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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
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State
Rep. Mike Gerber |
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Momentum builds for Gerber's 'Healthy Schools' nutrition legislation
HARRISBURG, April 8 – State Rep. Mike Gerber's legislation to improve nutritional standards in Pennsylvania's schools today was the subject of a House Policy Committee hearing and is scheduled for a vote by the Health and Human Services Committee later this month.
Gerber's "Healthy Schools" legislation (H.B. 1572) would encourage healthier food choices for students during school hours by prohibiting the sale of sugary drinks and unhealthy foods.
"First Lady Michelle Obama's campaign to promote healthy eating and exercise with children has made my legislation even more relevant, and particularly as the cost of health care escalates, I believe the lawmakers in the state legislature are willing to take on childhood obesity," Gerber said. "I think it's frightening that today, one in three children in Pennsylvania is either already or at risk of becoming obese. We owe it to our children to help them develop eating habits that will allow them to grow into successful, healthy adults.
"Schools can be a minefield of sugary, unhealthy foods," Gerber added. "Without parental guidance, kids are left to their own devices to make poor dietary decisions that could have a lasting impact on their well-being. In addition, studies have made a direct correlation between the importance of a nutritious diet and student academic achievement."
Gerber's legislation would ban the sale of beverages other than water, reduced fat milk and fruit juices made from 100 percent real juice. It also would ban the sale of snacks that have more than 100 calories, 30 percent total calories from fat, more than 35 percent weight from added sugars, and more than 230 milligrams of sodium. Additionally, Gerber’s bill would require schools to offer students the choice of at least two fruits and/or non-fried vegetables each day in the cafeteria.
The lawmaker said his proposal would lower the rate of childhood obesity, improve student achievement and reduce state-related health-care costs that drain taxpayers.
The lawmaker said his legislation would help parents fight childhood obesity while kids are out of the house. A 2005 study found that 84 percent of Pennsylvania parents would approve limiting school vending machine sales to water, fruit juice and milk. The same study found 79 percent of parents strongly opposed the sale of soda in schools.
Furthermore, the 2007 Healthy Youth Survey found that students who consumed sugary foods and beverages were twice as likely to experience academic drop-offs and 50 percent more likely to face academic risks compared to other students.
Gerber said studies have shown that overweight children have a greater risk of heart disease, diabetes, stroke, high blood pressure, certain cancers, gallbladder disease, psychological stress, poor body image and low self esteem.