| Comment Number: | 516960-00040 |
| Received: | 6/9/2005 4:53:33 PM |
| Organization: | Sodexho School Services |
| Commenter: | Pam Watson |
| State: | MD |
| Agency: | Federal Trade Commission |
| Rule: | Food Marketing to Kids Workshop |
| Docket ID: | To Be Added |
| No Attachments |
Comments:
Sodexho provides more than 2.8 million K-12 school meals each school day across America. Sodexho prepares and serves nutritious, healthy options, including baked (not fried) chicken nuggets, fresh salads, and a variety of fruits and vegetables. Yet many students prefer to eat a la carte items, leave the school campus at lunch or bring lunches from home that are often filled with high-fat, high-sodium items. Sodexho initiated age-specific nutrition-education lessons for the classroom as well as training modules for front-line kitchen staff to help students and staff make healthier lifestyle choices. The company also provides tips and lessons for parents covering food safety, healthy eating habits, and the important of physical activity. Sodexho has been a leader in nutrition education. It encourages staff, clients and students to learn and practice all of the elements in the 2005 Dietary Guidelines for Americans. Efforts to educate these consitituents include printed materials, classroom lesson plans, colorful posters in the school cafeterias to support healthy choices, several Web sites packed with age-specific information, and even a life-sized costumed mascot to help teach elementary students about smart food choices. The company commissioned The Gallup Organization to conduct research with students and parents, and one dramatic data point from the study shows that 90 percent of parents believe there is a direct link between diet and classroom performance. The Journal of American Dietietic Association recently inclulded a study that links breakfast to kids' academic success. These points and many other research reports emphasize the need to educate children and parents about nutrition and healthy lifestyle habits. Sodexho supports industry efforts to self-regulate the marketing of food and beverages to children, and continues its research and programs to advance student learning through proper nutrition. As a registered dietitian, a parent, and the Nutrition Manager for Sodexho School Services, I look forward to contributing and learning during the Food Marketing To Kids session in July.