Point/Counterpoint:
Overcoming common objections

Because you're concerned about the presence of junk food in public schools, you might be surprised to learn that many will argue in favor of keeping such food available to students. Here are some of the common objections you're likely to encounter when you undertake to change the menu at your school:

•  “Kids won't eat healthy foods.”

We know that if it tastes good, kids will eat it. Often it is just a matter of children not being exposed to new foods. These days there are plenty of snacks and meals that are nutritious, convenient and good-tasting, and are known kid-pleasers.

•  “Healthy food is too expensive for schools to offer.”

If the school food budget doesn't balance, everyone needs to be involved in making healthy food a budget priority. Some schools have developed innovative partnerships with local farmers to supply fruits and vegetables. Some schools even grow their own! Perhaps it's just a matter of re-evaluating how the food is prepared. It's time to think outside the lunchbox! In the long run, the medical costs of caring for children who have not eaten properly will far outstrip public spending on good food.

•  “Our schools need the money they get from selling junk food.”

Healthy food in vending machines, in school stores, and in ala carte lines in the cafeteria can make money, too. Several examples of this are scattered across the country. Re-vamped vending machine offerings (switching from soda to water; chips to power bars, etc.) have resulted in revenue increases.

Selling candy is often a way for school-based student groups to raise money. Some schools have chosen to ban this type of activity or at least to look for alternatives. California Project Lean and many other groups have developed alternative, creative ways to raise funds rather than selling candy or other junk food.

•  “Schools, school boards, state legislatures, or Congress should not determine what kids eat.”

These public bodies are already making food decisions for our children every day. They already decide what they will allow into their schools. Why shouldn't this work in the reverse? Everyone in our society is responsible for the health and well-being of the nation's children. By spending an average of 8 hours a day away from their families, children are at risk of developing bad eating habits simply by having access to junk food during school hours and being outside of parental control. Parents need to be assured that eating behaviors in school are as closely monitored as other behaviors.