Childhood Obesity, Nutrition and its Effects on the U.S School Nutrition and Food Service Programs By: Lisa Bullock
Executive Summary:
In 2010, The Healthy Hunger- Free Kids Act (HHFKA) was passed into legislation. The Let’s Move! Campaign, signed into law by President Barrack Obama, is dedicated to the reduction of childhood obesity within a generation, to increase the chances for the children to be able to live longer and healthier lives, and increase their chances to pursue their dreams (“Let’s Move!”, 2010). Childhood obesity has been on the rise throughout the pass decade. According to ¬¬¬¬¬-Ogden, Carroll, Kit, & Flegal (2014), 30% of children will develop childhood obesity. In dealing with this issue, children are facing some life
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Congress passed this act to ensure that each child has access to the proper nutrition they need and desire to grow into healthy adults (usda.gov fact sheet). The main goal of this law was to implement balanced meals in schools so children can have access to healthy nutritious meals/snacks throughout the school day. This law was put into place to help decline the childhood obesity epidemic and increase the lifespan of the next generation.
The lack of funding for school lunch programs is one or the more influential reasons to our current crisis. Without the proper backing and funding, schools are not able to provide not only more nutritious meals for children, but also a greater variety. Prior to the HHFKA, for breakfast, many schools offered only cold cereal and pastries (doughnuts, bagels, muffins). After the bill passed and granted the USDA more influence and control on the lunches provided, schools began to offer pancakes, oatmeal, and breakfast burritos, along with gluten free and vegan options. Many students, even if they don’t eat the lunches provided in the cafeteria, will purchase items from the students stores and vending machines during lunch breaks and meal times throughout the day. This act also allows the USDA to influence the food options provided in student stores and vending