The results of a survey of US schools, which is conducted every six years by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, shows improvement in diet and lifestyle. 30% of school districts have banned junk food from school vending machines, up from 4% in 2000.
Other signs are good too: schools offering fried potatoes in their cafeterias declined, to 19% from 40%; more schools offer salads and vegetables; fewer permit bake sales; more states have enacted policies to prohibit smoking at school and to require courses on pregnancy prevention; districts that require elementary schools to teach physical education increased from 83% to 93%; and more states and school districts insist that elementary schools schedule recess and that physical education teachers have at least undergraduate training.
While, in some instances, progress toward healthier living and learning was notable only because so many schools had started from such low points, the general trend is hopeful and shows that schools are beginning to stand up to the marketing tactics of brands that push sugar and fat. Perhaps the trend of growing obesity will be reversed, but do not become complacent yet.
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