By Cheryl Catts
A proposed Utah bill allowing the U.S. Department of Agriculture to define what foods can be offered in elementary schools could change the way school children eat.
Many local and national activists are coming out in support of offering healthier options in school vending machines as childhood obesity is on the rise.
One of these activist-groups consists of 25 BYU students, mentored by public health faculty. This group is attempting to increase public awareness of the issues raised by the healthy-vending bill, HB 47, and to face the Utah State Legislature January and February of 2004.
The group is seeking support from teachers, principles, superintendents, PTA''s and medical associations who could have an influence on the vote.
Dr. Michael Barnes, professor of health science said some are worried profits from vending machines, which can be used as funds for schools, would decrease if junk food were banned and healthier food were offered.
The Los Angeles school district, the second-largest school district in the country, voted unanimously in 2002 to ban the sale of soda pop, a mandate which was to be complied with by January 2004. The school district used vending machine funds for sports and field trips, but felt the money was not as important, according to CBS.
Barnes thinks there will be some initial resistance.
'What is more important; the potential for profit or the health of the kids?' he asked.
Barnes said there is support from some Utah companies, such as the Utah Dairy Council. The council is reducing the costs of some milk and cheeses in vending machines so they can be offered as a comparable alternative.
'The best ways to affect change on a broad scale is with public policy,' said Kathryn Cummings, council media co-chair. 'Someone needs to address these issues.'
She thinks as laws are passed that create an environment of health, it will be possible to see the changes in behavior.
The American Academy of Pediatrics issued a statement Jan. 5, saying pediatricians should work to eliminate sweetened soft drinks in schools because sugared soft drinks have been associated with increased risk of overweight and obesity.
The BYU group says they know changes in vending machines will not solve the problem of childhood obesity.
' are a small step in the right direction,' Barnes said.
The students involved in the project feel they are making a difference as they have the chance to use their skills in a hands-on, real-life experience.
Julie Chalker, 25, majoring in community health, is the student coordinator of the group. She said promoting changes in vending machines is a part of teaching kids healthy habits.
Faculty and students think if they can help create a better environment in the schools, they can help the children learn to make better choices.