Collegiate Times

By the end of this year, Congress will review and renew the Child Nutrition Act, a federal law that regulates both the National School Breakfast Program and the National School Lunch Program.

These programs provide meals to 10 million and 30 million students, respectively, each day. Based on the current level of reimbursement funding for the NSLP, public schools receive about $1 per meal, per day to buy food, after expenses for labor and equipment are factored out. Quite frankly, that just isn't enough to buy a decent meal.

It's no secret that rates of childhood obesity and diabetes are on the rise. Both conditions have been proven to be directly linked to diet, specifically the kinds of overprocessed entrees, a la carte fast food items and vending machine junk food that are often the only school lunch options available to any kid whose parents don't pack their lunch.

According to the Center for Disease Control, almost one in five children are currently overweight. One of three children born in the year 2000 will develop diabetes. In the past 30 years, rates of obesity prevalence for children aged 2 to 19 has more than doubled, and in the past 20 years the number of overweight or obese children aged 6 to 19 has more than tripled.

Diet plays a central role in preventing both obesity and diabetes, along with exercise and other physical activity. Because the majority of children attend schools and because of the amount of time they spend there, schools provide multiple opportunities to promote healthy eating and physical activity.

Slow Food USA wants to see schools doing exactly that. In June, SFUSA launched their Time for Lunch campaign, a grassroots movement to raise awareness and support for better school lunches. In addition to convincing Congress to increase funding for the NSLP, the campaign aims to support the passing of a bill currently before Congress that would set minimum nutritional standards for all food sold on school grounds  and to secure funding for a 2004 public law authorizing funds for Farm to School and school garden programs. The idea is not just to provide healthier food, but also to teach children about healthy eating habits that they will carry with them into adulthood.

On Labor Day, Sept. 7, the Time for Lunch campaign will hold its National Day of Action, during which over 250 communities in all 50 states will hold community potluck gatherings, bringing people together over a home-cooked meal to discuss the importance of wholesome food for wholesome health. I'm very pleased to say that not only will Blacksburg be participating, but Floyd and Roanoke as well, making Soutwest Virginia a powerful center for the cause. The response we've received from the community so far has been incredibly positive, and with school nutrition so high on the national agenda , the time is right for action.

Many of you are not that far out of the public school system; you know what I'm saying is true. I hope you'll join us on Sept. 7 at 5 p.m, on the back lawn of Margaret Beeks Elementary School, and help us make your high school cafeterias a little better for the kids coming up behind you.

Heather Taylor

Senior,

CSES/Philosophy