FAST FOODS TO BE EXPELLED FROM SCHOOLS

Garcia’s nutrition bill receives bipartisan support in Senate Health Committee

Posted On July 06, 2005 0 Comment

SACRAMENTO—Assemblywoman Bonnie Garcia’s (R–Cathedral City) bill (AB 569) to eliminate junk food sales from public schools received bipartisan support in the Senate Health Committee. The bill strives to protect the children of California from the increased risks associated with unhealthy eating habits and childhood obesity.

Garcia said, “This state has failed parents who trust their children to our care between 8 a.m. and 3 p.m. We have allowed meal periods at schools to become fast food feasts where children stuff themselves with cookies, candies and chips instead of real food. As a result, our kids are at increased risk for heart disease, diabetes, and high blood pressure.”

“It’s time we stop this behavior and help kids make good choices,” added Garcia.

AB 569 attacks the epidemic of childhood obesity head-on by eliminating junk foods from school cafeterias. Statistics show childhood obesity rates have more than doubled for preschoolers (aged 2-5) and tripled for teenagers (aged 12 to 19 years). According to the California Center for Public Health Advocacy, 26.5% of children in grades 5, 7 and 9 in California are overweight. The consequences for these children are many, including low self-esteem, poor body image, discrimination and poor health.

The bill will be heard in the Senate Appropriations Committee and if approved, moves to the Senate Floor for a vote.

To express your support, Members of the Senate Appropriations Committee can be reached at the email addresses and telephone numbers below:

Sen. Carole Migden (Chair)

senator.migden@sen.ca.gov

(916) 445-1412

Sen. Sam Aanestad (Vice Chair)

senator.aanestad@sen.ca.gov

(916) 445-3353

Sen. Richard Alarcon

senator.alarcon@sen.ca.gov

(916) 445-7928

Sen. Elaine Alquist