Explanation:
BANNING JUNK FOOD AND SODAS IN SCHOOLS
Banning of junk foods and sodas in school has been contentious given the benefits and setbacks it has in the economic, social and nutritional aspects. The foods are generally characterized by a low nutritional value and their abundance of salt, sugar and calories. The emphasis on their use in educational institutions is mainly due to the high level of consumption given the large populations in them, and the early exposure to health conditions that are proven to result from junk foods and sodas.
One of the reasons why junk foods and sodas should be banned is because they facilitate health conditions such as obesity, which is a predisposing factor to heart diseases, diabetes and high blood pressure. 20% of adult Americans are obese, and about 300,000 people die annually from complications related with being overweight.
Once young people are encouraged to adopt health foods, future generations will have the culture of eating nutritious foods. It is evident that promoting and selling junk foods and sodas endorse their usage among students. Students spend most of their daytime in schools, an institution that is entrusted with the laying of firm foundations across various aspects, including healthy habits. Consequently, the converse promotion of healthy foods will be quickly embraced by students and hence a healthier society.
However, banning of junk foods and sodas is faced by some issues, the first being the actual definition of junk foods. It is inefficient to just state kinds of junk foods. Contrary, junk foods should be defined from the ingredients since some foods like pizzas can be considerably be either junk or nutritious.
The education system in America is designed to provide for communities control over schools. The control is rooted in democracy. School board members are bestowed with the responsibilities to develop policies that reflect the needs and opinions of the society. As such, the decision on what to be availed to students is determined by the board members, making the decision inapplicably determinable at national levels.
Banning of junk foods and sodas is further limited by the approach in its implementation. The ban includes removing the option for the foods instead of educating on making appropriate healthy choices. Therefore, teaching about nutrition could be a better way of approaching consequences of the use of junk foods and sodas. It is conclusive that the despite the effects of junk foods and sodas being profoundly adverse, banning them in schools may not be an adequate measure of counteracting their use.
