lou
04-11-2008, 03:00 PM
Just interested in other opinions on this article, which can be found at: http://www.sj-r.com/News/stories/28465.asp. As I previously commented on the article: Personally I think it's a great idea, though i do take issue with Ben Schwarm, associate executive director of the Illinois Association of School Boards who said: “The bottom line is that nobody cares more about the health and safety of students more than the local elected board, and they’re there to make these decisions.” Excuse me but I have two, soon to be, step-children and my own child on the way and nobody cares more about their health and safety more than I do and I'm sure many other parents can say the same of their children. The bottom line is parents can teach their children till they're blue in the face about making healthy decisions, but as long as they're in school being bombarded with loads of unhealthy but fun foods to eat what do you expect them to do? I think it's a great idea to limit a child's ability to access unhealthy foods when parents aren't around. we all need to remember that good nutrition as well as a good education plays a large role in the development of our children. Also we must keep in mind that there are many parents out there who do not teach their children healthy eating habits. By banning certain food items in our schools we can ensure that these children are receiving at least one healthy meal a day. In addition, some people have commented that it's another example of a meddling goverment. My opinion as far as that goes is as such: We don't allow our children the option to make other unheathly decisions such as smoking, drinking, etc., so why should eating unhealthy foods on a regular basis be any different. When they're adults they'll have the option of ruining their health with trans fats, smoking, drinking, etc.. and if parents opt to give their children unhealthy foods, cigarettes or alcohol ( yes i have known some parents that have done this for their children as young as 12 or 13) at home on a regular basis that's their purogative.