The Huffington Post – Sean C. Lucan, M.D., MPH, MS
“May 15, 2015 is Food Revolution Day, celebrity chef Jamie Oliver’s global day of action to put food education on the school curriculum. Celebrity chefs are not the only ones concerned about food education in schools. As reflected by a recent statement from the American Academy of Pediatrics, physicians like me are also concerned, particularly about the lessons taught by food items brought into school and available through schools beyond the lunchroom. For instance, consider class parties — e.g., for student birthdays, holidays, and other celebrations. Such parties might occur several times per month and be virtual buffets of refined sweets, ultra-processed snacks, and sugary beverages. Given that a single celebratory juice box and cupcake could provide more sugar than the World Health Organization recommends a typical 8-year-old consume over an entire day (or even, ideally, over two days), the potential frequency of in-class juice-and-cupcake celebrations raises concern. And that’s before any candy or chips enter the picture. Then consider bake sales and other food-related fundraisers, after-school programs and sporting events, and any vending options. Also consider times when teachers decide to “reward” students by bringing in sweets, or use candy as an incentive for class participation or as a prize for correct responses.”(more)