Child Obesity and Schools

I was watching a program on CNBC today about child obesity and the roles that schools play.  There was a school that served snacks to children before school that included both nutritious snacks and candy bars.  Some of the questions asked were: Why would the school serve these snacks to children, especially at the start of the school day; and, Would they serve their own children candy bars for breakfast?  The answers were astounding.  The principal stated that parents should teach their children to have better choices.  He also stated that he would not serve these items to his own children for breakfast.  I am sorry, but children are just that, children.  If they are offered candy in the morning, most would go for it.  Why offer it, is the question. 

There were also schools that paid private companies to provide healthy lunches to their students.  These schools went above and beyond what the government pays in to ensure that their students received a healthy meal.  The company would create foods that were both enticing to the eye and healthy.  The students seemed to enjoy them.  As a parent and adult, we all play an important role in ensuring the welfare of each child.  It has always amazed me how the costs involved in eating more healthy meals outweigh the costs of eating foods that can ultimately kill us if eaten excessively. 

The story went on to talk about the increases in children getting diabetes and heart attacks.  It is a sad state of affairs.  Everyone has to be accountable.