Bake Sales Make Kids Fat?

A recent study from the University of Minnesota indicates that bake sales may contribute to the rising rates of childhood obesity. Additionally, the study found that 69 percent of U.S. schools use sweets, pizza and non-diet drinks as incentives in the classroom.

I find this correlation very intriguing. It seems natural that the actions children see, they presume to be acceptable. Teachers selling massive amounts of cookies, cakes and pies insinuate that these products are good and part of a healthy diet. In reality, it’s okay for children to occasionally have a treat but it’s not okay to let these children believe that such products should be enjoyed on a daily basis.

"When you have the authority figures such as teachers, principals and parents pushing food which is high in calories and low in value day after day, hour after hour in schools, it's absolutely devastating to trying to run a healthy nutrition policy," said Susan Combs, Texas Agriculture Commissioner.

I have a serious problem with the childhood obesity epidemic facing us now. I think there are several simple steps that can be taken to abate this problem yet people refuse to make the effort. I think this study is a step in the right direction. We need to examine the messages we, as adults, are sending to children regarding their eating habits. Rememeber Monkey see, monkey do.