Getting Beyond Chips and Sugary Drinks

            Each morning I see young people coming out of the corner stores, gas stations, and from street vendors with a bag of chips and a sugary drink in their hand on their way to school. 

            My first thought when I see this is where is the adult who is supposed to make sure the child has something to eat before they leave for school.  Reality reminds me there are some young people who are raising themselves due to a working parent or absent parent.  I am also reminded that grandparents are not what they used to be. 

            My second thought is with the healthy initiative campaign from our First Lady, Michelle Obama.  Why isn’t the message reaching the young people?  Mrs. Obama has toured the country and has been on all of the popular young adults shows speaking about making healthy food choices.  I understand the 50 cent bag of chips and $1.00 sugary drink is cheaper than purchasing fruit or yogurt, especially if a young person has a little bit of money to spend on lunch and possibly dinner.

            My final thought was how can our schools help young people make healthy choices?  How can schools help young people get the nutritional value they need in order to focus and not crash from the sugar high of breakfast?  Although most schools have a school breakfast and lunch program, a majority of the time the food is not good, holds little nutritional value and there still remains a stigma attached to those who receive school meals.

            I believe schools should get back in the business of teaching young people Home Economics.  We should use Home Economics to show young adults how make healthy choices, understanding the nutritional value of food, how to eat healthy on a small budget, and how to cook meals that can be eaten over several days.  Additionally, young people will learn valuable skills that will be useful in their adult lives.

If done correctly, schools can partner with national grocery store chains to have food donated, partner with hospitals to have nutritionist do workshops on making king health choices, developing a healthy lifestyle and discuss diabetes, obesity and other aliments that result from poor eating habits.  Schools can also partner with advocacy organizations to develop urban gardens on school grounds and in the community.  By bringing back Home Economics, schools are developing the next generation of advocates to continue the fight for making healthy choices.

If we want young adults to move beyond choosing chips and sugary drinks, we have to provide them with a setting where they can learn alternatives and make healthier choices.