Reader comments
State School Board backs away from proposed junk-food ban
20 comments | Read story
Jerry | 5:33 p.m. Nov. 9, 2007
Obesity is not the problem people make it out to be. If we stay away from coffee
and tea, we will be fine.
sob | 5:39 p.m. Nov. 9, 2007
60+ per cent obesity in america
higher rates among children
first generation that will be fatter then their parents
but lets not kill the cash cow
way to go utah
higher rates among children
first generation that will be fatter then their parents
but lets not kill the cash cow
way to go utah
Lynn Tilton | 5:45 p.m. Nov. 9, 2007
The more local control a school district has the better. Vending machines
generally aren't know for carrying nutritional products, but the principle
is local schools should have policy control.
Neither state nor federal governments should be mixed up in local schooling. Nor should local school officials spend time dealing with politics.
The need is to have more teachers in class rooms and fewer administrators who never make it to class. One notable general failure in the U.S. education system is hesitance in developing trade classes for those who aren't college-bound. Such would give students marketable skills beyond working in fast food sites selling products that brought on this controversy
Neither state nor federal governments should be mixed up in local schooling. Nor should local school officials spend time dealing with politics.
The need is to have more teachers in class rooms and fewer administrators who never make it to class. One notable general failure in the U.S. education system is hesitance in developing trade classes for those who aren't college-bound. Such would give students marketable skills beyond working in fast food sites selling products that brought on this controversy
Comments continue below
Erin | 5:53 p.m. Nov. 9, 2007
We had exactly two "fat" kids in my entire grade growing up. When I
went to my little neice's Halloween Parade last week, there were four in
her classroom alone. It's a problem.
Steven G Starr DDS/Endodontist | 7:26 p.m. Nov. 9, 2007
Shame on the State Board of Education for selling out the health of Utah
Children for a few bucks. The deleterious effects of junk foods, soda pop and
juices high in sugar, acids, sodium, and carbohydrates causing tooth decay and
adolescent obesity far outweigh ANY monetary gain paid to schools.
Our dental and medical literature is replete with scientific data that show a link between vending machines in schools and there detrimental effects on children�s health.
Members of the State Board of Education are charged and trusted with the responsibility to make decisions that directly affect our children. Passing the buck on this most important issue will have long-term health implications for Utah children. I question their competence and good judgment.
Our dental and medical literature is replete with scientific data that show a link between vending machines in schools and there detrimental effects on children�s health.
Members of the State Board of Education are charged and trusted with the responsibility to make decisions that directly affect our children. Passing the buck on this most important issue will have long-term health implications for Utah children. I question their competence and good judgment.
Eric | 8:04 p.m. Nov. 9, 2007
This is an issue of parental control. If parents are going to be giving money
to their children, then they ought to be having their children give an account
of how they are spending it. As parents do more to keep their children from
unwisely spending money on vending machines (i.e., sending them to school with
an already prepared nutritious lunch and no money) vendors will remove the
machines. We do not need legislation to do what the market would otherwise do
if parents made their children's health a priority. If there is to be any
legislation, it should be aimed at empowering parents to be in a better position
to be home more with their children in order to guide them in healthy living.
Such legislation should include lower taxes so families are not as pressed to
overwork to make ends meet.
John | 8:15 p.m. Nov. 9, 2007
And no one isconcerned that school age children have $3.75 million to spend
each per year on vending machines?
SMH | 8:36 p.m. Nov. 9, 2007
What I find interesting is that the Board 'washed their hands of it'
and decided to leave it up to the Districts after PEPSI and COKE Executives were
invited to give presentations. You don't think they had an agenda there?
My gosh. Of course the Board crumbled when the big doggs waive the almighty
dollar in front of them.
I wonder if Coke and Pepsi plan to help foot the medical bill when these thousands of obese school children become Diabetic, heart disease, cholestrol problem, High blood pressure ridden middle-age adults. Because they obviously aren't part of the solution.
I wonder if Coke and Pepsi plan to help foot the medical bill when these thousands of obese school children become Diabetic, heart disease, cholestrol problem, High blood pressure ridden middle-age adults. Because they obviously aren't part of the solution.
