Should school vending machines contain healthier snacks.?
By greatsasuke
@greatsasuke (472)
United States
February 16, 2010 12:33pm CST
The President seems to think so. In fact the Obama administration is asking Congress to get rid of the sugary snack vending machines and replace them with more nutritional items. They are not stopping there, however, but also suggesting that school lunches include healthy items, as well. It is all coming under what is billed as the Childhood Nutrition Act, which will be implemented some time this year. Some of the suggestions include replacing the sugary and salty snacks with whole grains, fruits, and vegetables.
I for one think it is a great idea. America is too fat and lazy in my opinion. This is a step in the right direction for the future of the U.S. Healthy bodies and healthy minds, produce a healthy country. The school children will probably not like it at first, but later on the benefits will be realized. I think all parents should support this act, because I feel it will bring about positive change in their children.
What do you think about the Childhood Nutrition Act?
4 responses
@Downwindz (2537)
• Netherlands
17 Feb 10
This is actually a great idea, especially it might give the parents a better feeling knowinly that the money the children got for eating lunch at school will not turn into chocolatebars.
@greatsasuke (472)
• United States
19 Feb 10
Agreed. The parents will be happy and eventually the kids, as well. As noted earlier school kids may be adverse and complaining about healthy snacks, but I feel that will change in the long run. Everyone wants to feel good and healthy food is an important contributor to a happy body and happy mind. As the kids become healthier they are sure to become happier. Thanks for your comment.
@jpso138 (7851)
• Philippines
17 Feb 10
I think that would be the appropriate thing considering that children will be able to appreciate the value of taking in healthier snacks rather than junk foods. Considering that the school is where they learn, having this healthy snacks in the vending machines will surely inculcate in their mind its value. I do agree that most of the children will surely disregard those items during the start, but in the long run, it will be viable. It is just a matter of adjusting.
@greatsasuke (472)
• United States
19 Feb 10
I feel the same way. Even if the children disregard them at first, if they are not given an opportunity to change, then chances are they won't. This way they are only given a healthy alternative, so if they are hungry, then they can only choose between snacks that are good for them. I hope this bill gets passed and we see the positive outcomes sooner than later.
@ayumitakashi (4462)
• United States
17 Feb 10
I think that it would be a great idea to have school vending machines to contain healthier snacks because that would help at least in a way to break bad habits that kids have. I know that I love to eat junk food and it's something that is hard to break but If I had healthier options in those vending machines back at school then I would probably have eaten less junk food.
But then again each kid is different and there are people that don't have any will power. I am one of those people. Along with healthier snacks kids should be outside playing more instead of inside all day with video games and the TV.
@greatsasuke (472)
• United States
17 Feb 10
I think supplying them with only healthy options is a great way to increase their will power. Human beings don't know how much will power they actually have. If there are no other options, what choice does the child have but to choose from a variety of nutritious snacks. As this habit grows, when the child is faced with the opportunity to choose between sugary or healthy food, they may just choose the healthy choice.
@sleepylittlerose (1648)
• United States
16 Feb 10
The theory is great but not real practical. School lunches are already suppose to be nutritious; but if the kids do not eat what is on thier tray then what good is it doing to serve it? Even in the elementary schools now the children have the right to refuse any vegetable or fruit that they wish. They do not get a sugary snack in its place, unless they buy ice cream seperately. So the only option there is to remove the ice cream from school cafeteria. And even removing the ice cream does not solve the problem becuase you always have those kids that bring 2 or 3 sugary snacks from home that are willing to sell them. I think we need to be looking to parents to help solve the problems with the laziness and over eatting problems. I know that my two stepsons are told to get outside on a regular basis when the weather is nice. And as kids we were not allowed to sit inside and watch tv or play video games all of the time. So parents lets unite. We can make the difference.
@greatsasuke (472)
• United States
17 Feb 10
I agree with you 100%. The main role pertaining to this issue rests predominately on the parents. Yet, I feel it is good that the government is trying to help in this cause. If in any way they can help encourage the kids to eat healthy, it will be just another aid for the parents. You are also correct about exercise. Too much Playstation and not enough outdoor activities is also a major cause for obesity in children these days.
