Childhood Obesity

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With the rise of childhood obesity finding ways to properly nourish our children is imperative. According to the latest NHANES data, children in this country under consume whole fruits and vegetables. Adolescents consume the least amount of vegetables as compared to recommendations than any other age group. While fruit consumption may be adequate, 1/3 of the fruits consumed by children are coming from fruit juices rather than whole fruits. Finding ways to improve the dietary quality of America’s children is imperative.
One obvious avenue for exacting change is within the schools. The Healthiest Schools Initiative is a movement that aims to inspire a healthy food environment within schools. One school district in rural Georgia is making great strives to improving the health of their children. They serve 89% of their children lunch and 76% are participating in breakfast. They also serve dinner in several of their schools.
They have had huge success with their farm to school programs. In these schools, children have doubled their intake of fruits and vegetables. They are now eating over 65 different fruits and vegetables. The children are consuming a wide variety of produce and enjoying it. The farm to table program has even extended into the larger community. They now host the county’s first ever farmer’s market.
Programs like these have a positive impact on the community at large. They offer opportunities to grow the program further and continue to extend their reach into the community where these children live. They are wonderful platforms for education on nutritional topics.
SG

Martin, Donna. “Support for Nutritious Meals and a Healthful Environment for Children.” Food & Nutrition. Oct. 2017, retrieved from https://foodandnutrition.org/blogs/stone-soup/support-nutritious-meals-healthful-environment-children/.

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