The Obama administration is working to get rid of junk food from public schools, including soda, candy, and fried foods. By introducing a more nutritious fare to schools, the hope is that it will combat the country’s obesity problem. This isn’t the first time we’ve heard of schools banning junk food, but this push could be more serious than previous efforts — Michelle Obama is involved!
The first lady, Michelle Obama, said last month that she would lead an initiative to reduce childhood obesity, and her involvement “shows the importance all of us place on this issue,” Mr. Vilsack said.
The administration’s willingness to put Mrs. Obama’s popularity on the line is a calculated bet that concerns about childhood obesity have become so universal that the once-partisan fight over who should control school food offerings — the federal government or school boards — has subsided.
The proposed bill would even exempt bake sales, parties, and other events that might involve the occasional sweet. This seems like a good move. Sure, in the U.S., you have the right to eat whatever you want — whether it’s healthy or not — but schools don’t have to supply the worst of it.
Read the whole story at the New York Times.
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