[Heffernhyphen]

Just read an interesting story in my local paper. A mom I know began to feel uncomfortable with the number of candy treats her kids were getting from teachers as rewards for good behavior. She voiced her concerns to the school board and ended up being invited to sit on the district's Nutrition and Physical Activity Advisory Committee. With her help, it looks like some major, life-improving changes are in store for the kids in our state. And since this is Arkansas, we really need them!

So, if you have concerns about what your kids are eating or how much they are moving in your school district, speak up. You may inspire change, too!

 

[cjr]

I hate all the stuff they give out at school. They try, but I don't think the organizers know too much about "real" nutrition. They implemented a healthy snack program that consisted of cheese strings, those yoghurt tubes and Kool Aid jammers. I did not sign the girls up for this program. Aside from that the teachers are always handing our candies as a reward, especially around Christmas and Easter. It drives me mad. My dd's kindergarden teacher took them to the science center and said not to send them snacks. I was furious and called the principal and he said I could send something with dd. Then I come to find out that the teacher just didn't want to deal with the hastle of giving the kids snack time and having to clean it up, so she gave them a packaged cookie on the bus. I was not impressed.

 

[Heffernhyphen]

You'd probably be surprised by what some parents send and call it lunch. Really pretty shocking sometimes. I had one student (K) one year whose mom brought him lunch every day so he wouldn't have to eat the cafeteria food. Without exception, EVERY day he got a variation of fried chicken . . . Popeye's chicken strips, McDonald's chicken nuggets, KFC . . . . I swear the kid will have a heart attack by third grade. I know some parents say, "But it's all he'll eat." At least with the cafeteria, there is variety and surely they could find something on the tray to force down.

 

[cjr]

I am a firm believer that kids will eat what is available to them. If they are used to junk then it will take more time and some "I don't like it" situations. However, if there is a variety of healthy foods offered they will pick something because they won't allow themselves to starve. My kids get a really healthy lunch and snacks everyday. Lots of raw vegetables (the kinds they like), lots of fruit and natural fruit leathers, homemade energy bars and whole grain muffins, seeds/nuts and almond butter on whole grain breads. Our oldest is the pickiest, but she never brings home anything no matter how big I make her lunch. She eats it all and loves it. She's even into taking water instead of juice. I just make sure to include foods she enjoys, but it's all super healthy.

I am really into Jamie Olivers School Dinners. It's great. I can't believe the stuff the schools are feeding those kids.

 

[DahliaRW]

Speaking from the angle of a teacher here...

...most parents really don't care. It's sad. When I was student teaching the kindergarteners were told to bring a snack every day. Most kids brought doritos, fruit snacks, rice krispy treats, etc. Of course there were some kids with carrots, apples, etc, but they were the minority. It was really sad. And the worst part is the teacher sent home a note numerous times saying to bring healthy snacks listing some healthy suggestions! (oh, and it was always disheartening to watch one of the hyperactive students down candy! ugh! Last thing they need!)

But I agree that too many people give out candy/junk food as rewards. My ds is only 6 months, but I think about this all the time as I want him to have healthy eating habits...Good point to get involved and say something though! I will keep that in mind in a few years!