Faced with a growing epidemic of childhood obesity, some lawmakers in Washington are turning to a healthy menu in Cabell County Schools for inspiration.
In fact, one West Virginia lawmaker has gone so far as to introduce the School Enhancement of America’s Talented Students, or EATS, Act to help create a competitive grant program for schools to include fresh foods in school lunches and breakfasts while also encouraging healthier eating habits among students as a measure to combat childhood obesity.
According to U.S. Rep. Nick Rahall, D-W.Va., “Jamie Oliver’s Food Revolution” was in fact a revolution of healthy recipes for Cabell County Schools after the school administrators adopted a new meals plan using more fresh ingredients. The nationally televised program could now become a model for healthier school menus across the nation.
The School EATS bill creates a competitive grant program for school districts that seeks to improve the health of students by implementing a nutrition program that provides healthier meals. The grant program would give priority to states with the highest obesity rates of at least 30 percent for adults and children and where at least 50 percent of the students are eligible for free or reduced lunch.
Those states, including West Virginia, have been dealing with the epidemic of childhood obesity for years. The grant program — if approved by the full Congress — would help to implement additional incentives that could improve the long-term health and well being of students.
With more than a third of the nation’s youth now considered overweight or obese, it is urgent for the states — and West Virginia in particular — to take action now to combat this growing epidemic.
Ever since the television cameras arrived, school cafeteria workers in Cabell County have worked hard to introduce fresh food items in their menus. While celebrity chef Jamie Oliver, and his television crew, are now long gone, the healthy food campaign continues. The school system is working to eliminate preservatives, sodium and other potentially harmful ingredients while preparing fresh food items daily.
Cabell County Schools should be applauded for this healthy approach. We would encourage school districts across southern West Virginia, including Mercer, Monroe, McDowell and Wyoming counties, to implement similar healthier menus for kids both in the morning and during lunch.
The federal legislation being considered by lawmakers in Washington could help in expanding this food revolution. In fact, a national healthy food campaign with roots in the Mountain State would be welcomed.
In the meantime, parents and school administrators must do everything in their power to prepare healthier foods for their children.
Editorials
July 21, 2010
Food revolution: Cabell campaign could be national model
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