Another school year is here and so the debate regarding food served in schools nationwide returns to the forefront. Each year we hear about school districts nationwide banning “junk” in favor of more nutritious alternatives such as fruits and whole grains. It is time for this issue to be handled adequately by those whom have been chosen to serve. With all the lucrative sponsorship deals within local school districts, reform seems to be a secondary objective. How effective is this? We don’t necessarily need full blown reform or a nationalized school lunch program. Real reform begins at home. It is the responsibility of individual parents to educate, inform, and assist their children in making the health-conscious decisions. Schools can only reinforce those ideals by introducing students to programs that advocate for healthy choices.
There is no quick fix for this problem. Parents must not encourage a child’s habits by providing fast-food for breakfast or dinner. This is the root cause of this problem. It is up to parents to set the example for their children to follow. By taking responsibility, parents will ultimately pave the way in creating a happy and healthy future for their kids and future generations.
