The Healthier, The Better

On top of all the current economic and political issues in America, the eating style of Americans has also become a major problem. Although everybody individually makes their own choices about what to eat, younger children do not have as much of a variety because they eat what their parents chose for them and in some cases, it is not the best choice. In an effort to improve children's diets, many programs have sprouted across the United States to promote healthy eating in public schools. For instance, the non-profit group, FoodFight, aims to help high schoolers make healthier food choices and guide those in low-income homes to cheaper but just as healthy options. Founders of FoodFight, Carolyn Cohen and Deborah Lewison-Grant feel a majority of healthy food programs in the United States are aimed towards elementary and middle school children. Their goal is to help students learn how to correctly read food labels and to to prepare nutritious and affordable meals, and to identify the political and economic forces that shape their diet" (Wallace 1). Their unique approach of introducing high schoolers to healthier foods and more options rather than telling them exactly what to eat has been proven successful. Students who participate in the FoodFight classes during the school day are encouraged to keep a food journal and record everything they eat daily. Students who participate in the class praise their teachers and enjoy learning how to improve their diets. 

Although FoodFight is based out of New York, Cohen and Lewison-Grant aim to make it a world wide program. First Lady Michelle Obama is also an avid worker in healthy food programs. She created her own campaign, "Let's Move" which encourages public schools to serve healthier meals and to grow gardens on school property. I agree with both the author and the founders of FoodFight. I think that children should be taught at a young age to make healthier choices about eating and learn how to live a healthy and happy lifestyle. With programs such as FoodFight and Let's Move, public schools are able to offer education on such topics. Obesity rates are currently estimated at 35% of adolescents are overweight or obese, it is imperative that children are properly educated on it. Hopefully these programs will encourage healthy eating among youth across America and the obesity rates will drop. 

In High Schools, a Critical Lens on Food

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/10/27/nyregion/foodfight-a-nonprofit-group-works-with-new-york-city-schools.html?hpw