Junk food has always been the favorite food for youngsters especially schoolchildren as there are a variety of supplies from the school canteens. Junk food can be defined as foods with insufficient nutrients and it is not good for our health (Tran 2005). Junk foods also contain synthetic additives to level up their attractiveness and to expand its expiry date (Smith 2005). Research shows that chips, biscuits, cookies, hamburgers, soft drinks, instant noodles and confectionery are unhealthy (Health Foundation 2005). The issue of banning school canteens from selling junk food has raised a heated debate among the society. The fright of health issues, behavioural problems and litter problems which are caused by the consumption of junk food have my word on believing that the sale of junk food should be banned.
Fingers are pointing at junk food for causing childhood obesity due to the distinctively low nutritional value and contains inedible synthetic additives (Smith 2005). Over the past 30 years, the healthy food eaten by Australian youngsters has plummeted which can be due to the increasing supplies of junk food (Tran 2005). According to Tran (2005), more than 50 per cent of schoolchildren nowadays purchase their lunch from school canteens which mostly comprise of junk food. This gives us an idea of the most common scenario is a child who is munching on junk food and quenching a can of soft drinks during recess. Tran (2005) also provided evidence from Professor Steven Reynolds who indicates that school canteens providing unhealthy foods are promoting youth obesity. This is further worsened when most youngsters do not exercise regularly.
Other than that, poor eating habits of children can induce unhealthy growth and reduce their learning potential as junk foods often consist of chemical enhancers which can lead to behavioural problems (The Food Show 2005). According to Smith (2005), behavioural problems in children like hyperactivity and poor concentration are results shown from the additives. Since junk food is convenient and is easily available from schools, children are unaware of the havoc they are creating for themselves (Tran 2005). Consequently, the removal of junk foods from school canteen shows noticeable improvement in student’s behaviour (Green 2005).
From a wider perspective, the sale of junk food in schools can also create litter problems as most junk foods come in pre-packaged meals and canned drinks (Smith 2005). This problem is faced by the schools as plastic packages and cans can be seen lying around the school compound (Green 2005). As a result from littering, schools may be facing health risk, spend more than usual to clean the compounds and may even give a bad impression (Smith 2005). When junk foods are removed, the litter around the school has diminished. The cleaning cost saved can be spent on other beneficial maintenance projects (Green 2005).
In conclusion, I stand for the banning of the sales of junk food in school canteens as excessive consumption of junk foods may lead to obesity which has a direct impact on future risks for heart disease, osteoarthritis and cancers, and also behavioural problems. Schools may also encounter opportunity cost due to litter problems. Children must know that what they eat affects their future growth, thus a school cannot neglect their responsibility and drop the buck at food, instead schools need to take up its’ role to assail the problems. The school canteen should be utilized to educate healthy eating habits (Tran 2005).
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