Re: TDA Nutrition Policy



American Cancer Society, Texas Division

"Scientific evidence suggests that about one-third of the cancer deaths that occur in the United States each year are due to nutrition factors, including obesity. For most Americans who do not use tobacco, dietary choices and physical activity become the most important modifiable determinants of cancer risk. Therefore, the American Cancer Society applauds this stronger child nutrition policy by the Texas Department of Agriculture.
"Children who learn to live healthy live longer and are better learners. Since dietary patterns are established very early in life, it is critical that our schools, in partnership with parents, play a significant role in helping our youth develop healthful nutrition and daily physical activity lifestyles. This new policy by the Texas Department of Agriculture is a significant step forward in making our schools part of the solution. Although this policy is not ideal, it reflects a step forward toward what we trust will be progressive improvements in school health programming for Texas."
Mike Hill, Associate V.P. for School and Youth Systems

Baylor College of Medicine

"I not only approve these policies but also applaud your efforts in this area. Obesity and its co-morbidities are rampant throughout our school system in Texas. We have to start preventing this disease to protect both our children as well as our society. These initial efforts of yours are a giant step in the right direction."
Dr. William Klish, Professor of Pediatrics

Texas Association for School Nutrition

"The Texas Department of Agriculture's new school nutrition policy will undoubtedly play a pivotal role in reducing obesity beginning with childhood obesity. The policy provides guidance for the modeling of good nutrition and, partnered with the modeling of other aspects of a healthy lifestyle, will aid schools in their efforts to improve education while simultaneously enhancing the short- and long-term health of school age children. The Texas Association for School Nutrition fully supports TDA's efforts to improve the lifestyles of Texas school children."
Ron Clark, President

Texas Department of Health

"Childhood obesity and obesity-related problems are reaching epidemic levels in Texas. If we don't act now to tackle these problems, both individual Texans and the state will be faced with a healthcare crisis of enormous proportions. The nutrition policy from the Texas Department of Agriculture is an important first step, and I applaud the efforts and contributions of all those who are working to ensure a healthy food environment in our schools."
Dr. Eduardo Sanchez, Commissioner

Texas Department of Insurance

"Future healthcare costs for obesity and related diseases are expected to increase dramatically, having a direct impact on insurance premiums paid by individuals and Texas businesses. By addressing the problem of obesity now in our schools, we are not only promoting and encouraging a healthier lifestyle in our students, but also we are trying to keep future healthcare costs under control. I fully support the Texas Department of Agriculture and all who worked on this policy."
Jose Montemayor, Commissioner

Texas Dietetic Association

"The Texas Dietetic Association supports a policy that establishes a safe, healthy, and nutritious school environment where students will have an opportunity to learn and practice making healthy food choices. The prevalence of overweight and obesity in children and adolescents has more than doubled since 1976 and is still on the increase. There are many factors for childhood obesity. This new policy includes food, nutrition, and environmental factors. We are making the impossible possible. The policy is a positive message."
Lillian L. Reyes-Gates, MS, RD, LD, President

Texas School Health Association

"As school health education professionals, our members see the impact obesity has on Texas schoolchildren every day. We are seeing adult diseases in children we didn't have decades ago. The new school nutrition policy will go a long way in helping combat the obesity epidemic that is putting the health of our schoolchildren at risk. Classroom health instruction, physical activity and healthful nutrition are essential for positive results."
Dr. Dickie Hill, President

U.S. Department of Agriculture

"The U.S. Department of Agriculture has made promoting a healthy lifestyle and combating obesity a priority, especially in our youngest, most impressionable and vulnerable citizens -- the children. Our child nutrition programs provide us with an opportunity to positively impact the health of children by encouraging schools to create a healthy school environment, improve physical fitness and provide nutritious meals that meet the dietary guidelines.
"We have reviewed your policy and fully support your implementation of this action to combat childhood obesity and nutrition-related diseases by improving the nutrition environment in Texas schools. We believe this policy will promote student participation in the federal Child Nutrition Programs and sends a message to schools, parents and communities that good nutrition is vital to the health and well-being of the state's children. The Texas Department of Agriculture is to be commended for taking this positive action that will greatly benefit the schoolchildren in Texas."
William E. Ludwig, Regional Administrator Food and Nutrition Service