Healthy diets start in childhood and since children spend 5 days a week in school it's important the school menu accommodates healthy choices.
Most schools incorporate healthy choices now, but inner city schools where money is especially tight, may not be able to provide nutritious meals at all times. Certain foods included on the school lunch menu could be classified as junk foods, as we know these foods generally provide little in terms of a balance of vitamins, minerals, or protein and are often high in saturated fats and sugars.
When junk food is regularly consumed, adverse health impacts can arise and if children access junk food in school, they may not have access to the advice from adults as to whether or not their eating choices are healthy. Unless parents ask, they may assume their children are eating healthy nutritious meals in school.
Junk foods can lead to high levels of cholesterol
But it isn’t just sugar and fat consumption that are concerning when children make junk food a regular part of their diet. These items often contain higher levels of unsaturated fat, which means children may see an increase in their cholesterol levels.
The World Health Organisation reports that higher levels of these food items in the diet creates a higher risk of chronic disease development and stroke later in life. Even the higher levels of salt that are found in processed foods can raise blood pressure levels to increase the chances of heart disease development as well.
Junk foods might lower the IQ level
The nutritional value of the foods that a child eats is directly linked to their brain activity. When junk food is their primary source, fewer nutrients will be made available to the brain. This result can impact their IQ level over time, because the learning process becomes slower. Children only need to eat junk food items three times per week to have a lower IQ level, compared to the kids who do not eat these products as often.
Junk foods may lead to higher levels of gastrointestinal problems
Since 2003, there has been a 114% rise in the cases of irritable bowel diseases requiring hospital admissions for young people in the United Kingdom. This steep rise may have many causes, but eating a lot of junk food could be one of the causes. It is more challenging for the body to process foods that contain high levels of fat. People who eat fast food more than twice a week, increase their risks of developing IBS.
Junk foods can damage the liver and heart
The excessive consumption of junk foods can pose a threat to health in terms of the heart and liver, because of the high levels of salt and fat contained in processed foods. Not only does junk food increase the risk of obesity in today’s adolescents, but it also contributes to higher levels of fatty deposits in the arteries and liver, which can lead to future health issues.
Junk foods can be addictive
Not all schools agree they serve junk food. But any processed foods are considered junk and it those foods that expose children to highly forming habits. The regular consumption of processed food can lead to children becoming addicted to them. With the higher levels of fat, salt, and sugar these foods contain, their unique taste can make it difficult for children to resist eating more of them, more often than they should.
Junk foods in schools can put kids off of healthier choices
Once children form the habit of eating junk foods in school, then it is also possible for them to move away from the desire to eat healthier options. If children eat more unhealthy snacks and processed foods then they are usually eating fewer fruits and vegetables throughout the day. This habit decreases fibre intake, vitamin levels, and lessens the desire to have foods that are considered healthy.
Conclusion
Children who eat healthy nutritious meals in childhood, are more likely to lead a healthier lifestyle as adults. But even without a healthy diet in childhood, there is nothing to stop a child changing their eating habits in their adult lives. It may be harder, because bad habits set in, but it's certainly not impossible.
Source: https://connectusfund.org
I think it's pretty well established that junk food in excess is bad for us, but as an infrequent 'treat' I have no problem with it.
There is no place for high fat/high sugar content food in schools, as there is no regulation as to how often children will eat it and I'm sure the temptation is everyday. On that basis my view is it should be banned.
Also the UK government are controlling the number of fast food outlets close to schools through the planning (zoning) system which is another important measure by which we can limit the amount of junk food children eat. Unless we get this right now, we are looking at a poor health time bomb as children get older.
Thanks. You're right and agree with you.
I remember having that same discussion with a member of staff about school lunches and being told by one member of staff that 'she grew up around eating pudding and sweet stuff' and there was nothing wrong with her. Looking at her, there was a lot to disagree with.
Whilst it's clear people have their opinions and will go with their opinions and there is no governing body willing to substantiate change, I agree with you.
Not all parents will get involved, but for those parents who do, institutions must listen and take head. Since children are in school 5 days a week until at least the age of 16, it is important they eat, healthy and nutritious food.
What they do after that will always be up to them, and since they copy what they see, it is important that we all get it right.