Abortion, a decision for the woman or a matter of politics.

School Meals

As the influence of America increases, and fast food is becoming more popular, our health is also following that of our closest allies. Within the last week the British Government has issued startling facts about the young of today. In the U.K one in five children are obese and the number of obese six-year olds has risen by 8.5%. These facts paint an ominous looking future. Not only does obesity contribute to someone loosing seven years of his or her life, but we the public also suffer. Currently obese related illnesses costs the taxpayer 2.6 billion pounds. If the numbers steadily increase it will put a large strain on our already fragile health system.

Computer games, and lack of exercise all contribute but a lot of blame is put onto schools. Parents can no longer monitor what their child is eating, and fattening foods are readily available. But are the schools helping? The answer is no. The temptation to gain profit through serving poor quality foods laden with fat, sugar, and salt is far more persuasive than selling less popular fruit or vegetables.

As the cost of poor quality food gradually increases, little emphasis is put on healthy eating. The government, after following Scotland's example has recently released an initiative for schools to educate their pupils in nutrition and also modify what they are selling. But is this enough? Although particular schools including Bishop Heber take an active interest, for example omitting fizzy drinks, the cheaper option of chips is always more favored to bruised, unappealing fruit and vegetables.

One possible solution is not only to have a healthier menu, but also offer free fruit and vegetables. More people would be encouraged to eat healthier, and in the long run it would be far cheaper than paying millions into the health care for generations to come. Lower sugar levels would also contribute to better behaviour, and immunity would become greater with the extra vitamins. This would in turn improve attendance levels.

Finally, due to my general knowledge and traveling experience, it is obvious to me that Sweden and Italy eat much healthier than the UK as a whole. After it was revealed that prisoners’ lunches cost twenty-nine pence more than a child's lunch, I'll leave you with this question. In European schools is the school menu similar or different to the UK?