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Letter: Attack obesity through school meals

The Columbian
Published: May 17, 2011, 12:00am

Obesity is an epidemic that has spread throughout our nation and continues to harm our children, especially those in poverty. In a study done by the USDA Continuing Survey of Food Intake by Individuals, from 1994-1996 nearly half, 47 percent, of children in low-income families were obese while only 32 percent were obese in higher-income families. There have been great improvements since 1996, but enough has not yet been done to stop the spread of obesity through our nation.

Many children in poverty live off of school meals. If these meals don’t meet nutritional standards, those who rely on them will be harmed. In her commentary, “The School Lunch Wars,” journalist Kristen Hinman stated that, “Today … the average high school lunch has 1,600 milligrams of sodium, 100 milligrams more than the daily amount deemed within healthy limits for children.” Many children rely on school meals, so it’s important to meet nutrition standards set by our government.

Legislation is needed calling for nutritious meals to be served in all public schools. It is unacceptable for our schools to continue to serve substandard meals. If we don’t give them a healthy start, then we are to blame for what they become.

Ryan Lucas

Stevenson

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