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June 07, 2007
Teach the Children (to Eat) Well
It seems ironic--New York City, especially for people who are not from here, is known for being huge and crowded and possibly unsanitary. It doesn't exactly evoke images of healthy living. But in the last few years, New York has set the standard for cities across the US in terms of public health initiatives. New York was one of the first to ban smoking in public places a few years ago, and last year, NYC was the first city to ban trans fats.
Most recently, Governor Spitzer's Healthy Schools Act was passed by the NY State Assembly. The act will limit on-campus beverages to water, milk, and unsweetened juice, encourage increased collaboration between the Department of Health officials and nutrition and physical education teachers, instate school breakfast programs in middle and high schools, and "require the annual development of local school wellness policies to address health and nutrition in schools and to consider expanding breakfast, lunch and recess to ensure that sufficient time is provided to eat nutritious meals and participate in physical activity."
Sounds pretty good! Now, if only all that nutritious food was to be sustainably-produced and locally sourced. Maybe the lunch lady needs to take a peak at the Eat Well Guide.
Posted by leslie at June 7, 2007 05:30 PM
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Comments
I think this is a great way to promote and create a sustainable country by starting with the kids! I think that this is often overlooked because people don't believe kids have the ability to understand or make healthy decisions on their own, but they do. With the obesity rates of the country continually rising, I'm proud that NYC has stepped up with its fight against this growing epidemic. Last year I was an employee for Radio Disney NY AM 1560 which also was a huge advocate at getting kids and families to eat healthy and exercise. We sponsored this summer long program called "Feelin' Groovy" which held events all over the tri-state area in which families and kids were shown and encouraged to live healthy and safe lives through entertainment and demonstrations. I think that what NYC and the local community are doing to help encourage healthy living is great!
Posted by: Colleen at June 11, 2007 09:17 AM | Useful? Then Digg It.