Collaboration between both

It is important for the school to play a role in teaching students proper eating habits. The parents however are responsible for presenting good eating habits in the home first. If parents do not care enough to practice these habits, then children will suffer. If they are allowed to eat junk food at home all the time, of course they will want to do the same in school. This is why the schools need to work on weening out the junk in the lunch room. Vending machines and pop machines should be removed. Why not have a vending machine filled with flavored bottle water or juice? If you must have a food vending machine, fill it with pretzels or granola bars or fruit snacks. Amanda showed us in her presentation how high the obesity rate has risen in our country, especially in Ohio. She stated that 35% of Ohio is overweight and 24% is obese! In the article "School Cafeterias Need to Trim Fat," they state that schools are trying to make the lunches and breakfasts healthier, but the calorie and fat intake is still off the charts. In high school I can remember getting Pizza Hut pizza every Friday, which was served with french fries. Every other Wednesday they offered Little Caesar's crazy bread. It was great at the time, but looking back I think about how much junk I ate! Then it just continued on into college. Although by that age, you are responsible for your own eating habits. But it does not help when you are able to use your meal card at McDonalds or Wendys. College students are busy with homework and classes all day, it's so easy to walk across the street or drive around that corner and pick up something off of the $0.99 menu. Both the parents and schools must work together to help our children become healthy adults. Amanda also showed us a book "Eat this, no that." Every parent and teacher should have a copy of this. If both parents and teachers teach and encourage healthy eating habits each and everyday our children will become healthier and at the same time saving lives.