Senator Joyce’s Bill Calls for Nutrition Education Programs in Massachusetts Public Schools

The following is a press release issued by the office of Senator Brian A. Joyce:

With the number of overweight children nearly tripling over the last 30 years, re-filed legislation this session that would mandate nutrition education programs in Massachusetts’ public schools. 

Joyce’s bill, S.211 An Act to Establish School Nutrition Education Classes, was heard by the Joint Committee on Education on September 20, 2011.

“Children need to understand that their food choices directly impact their health, and we have a responsibility to teach them how to make informed decisions,” said Senator Joyce.

Currently, childhood obesity significantly increases the risk of many serious health conditions, including Type 2 diabetes, arthritis, asthma, and hypertension.

In 2009, Massachusetts spent an estimated $296 per person on medical costs related to obesity, according to a study from the American Public Health Association in collaboration with the United Health Foundation and the Partnership for Prevention.

Senator Joyce’s bill seeks to develop effective health decision-making skills and improve eating habits among students, while simultaneously keeping long-term obesity-related healthcare costs low.

Students enrolled in grades one through nine would be required to attend 45-minute weekly classes dedicated to nutrition education and physical fitness guidelines.

These classes would include organic food awareness, dietary fiber and general nutrition health guidelines, as well as the dangers of cigarettes, alcohol and fast food establishments.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s 2010 Massachusetts data indicates that 37% of adults were considered overweight and another 24% were considered obese.

Youth are also at risk. The 2009 Massachusetts Youth Risk Behavior Survey indicates that among high school students, 11% were obese.

Nutrition education and healthier eating habits can increase overall student performance and attention spans and decrease irritability, fatigue, and other concentration problems associated with inadequate nutrition. Research shows that school-based programs can increase physical activity and improve nutrition among students.