Local schools react to waistline growth

"C" is for cookie, but cookies aren't for lunch anymore. \nIn recent years, the number of children in the United States with weight problems has increased dramatically, due in part to unhealthy food choices and a less active way of life. According to a survey conducted by the U.S. Department of Agriculture during 1999-2002, 16 percent of children aged 6-19 were classified as overweight or obese. This is a 5 percent increase from previous survey results in 1988-1994.\nEven "Sesame Street" character Cookie Monster is now teaching children that cookies are "sometimes" foods instead of "anytime" foods.\nMuch of the blame is placed upon schools, which are constantly criticized for the types of food they provide students. \nVictoria Getty, director of dietetics for the Department of Applied Health Science at IU, said schools have become more aware in recent years of what they can do to prevent this harmful trend. \n"There was definitely an increasing feeling that action needed to be taken," she said. "But there's not one answer for all that's happening."\nGetty said some schools in the state are making an effort.\n"Indiana was one of five states that participated in the Food Pilot Program, which was designed to integrate more fruits and vegetables into the schools," she said. "So far, students have responded well to it. Also, schools are leveraging their power when it comes to corporations, like Coca-Cola, who provide vending machines. The schools are pushing for healthier choices, for example, Dasani water, in the machines."\nSome area schools are working hard to provide wholesome options for students, said Cathy Sparks, director of food services for the Monroe County Community School Corporation.\n"We've made a lot of changes in the past few years," she said. "For example, we've eliminated candy bars from the line, and we now offer yogurt, salads and fresh fruit and vegetables. At the middle schools, we only offer french fries two days a week."\nSparks said she believes the shift to more balanced eating habits should be a gradual process. \n"You have to make small changes, otherwise kids are going to throw the food away or not eat at all." \nShe also said that vending machines in schools do provide some benefits. \n"They are important for students who are in sports after school, because it allows them to eat something and keep them going until they get home for dinner," Sparks said.\nMCCSC has strict rules about the machines being used during the school day, Sparks added. \n"It's not appropriate for them to be on during the school day, and this is enforced at all times," she said. "One change we are hoping to make for the next school year is getting some new machines, specifically ones we can stock ourselves with sandwiches, yogurt and other cold foods."\nOther schools are doing their part as well. Vickie Coffey, food service director for the Edgewood school system in Ellettseville, Ind., said the school has made recent changes to the lunch menus.\n"We are expanding our entrée choices at the high school and junior high levels to include chef salads and sub sandwiches every day," she said. "We've eliminated french fries from our daily menu and will implement a fruit and vegetable program at our primary school next fall."\nCoffey said there are many negative influences that affect childrens' eating behavior. \n"I think it's how we've developed as a society," she said. "Parents, television, restaurants on every corner, 'on the go' lifestyles, being sedentary and convenience have all contributed to this problem."\nLocal parents agree that schools are not entirely at fault. John Goshert, residence manager of Ashton Center, has a son who attends Edgewood High School in Ellettsville. \n"I feel it should be a shared responsibility between the schools and parents," he said. "I think fast food provides instant gratification for the generation that is not used to waiting for anything."\nAshton Office Manager Janice Barnett, whose daughter is a senior at Bloomington High School North, said she feels parents should set a good example when it comes to eating habits. \n"It's really not all the schools' fault," she said. "A parent's lifestyle has a lot to do with how their children turn out. You can't preach healthy living to your child if you don't eat well and have a sedentary lifestyle."\nIf there's one thing that can prevent children from becoming overweight, Sparks said, is education. \n"Recently, my 11-year-old son and his friends were reading the labels on juice bottles, trying to figure out what all was in it," she said. "If everyone is more aware, it will help. You can give kids choices, but you need to educate them first."\n-- Contact Staff Writer Kama Korvela at kkorvela@indiana.edu.