We take the side of organizations and people working to help end childhood obesity. We asked Anupama Joshi, Co-Director of National Farm to School Network, five questions about creating healthy behavior change and her ideas for ending this epidemic in a generation. Here is what she said:
1) Tell us about the work of Farm to School. What do you view as your most significant accomplishments to date?
I serve as the Co-Director for the National Farm to School Network, which has been spearheading the development and promotion of the Farm to School model. Farm to School programs connect K-12 schools with local farms with the objectives of serving healthy meals in school cafeterias; improving student nutrition; providing agriculture, health and nutrition education opportunities; and supporting local and regional farmers. Over the last decade, we have collaborated with organizations across the country to build public and government support for Farm to School. From just a handful to programs in 1997, we have assisted in the establishment of well over 2,000 Farm to School programs in all 50 states.
The National Farm to School Network provides a unified voice from the neighborhood to the nation for Farm to School efforts. For example, the U.S. Department of Agriculture recently initiated a Farm to School Team, which is collaborating with the Network to address administrative barriers to Farm to School. The Network’s launch of “Bearing Fruit,” a report on the impact of Farm to School, has helped secure buy-in from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which now recognizes Farm to School as a community-based solution to obesity prevention. And recently, the Let’s Move campaign is promoting community gardens, school gardens and Farm to School programs in its Take Action section.
2) There are numerous of campaigns today to encourage children to make healthy life choices. But childhood obesity rates continue to climb. What do you think could make these campaigns effective?
There are various factors that need to be addressed to combat childhood obesity. Campaigns and programs tend to focus on individuals and families, but they also need to look at changes at the institutional and environmental levels. Schools and other institutions serving children need to take a stand on better quality foods served in an environment that is conducive to healthy lifestyles – teachers need to model healthy eating and active behaviors, and school activities such as fundraisers should support the same – selling fruits and healthy snacks instead of candy! Rampant advertising of junk food and sodas to young children is another major issue that needs to be addressed.
And, it is a no-brainer that children enjoy learning when it is interactive and fun. Getting kids involved in hands-on activities such as gardening, tasting and cooking healthy foods is a great way to initiate a deeper connection with food and health, that will last a lifetime.
3) Will educating Americans about eating healthy and being physically active be enough to spur a revolution of health conscious communities? What do you think can motivate people to be healthy?
Education is only one part of the solution. Environments and policies that support health are needed. Improved public transportation with a focus on access to healthier food outlets and farmers markets as well as parks and recreational facilities, biking and hiking trails, and open spaces to grow fresh food are all part of the solution. Workplaces can also play a role in incentivizing and promoting healthier lifestyles.
4) What can the average person do to be healthy if they don’t have access to affordable and healthy foods (e.g., live in areas with “Food Deserts”), or have opportunities to be physically active?
Grow your own food – be it on a rooftop, a container garden or at a community garden. Get connected to where your food is coming from. Read labels and if the ingredients don’t make sense – don’t eat it. And most importantly, get cooking! The healthiest food is when you cook it yourself, and it is an efficient use of your food dollars too.
I am not a physical activity expert, but simple lifestyle changes can meet the day’s activity needs. Climb the stairs instead of taking the elevator, walk or bike instead of driving (and you’ll save money!) or just get out and play ball with the kids.
5) If you could create one solution to change the current trend of childhood obesity, what would it be and why?
Farm to School programs in every single school! Connecting with kids early in life about food choices. That’s what I am working on!
For more information about Farm to School, please visit www.farmtoschool.org
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