I agree that it's the ultimately the parents' job to raise their children and educate them about non-academic matters. However, the fact remains that leaving it solely to the parents isn't working. And it's NOT just children of parents children who don't know better who are getting obese.

So when we look at the trends - which ultimately include staggering health care costs, much of which the government absorbs - the government and schools have no choice but to get involved.

My own preference is for an even-handed, common sense approach. That's the reason I agreed to serve on my district's subcommittee regarding food served after hours. I didn't want huge restrictions in place that were "healthy" but not realistic. Do I think it feasible to ban nachos and hamburgers and candy from football concession stands? Absolutely not. But I do think it reasonable to have policies that say, "if you are going to serve that, let's have at least one healthy alternative - a chicken sandwhich or a salad, maybe. And let's think about portion size."

Do you ever see those old classic coke bottles? They look so tiny. But THAT used to be what an adult consumed. Now, everything is supersized. The kids are surrounded by bad choices, and leaving it to the parents isn't working.

The more they can be exposed to balanced choices, the better. Again - subject to reason!

I think parent groups should embrace this concept and help where they can. Way before this ever became a policy at our schools, any planning committee I was on routinely considered what healthy options we offered at events. They may not have been the big sellers, but it never hurt.

truspartan;134051 wrote: However, I still think (just like with any other "life subject") that it's the parent's job to educate their children to make the right decisions, and not the school's.

I couldnt agree more... The state and school do have a right and responsiblity BUT the parent (gaurdian or whatever) has the ULTIMATE responsibility.. the 'No donuts with Dad, Muffins w mom, sweets fro BDay parties is complete and utter BS IMHO.

School should have some fun, fattening and sugar coma inducing activities everyonce in a while... All work and no Play make me nasty -- my kids even think some of the polices here are retarded (and there kids)

Moderation is the key - the extremes taken by a growing majority of school are Nazish

Fair enough ... and where school lunch is concerned, I would agree.

The question of other events like Donuts with Dad, concessions, etc. is where I don't necessarily think it's the school's job to dictate diet.

I was answering to your " Schools............shouldn't be charged with monitoring a child's nutritional menu."
I simply couldnt agree less, that's all.

Perhaps you didn't see where I said "so it IS important (from a school lunch perspective) to offer balanced choices" ... I do think the school has an obligation to provide balanced and healthy choices. I also agree with taking pop and ice cream vending out of schools so they are not available ALL the time.

However, I still think (just like with any other "life subject") that it's the parent's job to educate their children to make the right decisions, and not the school's.

Volmom - if they didnt eat the good stuff, they just werent hungry!
Truspart - schools darn well should be worried about what they are feeding the kids. not only is it reasonable, normal, and tax payer money supported therefore rightly monitored and by dieteicians who know a thing or 2 about foods, but most important, learning and what you put in your body appear to have a connection. lots of info on the net about this not thats its all authoritative. for just one ex., read on the web about appleton WI school food prgram and how it pos affected the kids, grades, and discipline problems. Food for thought.