Researchers at Pennsylvania State University found that the percentage of children who had access to candy, soda and chips at school jumped dramatically between fifth and eighth grades — but it didn’t translate into more obese kids; the percentage of students in the survey who were overweight or obese declined between fifth and eighth grades, according to The New York Daily News in New York, N.Y. For the full story, click here.
Editor’s Insight: This study confirms what many vending operators have long believed, which is that they have been unfairly blamed for childhood obesity.
Many have correctly noted that the amount food and beverages consumed at school – from vending machines and cafeterias – is not enough to cause kids to be overweight. Most of what kids eat and drink is consumed outside of the school environment. The health and education communities need to recognize that kids need to be educated about health and nutrition to develop healthier lifestyles. Once they do, obesity rates will decline. 01-20-12 By Elliot Maras
