Childhood obesity is a problem.  Just yesterday, I heard President Clinton say that today's children might notlive as long as their parents.  Can you believe that in 2007.  Having children in public school, I welcome the changes.  However, I draw the line at outlawing cupcakes.  There needs to be some moderation.  Schools are starting to do their part, but it is ultimately up to the child and what he or she chooses at lunch and that starts at home.

I'm glad the school districts are taking more action for nutrition in cafeterias, even though chicken nuggets aren't 100% healthy. On the movie: Supersize Me, the narrator visited a school in a rough neighborhood (in NY, NJ or Chicago- don't remember exactly the location) that was geared to at-risk students in an alternative school setting. The principal and teacher eliminated everything that's fried and full of preservatives. Their cafeteria alternative is hiring local farms to cater their fresh fruits and vegetables. The cafeteria workers are culinary chefs. Nutrition is a big first step to decrease the raising percentage of childhood obesity. There's still a problem with none or limited amount of recess and PE for the children to be active every day.

i really like that there are being steps taken to help against childhood obesity. i agree that the way a person eats starts at home (which some parents don't really encourage healthy eating...) but it's good that there are more healthy choices appearing in the school cafeteria. it is ultimately up to the kid what he or she chooses to eat, but if it's a drastic change from what their used to they probably won't choose it.

when i was in school i brought my lunch every day, partly because the lunch at school just looked disgusting. the entree was usually some kind of meat (which was most of the time smothered in cheese), maybe some bland canned vegetables on the side, some fruit, and a roll or something like that. (greasy) pizza and (deep fried) chicken patty sandwiches were available every day if you didn't want the regular meal, and they always came with french fries. i think they had salad sometimes, but there was a salad bar that was only available to the faculty. so from my own personal experience with school lunch, which seemed to encourage anything but healthiness, it's good to know that some people are trying to fix this problem.

i don't necessarily agree with banning cupcakes, but maybe there shouldn't be so many ultra-processed chemical-laden treats given to kids. there are healthy alternatives that can be offered without compromising taste. :)

This comes at a most appropriate time.  Today was the first day of school and I received a notice about what has been banned to bring to school.  No chocolate bars, hershey kisses, gummy candy, hard candy, marchmellows and candy corn.  We are allowed to bring in homebaked goods made with baking chocolate, but no chocolate chip cookies.

I was taken aback but I realize we all need to do our part and parents are part of the process.