Give them a chance... | 9:06 p.m. Nov. 9, 2007
In reply to some of the responses about Pepsi and Coke and the vending machines.
I work at a high school in Weber County and this year when we started school
there was a difference in what was being offered. The vending machines had
fewer sweets and some more nutritonal foods and that included some better chips
like sun chips. There were a couple of pop machines gone and that were replaced
with straight water and juice. Granted there are still a couple of pop machines
bu the number has gone down and there are better choices for the kids. It all
comes down to the kids. If they want it they will find a way to get it even if
they take everything away from the campus kids will leave and go get it at a
local store. The best thing is for parents to be educated and to educate their
children and it needs to start at home!
Give them a chance cont... | 9:07 p.m. Nov. 9, 2007
To continue because I ran out of room...Pepsi and Coke are trying to make a
differnce. Your not going to completely get rid of everything that has sugar in
it. They have started at least in my area trying to make a chance so give them
a chance.
Pro Voucher person | 9:37 p.m. Nov. 9, 2007
Private business should be able to sell what they want in public schools. They
know what is best for the kids. Private businesses would never do anything to
hurt children. If the cafeteria can't compete with vending machines, that
is just too bad.
Local Control & Responsibility | 9:45 p.m. Nov. 9, 2007
Actually several members of the board made their informal decision a month or 2
ago, but are just now formally determining how to respond. They recognized that
even if they wrote a rule that some local school districts would just ignore the
rule and the board anyway.
There needs to be more local control and local patrons need to make their expectations clear. There is no effective way to micromanage our schools from the state board level (or legislative level). Patrons need additional choices if they are stuck with a unresponsive or irresponsible school.
There needs to be more local control and local patrons need to make their expectations clear. There is no effective way to micromanage our schools from the state board level (or legislative level). Patrons need additional choices if they are stuck with a unresponsive or irresponsible school.
The Truth | 11:01 p.m. Nov. 9, 2007
How many of the obese teachers were ready to give up the vending machine in the
faculty room. The blind are leading the blind in our school system, and on this
issue.
Our kids deserve better. I just wish those on the board had the guts to step up and make the hard (but right) decision to say goodbye to all vending machines. I run 3-5 miles almost everyday, I watch what I eat. I don't eat sugars or refined carbs and guess what? I still get to foot the medical bill (via medicare and disability income) for the people who don't take care of themselves or teach their children proper nutrition. We should expect more from those we elect.
Our kids deserve better. I just wish those on the board had the guts to step up and make the hard (but right) decision to say goodbye to all vending machines. I run 3-5 miles almost everyday, I watch what I eat. I don't eat sugars or refined carbs and guess what? I still get to foot the medical bill (via medicare and disability income) for the people who don't take care of themselves or teach their children proper nutrition. We should expect more from those we elect.
THS Senior | 12:02 a.m. Nov. 10, 2007
Wow, a lot of people on here want to take the easy way out. This subject is a
"Get out of jail free pass"; instead of parents taking responsibility
for their kids' not being outside enough, or doing enough sports, they want
to place the blame on the corporations. Well if instead of getting off your butt
just to get your wallet out and give them the money to pay for the soda, you
instead got up to go play catch with them, or go run, then you wouldn't
have to deal with these same problems. I was a fat kid growing up, I know it,
but I still had sodas in Jr. and Sr. high, the difference is I got more into
school sports and playing with the kids in my ward as opposed to living through
my computer. Have your kids get a freaking life, it'll be healthier for
them, and give them better social skills. WARRIORS HOOAH!
Clare | 9:46 a.m. Nov. 10, 2007
I find "The Truth" offense. I am a teacher who has NEVER used the
vending machine in my faculty room, but I should have the right to do so. Not
everything in the machine is lacking in good nutrition. Not all teachers are
obese either. As for "having to foot the medical bill", I have
Multiple Sclerosis. I was a slim 27 year old when I started having major
medical problems. I exercised and had even won a "beauty pageant."
One day, I just started to lose my eyesight. The Truth is one selfish person.
