Food Fight

804 Words2 Pages

Recently, the Woodland School District has submitted a proposal to the State Department of Education to reform the food policy in all Woodland schools. Should the Department pass this proposal, foods containing trans fats, high fructose corn syrup, and sugars would no longer be allowed in Woodland schools. There are arguments that can be made for and against the components of this proposal. For the sake of this analysis, I shall divide the proposal into two parts. First, I will address the reform of school lunches. Second, I will address the ban on certain foods students bring from home. The Woodland School District has proposed a reform of all lunches sold in schools. The reform would entail the elimination of all foods containing trans fats, high fructose corn syrup, and sugars. The district argues the elimination of these foods will ensure the safety of students in the learning environment. Surrounding a developing child with healthy alternatives to processed or fried foods could encourage healthy eating habits later in life. “Dietary habits formed in childhood are likely to persist into adulthood, so an unhealthy diet in childhood has implications for health throughout the life course (Clark)” (McBride). If a healthy diet is fostered during childhood, especially early childhood, typically it will continue. Also, a healthy diet can reduce the frequency of absences a child has by supporting their immune system. The primary function of the immune system is preventing illnesses by fighting off viruses and toxins that may enter the body. A diet full of fruits, vegetable and whole grains help boost the immune system (New). Changing the foods children are served at school can help support their immune system and decrease absenteeism... ... middle of paper ... ...." Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 19 Feb. 2013. Web. Dec.-Jan. 2014. . Strauss, Valeria. "Palin: Parents Should Decide What Kids Eat in School." The Answer Sheet -. The Washington Post, n.d. Web. Dec.-Jan. 2014. . Sweet, Laurel J. "Parents: Rule's Half-baked." Boston Herald. The Boston Herald, n.d. Web. Dec.-Jan. 2014. . "When Children Begin to Lose Their Baby Teeth." HealthyChildren.org. American Academy of Pediatrics, n.d. Web. Dec.-Jan. 2014. .

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