Maybe Schools Don’t Control What Kids Eat
26th January 2012
Bans on soda and “junk food” in public schools, while less objectionable than policies aimed at adults, have always struck me as symbolic. Since what kids eat (not to mention how much energy they expend) is determined by so many factors other than what’s available at school, it seems unrealistic to expect that getting rid of vending machines selling candy bars, potato chips, and sugary drinks will have a noticeable impact on their diets or waistlines.
Yeah, but it lets the people in charge Feel Good About Themselves, like they Made A Difference, and that’s all that counts with such people. Such Wellness Theater matches the Security Theater we see at the airports — it doesn’t have any effect, but so long as it looks like something is being done, that’s enough. ‘How can you say we were ineffective? Look at all the stuff we did! Look at all the money we spent!‘