Health Problems

Unhealthy Choices at School

Things have changed for school children, but have not improved much. The SHPPS (School Health Policies and Programs Study) for 2000 at http://www.cdc.gov/HealthyYouth/shpps/index.htm reported that many foods available to students in school are high in fat, sodium, and added sugars. For example, 62.8% of all milk ordered by schools in a typical week is high in fat (whole or 2% milk). In addition, 43.0% of elementary schools, 73.9% of middle/junior high schools, and 98.2% of senior high schools have either a vending machine or a school store, canteen, or snack bar where students can purchase food or beverages—most commonly soft drinks, sports drinks, or fruit juices that are not 100% juice; salty snacks that are not low in fat; and cookies and other baked goods that are not low in fat.