Ditto here, lots of new programs in health/PE and bringing in speakers for the kids and parents are lined up, linked to the new health policy guidelines.
Parents seem to focus exclusively on the FOOD side of things (maybe becuase food is such an animal instinct/survial thing of the past and therefore a very emotional),, but it really IS a 'whole' education process, the govt is trying to instill, in healthy lifestyles. ie you CAN be slim as a rod and be unhealthy! You need to excercise too to keep yuor heart and rest of body fit. and as another example, our state recommends we cut down or eliminate trans fats in school foods. ...those artery clogging fats have more to do with cardiovascular health and less to do with obesity (although the latter does affect the former). So its not only about class parties and cafe foods...
BUT, every state interprets the fed law differently, and then based on the state's recommendations, each district interprets or uses only what they will, of the state's recommendations, so it varies greatly across the USA, the stringentness (is that even a word) of the new rules and regs.
At least in our state, this 'problem' is being addressed on several levels, not just rules on what can be served. There's also more information about healthy eating/healthy bodies in the classrooms, especially PE and Health.
There are brochures for parents, and I think awareness is growing. I seem to see more seminars and talks about this in the community. My son's soccer organization brings in some excellent speakers on this each year. This spring it was held in a hotel ballroom with standing room only.
Supersize Me, movie available thru public library, talks about a little conspiracy of the fast food companies, agribusiness, and how their foods are infiltrating our childrens cafeteria.
Very good movie to get one thinking.
So what if the new food rules get rid of cupcakes at parties. It doesnt address the meat of the problem, the habits we instill in our kids, about what is mealtime food. At least, most cafeterias these days use a box cutter as main tool, and microwave, to cook. No more cooked on the spot anything. Its chicken nuggets, shrimp pops, french fries, cheese fries, and you name it, at our school the lunch looks like it came from mcdonalds. we even sell fries with any meal, for 25c extra. they call them supersize fries. Branding, anyone?
I say the school director of food service (and shcool foods BUDGET of course) can effect more change to kids diet and health, than any cupcake at parties ban can. A class party is maybe bi monthly, some kids eat cafeteria fare everyday.
I wish more attention were given by school mgmt to the daily bread than to a once a year donuts with dad or muffins with mom event.
I don't mind schools regulating the food they serve to the students, nor do I mind the restrictions of coke machines and bad food machines from schools but I guess our town is still intimate, and together/neighborly enough to where I don't mind my children eating a cupcake made by Mrs. Smith for her childs birthday. Some kids will never know the greatness of a lemonade stand. Too bad...d
