We, the undersigned parents, our concerned about the unhealthy and ultra processed snacks offered in schools

-          by parents on children’s birthdays and special events

-          by parents in goody bags

-          by school during events through outside vendors

-          by school during special events

-          by school as snack options (which the children can easily grab and              go)

-          by school as a reward

 

 

Many parents are health conscious, for the reasons listed below, and allow children to indulge in limited sugar-based, chemically rich snacks. However, when a child in school is exposed to and offered the likes of cupcakes, ice cream, cereal etc., then it is difficult for a child, let alone an adult, to resist. The availability of unhealthy options on school premises overwrites the parent’s desire to inculcate good eating habits in their children, which can go a long way in maintaining health and prevent life threatening diseases. 

A few examples from 2024-2025 school year are given below:

-          Offering cotton candy on movie night

-          Menchie’s yogurt as the only option during open house

-          Offering lollipop as a prize during the book fair

-          Kids bringing goody bags home with unhealthy chocolates

-          Variety of dye-based cereal offered by school as breakfast

-          Option of ICE CREAM as snack during summer ELOP program

-          Rewarding good behavior with candy during ELOP program ( not               sure about regular school days)

-          Kids bringing home full-sized sugar loaded cupcakes provided by             parents of the birthday child

                            Why stay clear from unhealthy treats?

The sugar-laden/ultra-processed/non-GMO/non-organic snack items, may lead to dental problems, Type 2 diabetes, cancer, obesity, depression, neurobehavioral issues, fatty liver disease,  metabolic disorders and early puberty. 

The projected increase in Type 2 diabetes (T2D) in children and teenagers, by 2060 is staggering. CDC estimates that by 2060 there would be a 70% increase (based on current rate of new diagnosis) and a 700% increase (based on increasing rate of new diagnosis). 

 

 

 

 

 https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/data-research/research/young-people-diabetes-on-rise.html

Keep in mind that T2D is not caused by eating sugar alone, but can be a result of not getting enough activity to use the excess glucose in the body, compounded by genetics, socio-economic and environmental factors. Hence the easily controllable factor is the sugar intake. 

Early puberty is on a rise, and the main contributing factors are none other than obesity, consumption of sugary and processed food, sedentary lifestyle and genetics. An alarming fact is early puberty may also lead to diseases like cancer later in life.

                                  Components of "Unhealthy Treats"

Sugar/Table Sugar/Sucrose

Sugar or table sugar is made of sucrose, which is broken down in the body into Glucose and Fructose. Even plant-based natural sweeteners have glucose, fructose as well as sucrose. So why is added sugar harmful and fruit sugar not? Sugar by itself, does not contain any fiber, which is found in a food source. Fiber helps to limit the absorption of fructose in the body

Food Additives

Many popular foods contain potentially harmful food additives like butylated hydroxyanisole, or BHA, and butylated hydroxytoluene, or BHT. BHA and BHT have been shown to cause hormone disruption and harm the reproductive system. BHA is classified as possibly carcinogenic to humans by the International Agency for Research on Cancer, an agency of the World Health Organization.

BHT is added to well-known brands such as Cap’n Crunch, Apple Jacks, and Froot Loops to prolong their shelf life -   Environmental Working Group

https://www.ewg.org/news-insights/news/2022/01/cereal-offenders-potentially-harmful-ingredients-healthy-breakfast-food

Food color

Food color can also cause hyperactivity and neurobehavioral issues, anxiety and restlessness in children. Research is ongoing, but as of now, is known that contaminant’s present in Red 40, Yellow 5 and Yellow 6 increases risk of cancer in children. Fortunately, Red 40 is being phased out.

                                             Unhealthy Treats

Cereals

"An EWG study found that children’s cereal has, on average, over 40 percent more sugar than cereal marketed to adults. A single serving of the most sugary products can exceed 60 percent of the maximum daily amount. A 2014 study shows nearly half of all children ages 2 to 8 consume more than the “tolerable upper intake levels” for vitamin A, zinc and niacin. Overconsumption can lead to health problems like brittle nails, hair loss, anemia and suppressed immune function" -  Environmental Working Group

https://www.ewg.org/news-insights/news/2022/01/cereal-offenders-potentially-harmful-ingredients-healthy-breakfast-food

 

 

 Candies/Donuts/Cupcakes

Excess sugar intake coupled with high fructose corn syrup can cause multiple issues in children namely weakened immune system, increased risk of T2D, stomach aches, lowered concentration, tooth decay to name a few. The empty calories do not benefit in any form, leaves the body unsatiated, which requires more carbohydrate intake, resulting in weight gain.  The habits thus formed in childhood, may be lifelong, and mothers with this habit may affect the cognitive ability of the children borne. 

                                         Recommendation

The schools ought to look into healthy snack/treat options for children while either staying within the allocated budget or by requesting parents to contribute monetarily in order ensure a sustainable and healthier lifestyle for everyone. The easiest option can be to offer organic fruits or fruit based snacks (including fiber to lower the absorption of sugars).

The school can provide a list of healthy store bought options to be send as treats to school. 

The schools can hold educational sessions for parents and children on a quarterly basis to instill a sense of healthy eating.