Question #3
If this study’s results accurately portray the disparity between dietary intake quality of low-income urban African-American adolescents and the national average, should the amount of funding schools receive from the government for nutrition programs or interventions vary depending on the socioeconomic, racial, and/or geographic demographics of the school population?
posted by Anna Taylor @ 6:20 PM
18 comments
18 Comments:
This is a great question. I don't necessarily think that the amount of funding should vary depending on all of these variables because I think that populations of lower economic status typically need more education on nutrition and healthy eating, but populations of higher economic status are also overweight/obese. I think that some populations (lower income) are truly oblivious to what are "healthy options" and how to access affordable healthy food items, but then there are some populations (higher income) that know what the "healthier options" are, but still choose food items that are higher in fat, sugar, salt etc. because they are quick/convenient and cheap. It is obvious with current research that everyone in our country needs to be educated or "re-educated" on what is healthy and what is not healthy. If there were an abundance of money to go around then I would probably say that the amount of funding should vary according to these variables, but that is not the case. I think it is only fair that government funding is distributed evenly across the board regardless of a person's socioeconomic status, race/ethnicity, and/or geographic location because everyone needs up-to-date nutrition knowledge.
I think the results of this study are very important and eye opening, but overall, the HEI scores of these individuals were not much lower than the national average. I think every school could benefit from more funding when it comes to nutrition education. I don’t think the results of this study necessitate an increase in funding for this specific population and geographic area alone. Not discrediting the results, but there are many other areas in the U.S. where children are not consuming an adequate diet. I think that schools in these low-income areas need to focus more of the resources they currently have to educating on overall health and if other funds become available, it would be wise to use them to supplement what they are already doing.
I am going to have to agree with Melanie and Rose and say that a majority of Americans need help when it comes to healthier eating, not just low-income individuals. Unfortunately, this is not a perfect world and we do not have a perfect government so I think that the funding should be distributed based on need. Schools should have to meet certain criteria to qualify for the funding such as their location, the SES of their students and also what other nutritional means are available to them outside of the school. I don't think that an upper class school surrounded by health clubs, wellness centers, grocery stores, safe outdoor trails and health food stores meet the same needs as a school that is in an intercity, lower class neighborhood surrounded by fast food restaurants, convenience stores and taverns. So if there was extra funding to be distributed amongst schools for nutrition programs then I think everyone should get a share but those students, such as the ones in this study, should be able to apply for a little more.
I definitely think the funding schools receive should vary depending on the demographics of the school population. Not only would this funding benefit nutrition education, it would benefit the children in all areas, such as acquiring school supplies. This is difficult though, because every school should include nutrition education into their curriculum and most schools are in need of funding independent of their geographic location.
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Liz you make a good point and I agree that nutrition education should be a component in every school. I think it is a difficult question to answer because I can see it from both sides, but ultimately I do think that the funding should be disbursed evenly since almost all school systems are in need of funding.
Yes, I believe it should. If the amount of funding is not based on certain demographics, some children may never have the opportunity to be exposed to a healthy lifestyle. If the goal is to make all children/adolescents have the same nutrition and nutrition education opportunities, then it goes without saying, that some may need more help.
I am bouncing back and forth on this question. First of all, I do not feel as though HEI scores are an appropriate benchmark for funding. I am not sure of the significance of this HEI score difference especially considering the low income urban African-American adolescents were compared to a national average of 95% white adolescents. I also do not think racial status should be considered AT ALL for funding of nutrition programs/intervention in schools.
Bethany made a good point in saying that the majority of Americans need help in regards to nutrition, not just those falling under these demographics. It would be next to impossible to get government funding for all schools to have this programs.
I would also like to add that government funding for education based off of the standards-based education reform does not contend a national achievement standard; standards are set by each individual state. This would mean that we cannot base funding solely on these demographics 1. If we are comparing them to a 95% white standard results 2. If we are comparing to a national standard
I could not agree with Rose more in saying that these schools need to utilize the resources they already have to educate on better choices. Maybe including more nutrition education in the curriculum would be a good route.
I think a good area of nutrition to focus on with government involvement in schools is changing the school lunch nutrition requirements for all schools. Mozzarella sticks should not qualify as a main entree.
Great Question, Anna. The results of this study certainly provides the statistics to rationalize distributing government spending based on socioeconomic/geographic demographics. I think the opportunity to learn about nutrition and healthy eating, and a nutritious meal provided for breakfast and lunch. Melanie raises a good point, many people of low SES may be oblivious; however, many simply lack the resources to access a healthy lifestyle.
Amy, great point. HEI scores alone cannot warrant a redistribution of resources. However, it does highlight the need for further research in this area.
Amy, I never really thought of it like that! You make a very realistic point when arguing that each state would need to be involved in this research. This study could be useful for Illinois but no where else so I am going to have to agree with Sarah that much more research needs to be done in this area to generate a plausable answer.
Amy - I completely agree with you that more changes need to be made within the current requirements for school lunch. Mozzarella sticks and a lot of the breakfast foods served should not be considered part of a "healthy" meal. This is definitely an area which needs restructuring in order to change adolescents' view of proper nutrition.
I think that funding should vary based on who needs it the most, so by the schools’ average SES. I don’t think race or geographical location should have anything to do with funding. If the children at a school come from affluent backgrounds and are raised in households where fresh foods are plentiful and they are involved in many activities, then they will not benefit from the funding as much as children who come from families that cannot afford those things.
Melanie and Rose, you bring up a good point that most children in this country would benefit from programs that promote healthy eating and physical activity. Though I think it is very important that kids from a lower SES background are given the opportunity to learn about healthy foods and exercise, most children will benefit from this.
Meredith made a good point that if funds are not based on SES, racial, and/or geographic demographics some children will always be at a disadvantage. Some children are already knowledgeable about nutrition and health, so funding would be beneficial to those in the disadvantaged group. But with that said, I still believe all children would benefit from more nutrition education.
In my opinion, funding should be provided to all schools equally. Judging by the rise in childhood obesity across the board, all children could benefit from education on healthy eating. Also, funding for the school lunch program would be helpful since there is a real opportunity there to lead by example by providing more healthy options.
Rose:
You bring up a great point that all schools could benefit from more funding but they could focus on different aspects of healthy eating based on their learning needs due to SES.
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