Eating tasty snacks feels good, but many are not great for our health. Foods high in sugar, salt, and additives can lead to obesity and upset our gut health. Dietitian Alison Meagher from the Scripps Cancer Center highlights that both adults and children are consuming over half their daily calories from processed foods, like sugary drinks and packaged snacks.
Currently, childhood obesity is a big concern. Nearly 1 in 5 kids nationwide is affected, which worries health experts. Ellee Eigoe, the Director of Operations for Food Shed Cooperative, emphasizes the need for change. She notes, “We’ve subsidized a cheap food industry that has hurt small farmers and our community’s health.”
FoodShed San Diego aims to bring fresh, local produce to under-served neighborhoods. Eigoe explains, “Less than 1% of what we grow is consumed in San Diego County.” They source from around 60 small farms and advocate for better community health through local food systems.
There’s hope on the horizon. A new California law will soon phase out certain ultra-processed foods from school meals. However, Eigoe argues that policy needs to be paired with proper resources. Schools also need access to healthy, local foods. “We must align investments in farms with these new policies so that communities have what they need to shift to healthier options,” she adds.
Recent studies show that a focus on fresh produce improves community health. When schools launch farm-to-table programs, kids tend to choose healthier meals. This highlights that the right environment can shape better eating habits.
In conclusion, the food we choose matters. Moving toward local, fresh options can significantly impact health, especially for our children. It’s all about making healthier choices accessible and convenient. If you’re curious to learn more about the benefits of local food systems, check out this report from the CDC.
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childhood obesity ,school lunches,ultra processed food
