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By Austin Brentley
austin.brentley@worldwidelearn.com
Culinary Columnist

In just about every school across the country, cafeteria food has a reputation for being, to put it mildly, un-delicious. In addition, many students complain that their school cafeteria food lacks variety; the rotation of menus is fairly limited. However, a far more dangerous specter looms in the world of educational diet. So much of today's school cafeteria food is outright unhealthy.

Do You Want Fries with That?

Part of the problem is that many junk food companies subsidize the food programs at an alarming number of schools. As the recent documentary, Super Size Me, shows us, it's not uncommon for carbonated beverages, potato chips, heavily processed foods, and candy to constitute a substantial portion of school lunches across the country. In many ways, students are no worse off if they go to a fast food chain during the lunch hour. This poor diet, coupled with lack of exercise, has helped make America's children some of the most obese students in the world.

Parents and Activists Unite

Fortunately, the health concerns that center around school cafeteria food have ignited a pseudo-rebellion led by parents and activists. In Vermont, for example, schools have begun banning cola-dispensing beverage machines in addition to easily available candy bars, chips, and other related junk foods. Obviously, junk food lobbyists (of course, they don't label themselves as such) have put up quite a fight. And because many of them have large budgets and skilled lawyers, health-conscious parents are engaged in an uphill battle.

More Congressional Oversight?

Perhaps what we need is more intervention by state and federal governments. But even this will take some quick legal footwork since many politicians are beholden to junk food lobbyists. Unfortunately, change will only happen if the general public applies pressure from the bottom up. Only in this way can Americans ensure that its youth receive nutritious and balanced meals on a regular basis. By writing your local representatives, you can help push this country towards a healthier, happier future.

About the Author

A freelance writer and researcher, Austin Brentley is an English teacher currently living and working in Yamaguchi, Japan. His previous experience includes working for a lobbying firm in his native Washington, DC and working for various record and television studios in New York. Austin holds a B.A. in history.

Posted on September 23, 2005 at 4:39 PM

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