 “74% of middle schools and 98% of senior high schools have vending machines.” (CSPI, 2004)  Who regulates this? › The USDA’s role

 What message are our kids getting by the types of foods they can buy in school?  Financial impact of selling healthier foods in schools. › Total revenues increased

 Child Nutrition and WIC Reauthorization Act of 2004 › Wellness policies for nutrition & PE are required.

 Schools need to be part of the solution › “Health is an academic issue” Dayle Hayes › More absences › Lower quality of life › Weight bias and stigma › Academic performance

 Program for success: › Updating the meal program menus › Enhancing serving and eating areas › Improving facilities › Student involvement › Challenges?

 Language arts linked to nutrition in “word wall” – Michigan classroom  Vending machines with healthier options › Flavored sunflower seeds, water, yogurt, fruit  Shakes, smoothies, sundaes & parfaits with fat or sugar-free yogurt › Extremely successful in Wyoming  Dance or yoga offered during a lunch period (Source: Dayle Hayes)

 Key players: › Parents › Schools › Communities › Medical Facilities › Work sites  “Until society becomes involved, we are not going to solve the problem of childhood obesity.” Mark Sperling

 Funding – must support physical education.  Healthy Schools  Food marketing  Farm-to-School & School Gardens  Food assistance  Worksites

 “Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better. It’s not.” - Dr. Seuss  %2F%2Fwww.ci.everett.ma.us%2FEverett_files%2Fmayor%2Ftemp%2Fimages%2Fbackground_gif.”