![]() Without an example of healthy eating at home, it can be harder for kids to choose healthier options at school when parents are not around. For more information on healthy weight and eating, visit the Center for Disease Control’s website: Ģ Eat healthier at home. Although kids may not always listen to parental advice, one study has shown that children whose parents limit them to 1 soft drink per day were significantly less likely to purchase soft drinks from school vending machines or consume soft drinks. Educate your kids on healthy food and beverage choices. So how can you help your children eat healthier at school? Here’s where you can start:ġ. ![]() CSPI’s highest grade of an A- went to only two states, suggesting that there is much more work to be done. The Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI) has graded each state’s school nutrition policies regarding competitive foods. By 2007, only 30 states had adopted standards for competitive food/beverages in schools, and only 12 had set nutrition standards for the entire school day and campus. ![]() But not all states are equal in their efforts to decrease unhealthy food in schools. In the past few years several initiatives have been implemented at local, state and national levels to increase healthy food and beverage choices while decreasing the unhealthy ones. While the occasional unhealthy snack is unlikely to do significant damage, when consumed on a frequent basis, these snacks can contribute to weight gain and obesity. – All gummy fruit: fruit leather or gummy animals – Animal crackers, graham crackers, Rice Krispie Treats™ Vending machine foods that meet the IOM criteria for calories and fat include: In a study conducted in Minnesota, out of 13,527 food and beverage items offered in vending machines, less than 5% met the full IOM health criteria. In this report, the IOM recommended that “if competitive foods are available, they should consist of nutritious fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and nonfat or low-fat milk and dairy products.”įor many kids, however, vending machines still pose an irresistible temptation to grab a soft drink and “junk food,” which is high in fats, sugars and calories and low in other nutrients. In 2007, the Institute of Medicine (IOM) released a report titled Nutrition Standards for Foods in Schools. According to a national study conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 21% of elementary schools, 62% of middle schools, and 86% of high schools had one or more vending machines, with many schools having school stores, canteens, or snack bars where students can also obtain food or beverages. Department of Agriculture (USDA) school meal programs. In addition to vending machines, cafeterias, bake sales, and other venues sell “competitive foods” outside the U.S. While parents may do a great job reinforcing healthy eating habits at home, these habits may be a lot more difficult to enforce at school. While most people would agree that vending machines are convenient, many would also agree that vending machines do not offer the healthiest choices, especially for younger children. They are a perfect way to grab a quick snack without having to make a trip to the store. ![]() Vending machines can be a convenient way to purchase food and drinks.
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