|
Home The Royal Society |
Healthy food must
be the norm at school
The Royal Society of Health today welcomes the tough recommendations made in the School Food Trust report on school food as a vital step towards reducing obesity rates and improving the health of children. Under the School Food Trust's mandatory standards, whilst children are at school they would no longer have access to confectionery and soft drinks, but would have healthier snack options of fruit, vegetables, water, milk, yoghurt and fruit juices. The Royal Society of Health is extremely concerned about the escalating rates of childhood obesity, particularly in line with this week's Health Care Commission report which states that obesity now costs the NHS around £1 billion a year and the UK economy a further £2.3 billion on indirect costs. If the current obesity trends continue it has been estimated that 50% of children will be obese by 2020. Healthier food choices will also help improve children's dental health, reduce future risks of cardiovascular disease and will help children to meet their recommended five portions of fruit and vegetables a day, where currently on average only half the recommended amount is being eaten. The Society believes that public health must be the number one priority in the provision of school food, and certainly must be considered before the needs and profits of the confectionery industry. "For too long now money has been made at the expense of the health of children. It's about time that government, schools and the wider community put public health priorities first. The School Food Trust report to government should not be seen as controversial, it's simply a case of finally putting children's health first, and is applauded from a public health standpoint" said Society Chief Executive Professor Richard Parish. "Everywhere children turn they are confronted with unhealthy food choices. It's vital that at least while they are at school they have an environment where healthy food is the norm." The Royal Society of Health urges government to introduce the advice of the School Food Trust as a matter of priority for the health of children, and the health of the nation in the future. Ends Media Contact Notes for Editors The Royal Society of Health is one of 159 national organisations which
support the Children's Food Bill. The Royal Society of Health is the largest and longest-established public
health organisation in the UK. We were founded in 1876 to promote joined
up thinking between health professionals and we are a networking organisation
that cuts across traditional professional boundaries.
|