Schools Ban Unhealthy Treats In Fight Against Obesity

The healthful eating movement in schools, energized by the advocacy of Michele Obama and the regulatory activities of the USDA, has its grassroots dimension as well. Nationwide, schools are banning high-calorie, low-nutrition foods -- e.g., birthday cupcakes -- from classrooms and fundraising events. A recent initiative in a Georgia elementary school is a prime example. The principal explained to parents a new policy banning food treats at the two designated classroom parties held each semester. The ban on food treats is to protect the “increasing number of students with food allergies”, but also to encourage more healthful eating. Georgia’s schoolchildren are among the fattest in the country: nearly 37 percent are too heavy, putting the state in 12th place.