Friday, July 25, 2008
Studies have shown that childhood obesity has swept through Europe at an alarming rate. To address this issue, the European Union (EU) has proposed a nutritional plan that would provide children with fruits and vegetables. The European government will be sponsoring this program, targeting all neighborhoods, including lower income areas. Their goal is to curb childhood obesity by giving the children nutritious snacks and educating them on healthy eating habits that can last them a lifetime. I think it is extremely important to educate people, not just children, on how to eat healthy and live an active lifestyle. It is also important for these children to see role models and other adults eating well, which will encourage them to do so. Not only would this plan be a great way to teach kids about nutrition, it would be free to them!
The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has also implemented numerous federal nutrition programs, which provide children and low-income households with a healthy diet and nutrition education. In keeping with nutritional education and the support of healthy eating habits, they purchase fresh produce, canned, frozen and dried fruits and vegetables for schools. Most USDA canned vegetables meet the Food and Drug Administration’s “healthy” standard for sodium, which is less than or equal to 480 mg per serving. To lower sugar intake, canned fruits must be packed in light syrup, water or natural juices. In addition to using whole‐grain foods such as brown rice, rolled oats, whole wheat flour, and whole‐grain dry‐kernel corn, USDA now purchases whole‐grain pastas for upcoming school years. Where protein is concerned, schools have had the option of ordering beef patties with a fat level as low as 10 percent, a low‐fat turkey taco filling, frozen diced chicken, and lean ham.
The USDA’s Schools/Child Nutrition Commodity Programs provide nutritious, USDA-purchased food to the following nutrition programs:
• National School Lunch Program
• Child Food Program and Adult Care
• Summer Food Service Program
For more information go to: http://www.commodityfoods.usda.gov
