Essay: Good Food And Bad Food

Good Food Bad Food Essay
Students have a reputation for unhealthy eating. Teenagers dig in to sugary sweets and bags of chips constantly, eating whenever they have a chance. In fact, snacking in class is not uncommon, but the probability of these in class treats being healthy is slim. While the "Freshman Fifteen" is an accepted reality in college, it should not be a problem that exists in this culture, especially now since this issue has trickled down to the high school level. In the article "Bad Food? Tax It, and Subsidize Vegetables" Mark Bittman explains that obesity levels in the U.S. have risen immensely since the 1970s and now the problem is out of control. Childhood Obesity is a dangerous issue that threatens the lives of one in three

Of the 30 students who said they ate fast food, 11 admitted to eating it more than once a week. These numbers are ridiculously high. Not only is the school lunch program here at Liberty allowing for students to basically eat a fast food equivalent, due to the levels of fats and sugars in the meals provided, but students themselves are not aiding their own health by consuming fast food on a whim. So, the school is not completely to blame for the obesity epidemic plaguing teen students, specifically in America. Students in high school are on the verge of becoming legal adults, and while they may not be forced at the moment to take responsibility for their well being and health, at some point teens in this country must realize that health is important and should be taken seriously in the form healthful eating, whether that food is provided for them or they make the choice themselves.
As Mark Bittman, a New York Times journalist, stated in his article, "Bad Food? Tax It, and Subsidize Vegetables" it may not be a bad idea for this school to boost the prices of the high sugar, high fat foods served at lunch, which will make healthier foods more desirable since they will be sold at a lower price. But also by doing this, the unhealthy foods will still be available to those who choose to eat that way. But if the healthier food options are more readily available,

In England, the government has implemented a system that promotes healthful eating and awards schools that go above and beyond to help students live a healthful lifestyle, starting with diet. These schools are awarded either a gold, silver or bronze award based on what criteria they have met. Based on the fact that this has worked across the pond, perhaps the Liberty Union High School district could start a similar process, awarding schools within this district when they reach the achievements or meet milestones set in place that will help improve health habits that are possessed by the students here in the U.S.
If rewards and punishments are what are Liberty High School needs in order to better the health of its students then that might be a necessary evil. But in order to fix this obesity epidemic long term, the both students, parents, and administrators of both this high school and this district all need to work together for the betterment of the students at Liberty High School. Small changes can make a huge difference and all that has to happen is for ground to be broken on this serious