The recent government regulations are a result of the increasing obesity epidemic affecting school age children in the U.S. With one-third of all students aged 2 to 19 overweight or obese, school systems and health officials are targeting the sources of student meals and ensuring that students have every possible opportunity to eat healthy.

The move toward healthier lunches follows a ban on soda and vending machines that supply sugary and fatty foods. Schools have been scrambling to create educational programs encouraging students to make healthier food choices while making the switch to healthy foods as appealing as possible. Every effort is being made to include the most visually appealing and tasty dishes to promote both the school lunch program and overall healthy lifestyles. Read the full USA Today Article

The article goes on to stress the importance of involving youth early to carry messages of good nutrition habits and regular exercise throughout their lives, highlighting First Lady Michelle Obama’s Let’s Move campaign.

The Prevent Cancer Foundation has advocated and supported eating a healthy diet and regular exercise along with proper medical screenings and not smoking as some of the most important ways to significantly reducing cancer risk. We applaud the Washington Post and the participants of the Future of Food Conference for discussing these key strategies to promote a healthier and happier next generation.

For more information on children’s nutrition and exercise, visit the Foundation’s Healthy Habits for Children and Families section. What are the strategies you use to keep your children eating a healthy diet and exercising regularly?