I just got this email from a moderate Republican woman I raised money for. She got elected to the California Assembly. She is promoting the following bill in the California Assembly. I just now found out about it, and I have no idea who else supports it. Anybody want to guess what percentage of Republicans and Democrats support it? I could see people from both parties going either direction on this one. Any predictions? (I can see the logic in it, but do we really want to force health food on our children when I don't eat it myself).
Supporters of AB 569 (Garcia):
We need your help!!!
AB 569 has recently come under fire from opposition intent on keeping California Public School students SICK and FAT!
California has the second highest rate of overweight and low income children. Since the 1970's childhood obesity has doubled for pre-schoolers, aged 2-5 and adolescents aged 12-19. The rate has tripled for children aged 6-11!
Childhood obesity is resulting in heart disease, diabetes, hyper-tension and reduced life-spans.
This is not surprising considering Public Schools push Junk Foods - bags of chips, cookies and candy - instead of nutritious meals. In fact, some school districts rely on these sales for more than 50% of their budgets!
AB 569 is a common sense solution to the obesity crisis by requiring schools to be Pro-active participants. It would eliminate the sale of junk foods during regular breakfast and lunch periods and allow only for the sale of nutritionally balanced meals.
The opposition claims they need the money JUNK FOOD SALES generate to keep people employed. THIS IS SIMPLY NOT TRUE! Many school districts throughout the state have already moved towards healthier foods on their menus resulting in increased participation in the free and reduced lunch programs and increased revenue.
Proper nutrition should be our goal - and we should stop balancing budgets on the bellies of our children.
Please forward this email to your members and call, email or call members of the Assembly that will be voting on this issue tomorrow. A link is attached for your convenience.
www.asm.ca.gov
Our children are counting on you!
