Is legislation crafted by the food industry the answer to declining children’s health?
Is legislation crafted by the food industry the answer to declining children’s health?
Einstein once said that no problem can be solved from the same level of consciousness that created it. The industrialized food system in our country has created a huge problem for our kids. They are not just fatter, they are sicker than ever. Rates of childhood cancer, asthma, allergies, behavioral issues, diabetes and even dental decay are all skyrocketing.So why would we want the food industry to help create legislation that would supposedly set standards for “healthier” food in our schools? As a health professional, I feel strongly that no child (or adult) should be ingesting artificial sweeteners, the proposed legislation leaves a giant loophole for diet sodas and other “low calorie” beverages. Who does that benefit? The soda industry? Sounds like we’ve got a fox in the hen house!
Einstein’s definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results. Why do we continually look to the food industry to come up with a less lethal product to feed to our kids? Do you remember light cigarettes? We fooled ourselves for years smoking them. Are baked chips any different?
There IS something out there that is proven to improve health and wellbeing of children and adults that EVERY health professional agrees on (they don’t agree on alot of things…). That is fresh fruits and vegetables. Why not focus on them instead of baked chips, diet soda and whole wheat low fat pizza? Research shows that children exposed to more fresh fruits and vegetables end up eating more of them and less chips, candy and soda. So why not put some legislation out there to encourage that instead?
A old friend once shared with me her secret for good health and longevity: pay your farmer and not your doctor! We have an opportunity to do that this year as the Farm Bill is up for renewal. Let your state and federal representatives know that you know there’s gotta be a better way. Tell them you want to see the Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Snack program in all 50 states. Put money in the farmer’s pockets, farmers that grow real food, not agribusiness giants who grow GMO corn and soy! Preferably local small farms who use sustainable or organic methods. It’s good for our kids and good for our planet.
Some of my public health advocacy colleagues tell me that these ideas are too unreasonable.
I have one last gem from Einstein to say to them:
Great spirits have always encountered violent opposition from mediocre minds.
