A recent survey says most school children like munching junk food as compared to eating healthy food. Are parents concerned?
DNA found that most of the parents in city want school authorities to join the mission of raising awareness on unhealthy foods that make kids ill and frail. Most school children in the city munch junk food items including chips, fries, burgers, samosas, noodles finds a recent survey conducted by Association of Chambers of Commerce and Industries (Assocham).
The survey reveals that 55 percent of children spend about 800 to 1000 per month in school canteens buying junk food. DNA caught up with parents’ on the matter and many of them agreed that they are having tough time to deal with their kids who love to chomp away fast food. They had a common concern that the school authorities must remain vigilant and ban sale of junk food items in their campus; this step can help parents handling children on the issue.
AVANI THAKKAR, home-maker says, “My six-year-old daughter loves to eat chips and pasta, but I am able to control her eating habits as her school canteen only offers healthy food items and I have made a rule in my house that allows her to eat junk food only twice a month. This tight vigil helps only because her school canteen co-operates.”
POOJA TATSAT, writer, says, “I have a tough time handling my seven-year-old son’s preference for junk food. I give him butter-milk, lemonade or coconut water when he demands a cola; and offer him bhakhari instead of biscuits. I constantly try to educate him on healthy food options and what are unhealthy choices. However, if his school authorities also join in this endeavour and decide to not sell unhealthy food items in the canteen, then it would be easy to disciple his food habits.”
ROOPAL GANJWALA,designer, says, “My kids (8, 12) rave for junk food like pasta, pizza, burgers. I am a foodie myself however, we follow strict rules. From Monday to Friday, no one eats junk food, but on weekends I allow kids to eat whatever they want. This strategy works as their school canteen provides healthy options on the menu.”
