Dear Editor:

I have recently seen on the news how Illinois plans to join eight other states in restricting or eliminating fatty foods in schools. This means that this will affect the school lunches that are served, and it will remove all vending machines from school premises.

With the overwhelming quantity of overweight/obese children in our society, I truly think that this is a great idea. I understand the school’s concerns when it comes to pricing. But is there a price on our children’s health?

It is said that 14 percent of children between the ages of 6 and 17 are overweight. An alarming 11 percent of this age group of children is considered to be obese. With how our society eats and exercises nowadays, it’s no wonder.

If the children of our society were to consume less fat, consume the appropriate sized meals and spend more time being active, they would definitely benefit. By everyone making simple changes, steps can be made to fight this rising epidemic.

Society needs to be aware of this problem and take a stand against it. Parents as well as schools need to make changes so that it can promote a better life for the youth of our country.

Katie Fletcher

sophomore studying early childhood