Since the beginning of the Obama administration, the First Lady Michelle Obama has made it her duty to fight childhood obesity and help guide our nation’s youth into creating healthier eating habits. Under this “Let’s Move” healthy eating campaign, Mrs. Obama has led the fight and chosen to strive to improve the lives of children everywhere. As recently as July of 2014, the United States Department of Agriculture has implemented new policies that will restrict public schools from making junk food available for purchase to students. Under these new regulations, trans-fats are prohibited from being available and food items with more than 35% sugar or fat are specifically banned. Additionally, carbonated beverages and sugar-induced drinks have been removed as well. Schools nationwide are limited to selling 100% fruit and vegetable juices, non-fat and low-fat milk options, and water only. Not only is the quality of food and beverages being modified and reduced, but the quantity as well. In elementary schools, students can only obtain beverages in 8-ounce sizes, while children in middle school and high schools beverage limitations cannot surpass 12 ounces. From items on the lunch menu to vending machine options, students nationwide will now be exposed to a much healthier display of options that vary from whole-grain foods to fruit and vegetable platters.
Despite the public outcry for healthier lifestyle choices, there are many that oppose the ban on all junk food items and believe that some options should still remain so long as they are consumed in moderation. Some slight advantages of allowing junk food in schools is that junk food, when consumed sparingly, does not have major effects on one’s health. Instead, the decision to allow or deny junk food could be made on an individual basis, rather than a wide sweep of the product altogether. Another advantage of allowing junk food is the quick, easy, and affordable way a student can satisfy their hunger. Across the nation, it has been determined that a healthier lifestyle can sometimes become the more expensive lifestyle. A proper and balanced diet can sometimes cost double than a quick and easy meal. For many middle-class family homes, the quick and easy approach has become the norm. In schools, students might gravitate towards the more affordable option, which might allow them to eliminate their hunger and still remain within their budget.
While the convenience of junk food and sodas seems appealing, the negative impacts loom much larger. Many ingredients in junk food are extremely harmful and detrimental to the human body. While these products are loaded with salt and sugar, these processed foods leave no room for the proper nutrients needed to create strong and healthy bodies and can ultimately lead to obesity. Exposure to junk food in schools will provide an avenue for regular consumption and could create many health concerns for children such as Diabetes, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, slower rate of metabolism, and weak immune systems. Exposing this kind of information to children at a young age will allow them to continue to make healthier choices as adults.