New York Governor Spitzer Urges Legislature To Pass Healthy Schools Act

Law Would Help Combat Childhood Obesity and Promote Healthy Lifestyles

September 27, 2007 -- New York Governor Eliot Spitzer today visited John Walton Spencer Elementary School in Rochester to urge the State Legislature to pass the Healthy Schools Act, which would help combat childhood obesity and promote healthy lifestyles for children across New York.

“By promoting healthier learning environments, this legislation gives children the chance to develop healthy habits early on that will impact the rest of their lives,” said Governor Spitzer. “Rather than having to focus on the daily distractions and chronic diseases associated with caffeine and sugar, students will be able to concentrate on learning the skills necessary to compete in today's innovation economy. I urge the Legislature to pass this common sense legislation that will have a lasting impact on public health in New York State.”

The major provisions of the Healthy Schools Act include:

* Prohibiting the sale of soda and candy in schools;
* Requiring the State Education Department, in consultation with the Department of Health, to create regulations establishing nutritional and dietary standards for foods and beverages sold, served or offered in elementary and secondary schools;
* Requiring that the standards set limits on cholesterol, sodium, fat, sugar, and calories, determine appropriate serving sizes, and ban artificial trans fatty acids; Requiring that fruit with no added sweeteners be offered at breakfast and lunch, that non-fried vegetables be offered at lunch, and that half of all grain products served be whole grains;
* Requiring school districts to establish a school breakfast program in middle schools and high schools that participate in the federal school lunch program; and
* Requiring districts to develop local school wellness policies to ensure community involvement in considering ways to create healthier schools, including how to increase opportunities for physical activity during the school day.

The Healthy Schools Act represents a key component of the Governor’s Children’s Agenda. In June, Governor Spitzer signed an Executive Order creating a Children’s Cabinet to oversee the implementation of his efforts to improve the lives of children in New York. Among the Cabinet’s top priorities are instituting universal pre-kindergarten and providing health insurance to all of New York’s children.

The Healthy Schools Act is one of several important proposals by the Governor that await action by the Legislature. Others include the fast-track siting of new power facilities to meet critical capacity needs, paid family leave, Wick’s Law reform, campaign finance reform, and legislation regarding the sale of violent video games to minors. More than 70 of Governor Spitzer’s nominees are also pending confirmation votes in the State Senate, including nominees for the state’s main Economic Development agency and the board of the State University of New York.

Source: New York Governor

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