20
July
2007
July
2007
Can You Guess How Many Schools Have Vending Machines?
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See the rest of the alarming facts about childhood obesity in America.
Technorati Tags: children, obesity, vending machines, soda, school
Just too sad. The schools sacrifice students health to make a buck and they know it. My son(9th)grade has their own vending machine room full of garbage and they encourage the kids to buy. If individual teachers wanted to sell snacks to the kids, that’s fine with me as long as it is fruit, nuts, even cheese. I should stir things up with the school district…I’m good at making trouble.
Those numbers probably also reflect the percentages of children that are addicted to quickie carbs in various age groups. Young kids like sugary and sweet drinks, but it isn’t until they reach middle school that they are hooked. By high school MOST kids eat and drink junk food.
Also, it seems as if these numbers reflect how we feel about subjecting certain age groups to garbage food. Giving very small children food that will harm them almost seems criminal. Letting a senior in high school choose soda and chips doesn’t seem quite as bad. But where do we draw the line? I find it hard to justify giving 90% of 12 and 13 year olds free access to food stuffs that are clearly harmful.
I agree, Robert. It’s child abuse.
I think it’s sad what we choose to fund.
I guess it is too much to hope for that these vending machines are filled with green beans, eh?
Vending machines are not just a problem, I really think that they are a lifestyle issue. It’s simply to easy for kids and adults to just “get something” on the go. But unfortunately a lot of people do not even bother to check the “nutrition facts” on the back of the label. Their is truly harmful and sort of “dead weight” in these vending machines.
We are all far too pressed for time. Pre-made convenience food is almost a necessity considering the current fast-paced lifestyle. Sad.
Although I should add you can find healthy convenience food if you must - e.g. turkey jerky, seeds, nuts, trail mix, water, string cheese. Not ideal but there are options that are relatively healthy. We can’t expect kids to be “educated” or make “smart choices” - they’re kids! This garbage shouldn’t be put in front of them as an option, period.
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