Mixed Feelings

The Christian Science Monitor

Article By Trevor Hunnicutt, Associated Press / November 3, 2010

“San Francisco's Board of Supervisors voted 8-3 on Tuesday to approve an ordinance that would limit toy giveaways in fast food children's meals that have excessive calories, sodium and fat. It also requires servings of fruits or vegetables with each meal. “ (http://www.csmonitor.com/Business)

I have mixed feelings about this. 

First off, I find it odd that out of all cities in California, it was San Francisco, that enacted this ban given their demographics.  As of the 2000 Census, the child population (ages 0-9) is approximately 8% of the total population.  Just a drop in the bucket comparatively speaking.  With that being said, is this really going to be much of an impact on childhood obesity?  Banning it in one city is not going to make a difference in my opinion.

I have mixed feelings about this.

I would have to agree with McDonalds representatives with regard to government is taking away the rights of parents to choose what they allow their children to eat or for the kids to choose what they eat for that matter.  Not that I am saying it is ok to have your 3 year old eat Happy Meals everyday for breakfast, lunch and dinner.  I am one of the parents that allow my children an occasional Happy Meal.  Does that mean my child is going to be obese because he has a Happy Meal every now and again?  Moderation is the key to most everything.

I have mixed feelings about this.

I think a big part of the problem with childhood obesity are the lunches that are (sometimes) being served at school and taking physical education out of the curriculum.  How about better funding for lunch programs and putting Physical Education back into schools.   The money they spent on this ban could have gone to several schools to hire a PE teacher or could have went to funding of a school garden for the kids to grow their own produce to be used in lunches or healthy cooking classes for low income families....That would be a novel idea.  Maybe then we can combat obesity on a higher level. 

Ok, I will get off my soapbox now.