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The following article was published on the School Nutrition Association's Web site. While the health implications of the increasing childhood obesity crisis are well understood, recent data released by the School Nutrition Association (SNA) indicate the crisis has far-reaching adverse effects on academic performance and financial resources for school districts across the country. The data, released in an association meeting with fifteen major food companies, known as Industry Boot Camp: Understanding The School Foodservice & Nutrition Market, indicate poor nutrition and lack of exercise lead to poor concentration, lower test scores and higher absenteeism. Even more concerning, according to the Association, is that the average school district loses $95,000-$160,000 in lost staff time due to students needing more academic assistance. “We’re seeing the childhood obesity crisis affecting schools and students in dramatic ways,” Karen Johnson, SNA President said. “Our members are on the front lines of providing nutritious meal programs in an effort to curb the crisis.” The National School Lunch Program serves low-cost or free lunch meals in age-appropriate serving sizes to more than 29 million children each day. The Association encourages school districts to establish healthy school environments by making more nutritious food and beverage choices available and adopting marketing strategies to promote those choices. “School districts, including teachers, students and parents, can help stem the obesity crisis and its consequences by encouraging healthy choices both in school meal programs and at home,” says Johnson. The School Nutrition Association (formerly ASFSA) is a national, non-profit professional organization representing more than 55,000 members who provide high-quality, low-cost meals to students across the country. The Association and its members are dedicated to feeding children safe and nutritious meals. Founded in 1946, SNA is the only association devoted exclusively to protecting and enhancing children’s health and well being through school meals and sound nutrition education.
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