My school system is thinking of forgoing federal funds for the cafeteria next year because they have a shortfall this year.

Why would they refuse the funding?

Because the federal program mandates 'healthy' eating. To receive the money the school must serve a vegetable, a protein, etc that makes a balanced meal.

The kids are not buying them. The parents say their kids do not want it.

So who is to blame?

I blame the parents for teaching their children poor eating habits.

I blame them for letting their kids sit motionless in front of the TV or playing video games for hours on end.

(I applaud the parents who buy the games where the kids have to dance or move around to move the icons.)

When we let them sit inactive for hours on end we teach them that motionless and actionless is acceptable.

It is if you're meditating. It is not when you are a youngster whose body needs movement, for many reasons including the working off of calories.

I also blame the community for refusing to pay the taxes necessary to afford gym classes in the schools or after school activities such as basketball, dancing and other physical activities.

The writer whose article I was asked to rate thought calling fat people and fat children names and being out and out insulting was the way to deal with childhood obesity.

Being a Jacob Marley in deciding if taxes should cover the basis education needs of our children, which includes learning how to care for our bodies through exercise (and make no mistake I abhorred PE when I was in school), and parents teaching their kids it is okay to sit, and sit, and sit......is no help whatsoever.

They are major reasons why our children are getting fatter and fatter.

Learn more about this author, Carol Levy.
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