Not everyone who has a disability has one because they mistreated their body. I
wish I would run 3.5 miles a day, but if I get overheated, I start getting weak
and can even fall and hurt myself, thereby raising our medical bills. My doctor
just told me I need to run around less at school, or I'll have to go out on
disability, something I've been avoiding for over twenty years. I can
still exercise, which I do, but I have to be careful. The Truth is one ignorant
and hurtful person.
Barb | 2:20 p.m. Nov. 10, 2007
I teach Jr. High. I did a random survey and discovered that 90% of my worst
behavior problems were consuming between 3 and 5 Mt. Dew's a day. These are
kids who completely disrupt class and take the educational opportunities away
from others. 9th grade counts towards High School graduation requirements and
yet I'm fighting against between 3, 4, and sometimes 5 students per class
hyped up on caffiene and sugar. And that's if they haven't consumed a
Red Bull or two before getting there in the morning. Like Clare, I have MS, and
have had for 20 years, but I'm not feeling her comment. She can bring
helpful supplements. Get the CRAP away from our kids now! The TRUTH will get
theirs soon enough, she can be sure. Old age does come for all.
Anonymous | 8:15 p.m. Nov. 10, 2007
You take out the candy machine and some kid will stock up with candy purchased
at Mal Mart and the kid will make money. Look at what liquor and fireworks bans
have done for Evanston, Wyoming.
Ticked off Mom | 12:58 p.m. Nov. 11, 2007
"You take out the candy machine and some kid will stock up with candy
purchased at Mal Mart and the kid will make money."
In Washington County High Schools there are TEACHERS going to Costco and stocking up and selling candy, soda, Gatorade, etc to students out of their class rooms!!! If they can't get it in a vending machine then just go see the teachers! Great way for the "school" to make money.
What about the lunches the students can buy in High School, since we do not have a lunch program. They can buy Little Caesars pizza, Hogi Yogi, vending machines or go off campus. Wow, great choices in healthy foods!!!!!!!!!
Instead of vending machines why don't we start with providing healthy lunches for the kids in high school. In Utah, once you hit 10th grade NO LUNCH is provided, even for the kids who can not afford to eat out everyday. Some of these kids do not get a hot meal all day, even at home, but lets worry about vending machines. ABSURD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
In Washington County High Schools there are TEACHERS going to Costco and stocking up and selling candy, soda, Gatorade, etc to students out of their class rooms!!! If they can't get it in a vending machine then just go see the teachers! Great way for the "school" to make money.
What about the lunches the students can buy in High School, since we do not have a lunch program. They can buy Little Caesars pizza, Hogi Yogi, vending machines or go off campus. Wow, great choices in healthy foods!!!!!!!!!
Instead of vending machines why don't we start with providing healthy lunches for the kids in high school. In Utah, once you hit 10th grade NO LUNCH is provided, even for the kids who can not afford to eat out everyday. Some of these kids do not get a hot meal all day, even at home, but lets worry about vending machines. ABSURD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Christy | 2:06 p.m. Nov. 12, 2007
" GUESS WHAT? These kids did NOT get fat at school. They got fat at HOME.
Everybody wants to blame vending machines, teachers, T.V. you name it it's
blamed. Show me the parent brave enough to admit they should have taught their
kids about healthy food choices.
Yep, I'm still waiting, and bet I will be for quite sometime."
Yep, I'm still waiting, and bet I will be for quite sometime."
jill l. | 4:13 p.m. Nov. 12, 2007
Schools teach everything from academic's to character values. I think the
schools should be the place where children learn the very best. I teach my child
at home and reinforce healthy eating habits,we also know plenty of other
families who don't. We may not be able to see what happening in the home
but we can be the example in the schools. Set the standard for all schools by
banning soda pop 100%. Teacher lounges are not excessable to the students, so
that is up to the local district or school. Send a message that we show with
action. Pepsi and Coke will be forced to provide only healthy alternatives.
Pepsi is out to make money on this too, they don't want to lose this income
either. I don't buy these kinds of products at home, my children don't
starve, they eat what I provide. Children eat what is available. Provide junk
and that is what they eat.
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