Spitzer targets obesity in kids
BY JAMES T. MADORE
james.madore@newsday.com
April 29, 2007
ALBANY -- Alarmed by the explosion in the number of obese children, Gov. Eliot Spitzer unveiled legislation Saturday to inject nutritious food and exercise into public schools.
The bill, which prohibits soda, candy and other junk food, seeks to combat the rising rates of diabetes, heart disease and other illnesses among youngsters. It also includes recess requirements.
If the bill were adopted by the legislature, Spitzer said it would mark the first time in state history that nutrition was required to "be a crucial element of education" in state-funded schools. "Childhood obesity has reached crisis levels," he added.
The school-food initiative is the latest in a raft of proposals Spitzer recently introduced, including legislation to legalize gay marriage, overhaul the court system, change how legislative districts are determined and ease voter registration.
To instill healthy eating habits in kids, Spitzer would require that school meals paid for by the U.S. government be free of trans-fats and low in salt and cholesterol. Snacks would be limited to fruits, vegetables, whole grains and low-fat or nonfat dairy products.
Soda would be banned, leaving only water, 100 percent fruit and vegetable juices and low-fat or nonfat milk. In high schools, students could have decaffeinated coffee and tea for breakfast.
High school students would be limited to sugar-free, noncarbonated beverages after classes end, and sports drinks would be available only to athletes.
Many of these restrictions are contained in a separate bill sponsored by state Sen. Kenneth LaValle (R-Port Jefferson) and Assemb. Sandra Galef (D-Ossining).
"We are on the same page as the governor, and I'm excited about this," LaValle said yesterday, explaining Spitzer's interest increases the likelihood of a bill passing. Still, more regulation is likely to raise the ire of school districts and vending and beverage companies. The state's dairy farmers have derailed some past bills.
LaValle, a former grade-school teacher, acknowledged the obstacles but said action was required to help ill children, particularly those with poor dietary habits stemming from poverty.
Childhood Obesity