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[av_heading heading=’EDITORIAL | No junk food allowed’ tag=’h3′ style=’blockquote modern-quote’ size=” subheading_active=’subheading_below’ subheading_size=’15’ padding=’10’ color=” custom_font=”][/av_heading]

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Thursday, June 8, 2017
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TOWARDS a healthy food environment, particularly in schools now that classes have resumed, school administrators should strengthen the implementation of Department of Education (DepEd) Order No. 8, Series of 2007 which states that “school canteens shall serve as a venue for developing desirable eating habits of pupils/students.”

In the DepEd guidelines, only nutrient-rich food such as root crops, noodles, rice and corn products in native preparation, fruits and vegetables in season, and fortified food products labeled rich in protein, energy, vitamins and minerals shall be sold in the school canteen. Beverages, on the other hand, shall include milk, shakes and juices prepared from fruits and vegetables in season.”

The guidelines also prohibit the sale of carbonated drinks, sugar-based synthetic or artificially flavored juices, junk foods and any food product that may be detrimental to the child’s health.

We have to stir up interest and support for healthy school snacks and drinks as a way of reducing children’s consumption of junk food  that are high in fat, sugar and salt, which can lead to overweight and obesity problems at an early age. Obesity can result to related non-communicable diseases, hence the need to actively promote healthier foods, as well as regular physical activities, among our kids.  

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), childhood obesity is associated with a higher chance of obesity, premature death and disability in adulthood. But in addition to increased future risks, obese children experience breathing difficulties, increased risk of fractures, hypertension, early markers of cardiovascular disease, insulin resistance and psychological effects.

Data from the 8th National Nutrition Survey of the Food and Nutrition Research Institute (FNRI) showed a rise in overweight and obese Filipinos from 16.6 percent in 1993 to 31.1 in 2013. The overweight and obesity prevalence was five percent among children aged five to 10 and 8.3 percent for teenagers aged 10 to 19.  

Aside from physical inactivity, changing dietary patterns, child under-nutrition, and poor breastfeeding practices are possible reasons for the steady rise of obesity in the country.

Creating a healthy food environment is thus important not only at home but also in school. These two are the largest sources of food access for children.

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