Improving the School Lunch System to Reduce Childhood Obesity

Abstract

Childhood obesity critically affects a child’s health, both physically and mentally. It is one of the leading causes of severe health issues and low self-esteem. One in five children suffer from obesity in the United States, deeming it a critical national concern (CDC, n.d.). The purpose of this research paper is to focus on childhood obesity, a severe health condition and a form of malnutrition that occurs when children are not getting the nutrients necessary for a balanced diet. This growing concern connects to the second United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) of hunger and malnutrition, the third SDG of good health and well-being, the fourth SDG of quality education, and the tenth SDG of reduced inequalities, all of which our solutions will target. Our research focuses on trends that connect childhood obesity to the school lunch system, such as resource availability, socioeconomic status, and eating disorders. To address these issues, we will promote the implementation of quality farm-to-school (F2S) initiatives to foster partnerships between local farmers, schools, government agencies, and stakeholders to create sustainable programs. The hypothesis is if educational programs and partnerships are implemented, the likelihood of childhood obesity affecting children will decrease, as well as its physical and mental effects. To investigate our research problem, we utilized the database Google Scholar. We searched for specific keywords that would produce the most relevant results, such as “low-income families'', “school lunches and obesity,” and “farm-to-table programs.” This method allowed us to collect a variety of primary and secondary sources, which helped justify our proposed solutions to improve inefficient farm-to-school programs. It is vital to prioritize low-income communities, health education, and government incentives to form long-lasting partnerships between local farms and schools. Through government funding initiatives to provide balanced meals, reimburse underprivileged communities, and implement nutrition lessons, mutually beneficial partnerships through farm-to-school programs can be formed. By considering these factors, childhood obesity will be significantly reduced in the United States, thus improving the country's overall health.