No More Candy And Junk Food Rewards For Kids!

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Sponsor: The Diabetes Site

Let's not support this long-time trend of junk food rewards.

No More Candy And Junk Food Rewards For Kids!

It’s an all-too-familiar scenario in classrooms or at home: an unhealthy treat is used to get kids to stay on their best behavior or to entice them to strive for the best. With a rising number of children being overweight and diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, it’s no surprise these numbers are so daunting.

Sugar-packed candy and junk food loaded with salt offer cheap, easy, and effective rewards, but create bad eating habits at the most vulnerable stage of a child’s growth. The availability of unhealthy foods is also linked to negative psychological effects on children who are obese or have weight issues—many make the connection that food means love or acceptance.

Sign the pledge for a healthier future.

<p><strong>USDA Implements Healthier School Snacks Across The Nation</strong></p><p>Say good-bye to Cheetos, Doritos, and sugar-filled sodas, and hello to granola bars, trail mix, and baked potato chips. The government has created a new healthy food standard in schools, "The Smart Snacks In School" Nutrition Standard that will offer healthier snack foods for kids, while also limiting junk food served to students.</p><p>Beginning in the 2014-2015 school year, the USDA began implementing the new standard in schools across the nation to hopefully make a dent in childhood obesity. One third of children today under the age of 18 are considered to be overweight or obese, are more likely to inherit preventable diseases like diabetes and heart disease, and may be the first generation to live shorter lives than their parents.</p>

The Petition

<p>We should not support this trend of junk food rewards and must call attention to more health conscious social rewards. In doing so, we will be able to promote and instill healthy habits in our kids today. Making a change starts at home and in the classroom. Make a pledge to your family to live a healthier life and become a great example to your kids.</p><p>I pledge to...</p><p>1. Make a healthy, home-cooked meal that I will eat with my family once or more a week<br>2. Find time to do an outdoor or physical activity to promote the importance of exercise with my kids<br>3. Make sure my children will have a packed lunch focusing on all important food groups<br>4. Talk to my teacher about using alternate rewards, like stickers or fun activity time for good behavior or accomplishments<br>5. Trade in candy rewards for trophies, plaques, ribbons, or certificates recognizing their achievements</p><p>Let's stop the promotion of unhealthy eating habits leading to a diabetes diagnosis in our kids!</p>