Improvement for kid’s meals?

Guest Blogger: Georgianna Mann – PhD Candidate (HNFE)

Georgianna Mann is a PhD candidate working with Dr. Elena Serrano on school food policy. She is interested in the effects of new snack regulations that limit the foods and beverages in schools and how these affect product availability and students’ diets.

“What kind of soda would you like with your kid’s meal?” is a question that Davis, California is trying to make historic.

In December of 2014, officials in the town made a push to create an ordinance to make water or milk first to children and only offer the sweet liquid if parents ask for it. It does not ban soda no is it aggressive, but it is an approach that, in schools, has shown to work. When children are offered items, even fruits and vegetables, they consume more. When they are not offered specific items, they consume less. It is a relatively intuitive process: when it is there, it will be eaten. It is a concept that has made Wansink so incredibly popular.

Officials, despite some avid support, are doubtful that the ordinance will pass. Although the city already has some limits on sweetened drinks in public parks, passing regulations on these beverages elsewhere (New York, San Francisco) has been difficult. Restaurants are a whole different ball game.

Other options are to make the “milk and water first” proposal a choice for restaurants. This way, those who comply will receive positive press. In the mind of a business owner this means free advertising.

Regardless of the outcome when the matter is voted on, the issue of America’s sweet tooth gains publicity which itself can increase awareness on the issue.

Source: http://www.sacbee.com/news/local/health-and-medicine/article4472274.html