The New York Times reports this morning that in response to the childhood obesity epidemic in the US, more than half the United States have toughened their regulations about what foods can and cannot be sold in schools, which is resulting in fewer fried foods, smaller servings and no cupcakes.
It is this latter provision, however, that has some parents a little annoyed – since the ritual bringing in of cupcakes to the classroom to celebrate a child’s birthday is something of an American tradition, one that some people feel is being sacrificed on the altar of political correctness.
There is, however, a kind of backlash taking place. The Times writes, “Parents in Texas lobbied to get a “Safe Cupcake Amendment” added to the state’s nutrition policy. The measure, which passed, ensures that parents may bring frosted treats to schools for celebrations.”
It is this latter provision, however, that has some parents a little annoyed – since the ritual bringing in of cupcakes to the classroom to celebrate a child’s birthday is something of an American tradition, one that some people feel is being sacrificed on the altar of political correctness.
There is, however, a kind of backlash taking place. The Times writes, “Parents in Texas lobbied to get a “Safe Cupcake Amendment” added to the state’s nutrition policy. The measure, which passed, ensures that parents may bring frosted treats to schools for celebrations.”
- KC's View:
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Thank goodness.
While these measures and initiatives are all well-intentioned – and I would be the last person to suggest that the slop served in many schools ought to be preserved – the problem with them is that they are all about denial and not really choice.
Kids have to be educated about making more intelligent choices, not just handed dictums about what they can and cannot eat at school. There’s no reason that the lunchroom shouldn’t be turned into an educational experience – not a high-handed one, but one that looks to engage and entertain kids while also enlightening them.
