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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
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State
Rep. Mike Gerber |
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Gerber announces 'Healthy Schools' nutrition legislation
HARRISBURG, June 3 – At a news conference today, state Rep. Mike Gerber, D-Montgomery, announced "Healthy Schools" legislation he's introducing that would enhance nutritional standards in Pennsylvania's schools.
Gerber's legislation (H.B. 1572) would encourage healthier food choices for students during school hours by prohibiting the sale of sugary drinks and unhealthy foods.
"Nearly one out of every five American children today is obese," Gerber said. "The rate has doubled in children and tripled in teenagers during the last two decades, along with the prevalence of sugary drinks and unhealthy foods in our schools. Childhood obesity is reaching epidemic levels in Pennsylvania, and promises to have an increasingly negative impact on our children if we don’t act responsibly."
The lawmaker said his proposal would lower the rate of childhood obesity, improve student achievement and reduce state related health-care costs that strain taxpayers.
"What must also concern us is how childhood obesity impacts our taxpayer-funded health-care system. A 2004 study of Medicare and Medicaid expenditures found that obesity costs Pennsylvania $1.2 billion annually. We must be proactive for not only our children's' sake, but for our economic viability," Gerber said.
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 cafeterias.
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.
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.
Additionally, 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.
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Gerber was joined today by co-sponsor Rep. Mike Turzai, R-Allegheny, and members of a statewide coalition, including the Pennsylvania Food Trust, the American Heart Association, the American Diabetes Association, the American Liver Foundation, the Pennsylvania Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics, the American Dental Association, the Hospital & Healthsystem Association of Pennsylvania, Independence Blue Cross and the Pennsylvania Parent Teacher Association.
"The Pennsylvania Chapter of the Academy of Pediatrics looks forward to working with Representative Gerber further on this bill," Dr. Jerold Aronson said. "We encourage additional house co-signers, and we appreciate his leadership and courage in bringing House Bill 1572 forward."
Sandy Sherman of the Pennsylvania Food Trust added, "We enthusiastically endorse this new Healthy Schools legislation to ensure that all foods offered in Pennsylvania schools promote good nutrition and contribute to lifelong healthy eating habits."
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CONTACT: Mike Storm |