they say, follow the money!
Michael Cordier
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