Beacon Hill Update:  Gov. Patrick Signs School Nutrition Bill

August 25, 2010

BOSTON– I wanted to update you on an important bill that was signed into law by Governor Patrick, the School Nutrition Bill.  The new law bans the use of fryolators and requires the sale of fresh fruits and non-fried vegetables wherever food is sold in schools.

The new law aims to curb childhood obesity by calling on the state Department of Public Health to establish statewide school nutrition standards for foods sold in vending machines and at other locations on school property. This law also makes it easier for schools to purchase directly from Massachusetts farms, and encourages state institutions of higher education to do the same.

As a father of three elementary aged children, I feel that this legislation will have a meaningful influence on our children’s overall health.  By providing healthier choices in our school cafeterias, children will see firsthand the types of foods they should be eating in order to live healthier lifestyles.

The bill’s provisions will apply to public elementary schools, middle schools and high schools. The legislation does not prohibit high school students from purchasing food sold off school ground during breaks. Additionally, parents will still be allowed to give their children any type of food to bring to school. The bill allows for “reasonable exemptions” to the food guidelines at extracurricular events, special fundraisers and other venues.

The law also calls on the Department of Public Health and the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education to set guidelines for the training of school nurses on obesity, diabetes and eating disorders.

The American Heart Association has confirmed that childhood obesity is one of the most critical public health issues facing our nation today, threatening to reverse the last half century’s gains in reducing cardiovascular disease and related deaths. One-third of children aged two to five years are either at risk for being overweight or are already overweight. In Massachusetts, 29% of middle school students are overweight or obese. Studies show that these children are more likely than their peers to be absent from school, experience low self esteem and become obese adults.

Obesity-related diseases such as Type II diabetes and heart disease will ultimately require life-long chronic disease management that can significantly reduce quality of life while increasing health care costs. In fact, from 1979 to 1999, obesity-associated hospital costs tripled for children.

If you have any questions or suggestions, please do not hesitate to contact me or for more information on issues I am working on please go to my website, www.GarrettBradley.com.