According to a report published by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 14 percent of teens in the United States are at risk of developing heart disease, high cholesterol levels and high blood pressure due to being overweight. The development of a more sedentary lifestyle compounded with poor dietary habits are the most obvious reasons for this figure that has tripled in the last 20 years.
The American school system with its rigid schedule and time constraints creates an environment where the on-the-go meal often seems like the best choice to make despite the potential health effects. Aragon has certainly made steps in the right direction with the elimination of soda in the vending machines, the switch to baked chips, the creation of a sustainable garden and the renovation of the kitchens. These are steps in the right direction but there is still more that can be done to address and eventually solve this disconcerting trend.
A project such as this must obtain the proper funding and support if there is to be any chance of success. This is coming on the heels of a $20 billion state deficit that has impeded California’s ability to function properly.
Extensive budget cuts have already taken place to the education system and there are many other concerns that come before student dietary habits on the priority list especially considering how the unhealthy alternatives are usually also the cheaper alternatives.
The key is to show the community and other important groups the immense benefits that can result if such a goal is realized. The Aragon Recycling Club received $1000 from the school district as a reward for saving the district money by recycling. Aragon was the first high school in San Mateo to cultivate its own sustainable garden and the majority of the supplies and money that were used were donated to the effort.
For such an endeavor to gain momentum there must be a sizeable number of students and parents who display their support. The district board of supervisors and school administrators are people in a position to institute reform but there are also student organizations that can be contacted as well.
The Environmental Impact Committee at Aragon works towards increased awareness regarding organic foods and eco-friendliness and it has had many successful projects in the past including the installation of the solar panels in the district and reusable sandwich wrap sales.
The committee has an Idea Bank where EIC members can write down any ideas they have during the year. If the group sees that many students wish to see healthier school food alternatives then they will coordinate with school and district officials to make it a reality.
Individual students can help by making the right decisions and refusing to purchase the foods that are deficient in nutritional value. The rule of supply and demand dictates that those items will eventually be taken off the menu and replaced by the healthier foods that students want to buy.
Whether or not such changes are implemented depends entirely on increased community awareness and push for reform. Only once the populous realizes the error of their ways can there be the revolution towards slow food that will change the way we think and eat for the better.
