Vantage | Why do schools sell junk food while asking children to avoid them?

Do you remember your school canteen? For most of us, it was a happy place—a spot to hang out, chat with friends and grab a breather between classes. But amidst the fond memories lies a troubling reality: the prevalence of junk food in these spaces.

Junk food in school canteens

Across the globe, school canteens often serve up a menu filled with unhealthy options—chips, soft drinks, fried items and various packaged foods. The situation is so pervasive that it has caught the attention of policymakers, particularly in places like California, USA.

In California, there’s a push to ban junk food from schools. This includes popular snacks like Cheetos, Doritos and Fruit Loops, which are laden with artificial dyes and chemicals. Advocates of the ban argue that these ingredients pose significant health risks to children, linking them to various ailments.

While the bill in California is yet to be passed, its significance reverberates globally. It serves as a call to action for schools and governments worldwide to take a stand against the scourge of junk food in educational institutions.

Junk food hazard

But why is junk food such a concern? First and foremost, it lacks nutritional value, often high in fat, salt and sugar while being deficient in essential nutrients like fibre, protein and vitamins. Moreover, its addictive nature and ability to quickly spike energy levels pose serious health risks.

The detrimental effects of junk food extend beyond temporary energy crashes. It can lead to a host of health problems including obesity, diabetes, high cholesterol, heart diseases, strokes and even cancer. Alarmingly, the rates of childhood obesity are on the rise globally, with millions of children suffering from weight-related issues.

Despite efforts to educate children about healthy eating habits, the availability of junk food in school canteens undermines these initiatives. It begs the question: why do schools, which teach against junk food, continue to offer it?

War against junk food

Some countries have made strides in addressing this issue. For instance, Canada and Chile have banned junk food in schools, while Norway restricts its availability to children. Japan, known for its healthy children, attributes its success to a societal war on junk food.

In India, the Food Safety and Standards Authority proposed a ban on junk food in schools, but implementation remains a challenge, particularly in private schools. The burgeoning market for junk food in India further complicates matters, with sales soaring in recent years.

The situation underscores the pivotal role schools play in shaping children’s food choices and habits. By providing healthy alternatives and enforcing regulations, schools can contribute significantly to improving children’s diets and overall well-being.

The battle against junk food in school canteens is not just about food—it’s about safeguarding the health of future generations. Schools must lead by example, prioritizing the well-being of their students over profit margins. Only through concerted efforts and regulatory measures can we create healthier environments for our children to thrive.

Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely that of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstpost’s views.