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Argumentative Essay on Why Junk Food Should Be Banned in Schools

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junk food banned in schools essay

Should we ban junk food in schools? We asked five experts

junk food banned in schools essay

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Obesity rates are on the rise in Australia and across the world . For years, public health and medical groups have called for schools to ban sales of junk foods as one way to stem the tide.

Selling fatty or sugary food and drinks has been banned in Western Australia’s public schools since 2007. A 2018 study found WA children were eating healthier as a result of the ban. But it also found some regional schools were struggling to comply with it.

Some countries, including Canada and Chile , have banned junk food in schools. Should Australia do the same?

We asked five experts.

Four out of five experts said yes

junk food banned in schools essay

Here are their detailed responses:

If you have a “yes or no” education question you’d like posed to Five Experts, email your suggestion to: [email protected]

junk food banned in schools essay

Disclosures: Gary Sacks receives funding from the National Heart Foundation of Australia, the National Health and Medical Research Council, and VicHealth.

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Junk Food in Schools: Good or Bad for Children? Essay

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Introduction

The arguments for junk food at schools, the arguments against junk food at schools, the rebuttal of the advantages of junk food, the rebuttal of disadvantages of junk food.

Junk food has become very popular nowadays especially among children. Children really like junk food and as a result junk food are provided at school. Is it good or bad for children? There are advantages as well as disadvantages of junk food in schools.

There are three main advantages of junk food in schools namely quick preparation, change in routine and benefits for children’s health (Borkar, 2011). One of the main advantages of junk food is that it is simple to cook and it satiates hunger. If any child forgets his/her lunch bag at home it is very convenient to have junk food for lunch at school (Maire, n.d.). More than that, it is delicious and liked by children. It is the food that is easy to eat even on the go. As a result, junk food saves a lot of time and it is very convenient at schools where the breaks are not so long to have a rigorous lunch (Jenkins, 2005).

The second advantage is the change in routine. Children are accustomed to the food prepared at home and junk food at school may add the variety to their routine menu (Antwerp, n.d.). It does not have serious effects on the health if it is varied with the food prepared at home.

The third advantage is that it is healthy. Of course, there are cases when junk food is prepared with unhealthy ingredients and oil but there is also healthy junk food that may be eaten by children. If such junk food as potato chips or juice are available at school’s children will be protected from unhealthy food proposed outside the boundaries of the school ( Pros & Cons of Fast Foods in School, n.d.).

As for the disadvantages of junk food at schools, they are obesity, the influence over the students’ performance and other health issues (Richards, n.d.). It is a well-known fact that junk food contains a lot of salt, pepper and other unhealthy ingredients. All these ingredients are harmful as far as it is complicated for a young organism to break down them and these ingredients accumulate in the body (Rosenthal, n.d.). More than that, they prevent the absorption of other valuable nutrients and as a result affect the immune system. These harmful ingredients lead to obesity among children that is the burning issue nowadays (Ankerberg-Nobis, n.d.). This kind of food does not contain all the nutrients necessary for children and as a result it causes a lot of problems with their health (A Comparison of Nutritious Food and Junk Food , 2009). These health issues include heart problems such as hormonal imbalance, high blood pressure, a weakened immune system, and problems with liver, kidneys and stomach.

The content of junk food including carbs, sodium and sugar is very unhealthy for children and it affects their performance at school (Bodeeb, 2011). It takes a lot of energy to digest junk food. As a result, after such snack the child begins to fade and become sluggish. The person feels weakness and the necessity to have a snack again. It is not an addiction, but it is the dependence on the boosts of energy that fade so quickly. There is no wonder that students are not ready to study after such a full snack that influences their attention and concentration.

If we consider the advantages of junk food that have been described before we may conclude that they seem to be doubtful. As for the main advantage of availability of junk food and its simplicity to be cooked it is not an advantage if we speak about the health of our children. Time does not play any role if junk food influences children’s health (Bose, 2012). As for hunger satisfaction with junk food it is a poor semblance as far as it is a sort of energy boost as it has been described in the list of disadvantages. As for the variety of the children’s menu it is possible to add this diversity with the help of healthy domestic food. These arguments supporting junk food are so weak comparing to its disadvantages.

Nevertheless, the disadvantages that have been presented above also may be doubted. Of course, children’s health depends on the food they eat but the main reason of heart problems and obesity is the lack of activities. It will be more reasonable to take care of this problem rather that to criticize junk food. Children should go in for sport as far as they have a lot of energy that is necessary to be burnt out. As for the content of junk food, there is no wonder that any kind of food contains salt, sugar and carbs and it does not depend whether it is junk food or not. Any kind of food may contain ingredients that influence human body in a negative way (Chen, 2009). First of all, its influence depends on the state of health, the way of life and susceptibilities to different diseases. The third disadvantage also sounds weakly as far as it is a well-known fact that after eating a human body needs a rest and there is no wonder that children are not ready to study after having had a snack.

From the above said we may conclude that there are advantages and disadvantages and it is up to everybody to decide whether their children eat junk food or not. Junk food has become a debatable question nowadays and the list of its advantages and disadvantages is endless.

A Comparison of Nutritious Food and Junk Food (2009). Web.

Ankerberg-Nobis, T. (n.d.). Fast Food in Schools Fuels the Obesity Epidemic . Web.

Antwerp, V. (n.d.). The Pros of Junk Food Sales in Schools . Web.

Bodeeb, J. (2011). The Growing Problem of Junk Food in Schools . Web.

Borkar, R. (2011). Junk Food in Schools – Pros and Cons . Web.

Bose, D. (2012). Advantages and Disadvantages of Fast Food.

Chen, G. (2009). Why Fast Food is “Healthier” Than School Lunches: The Shocking USDA Truth . Web.

Jenkins, R. (2005). Junk Food Ban . Web.

Maire, L. (n.d.). Pros & Cons of Fast Foods . Web.

Pros & Cons of Fast Foods in School . (n.d.). Web.

Richards, R. (n.d.). Fast Food in Schools . Web.

Rosenthal, J. (n.d.) Back to School, Back to Junk Food? Web.

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IvyPanda. (2022, January 31). Junk Food in Schools: Good or Bad for Children? https://ivypanda.com/essays/junk-food-in-schools-good-or-bad-for-children/

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Bibliography

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18 Banning Junk Food in Schools Pros and Cons

We often think of junk food as being a candy bar, prepackaged pastry, or some other item or beverage which offers high levels of fat and sugar content with each serving. The reality of these foods is that anything which offers a limited nutritional value and contains significant levels of calories and salt is classified in this “junk” category. Having these items available in schools is a debate which parents, teachers, and administrators often share because of the need to teach and show healthy eating habits.

Even fast food items, pizza, and other items that are sometimes included on the school lunch menu could be classified as junk foods these days. They generally provide little in terms of vitamins, minerals, or protein. Kids receive energy from a high dose of sugar, which then causes them to crash before the end of the school day. This cycle can result in a reduction of learning opportunities.

When the junk food is consumed as the exception instead of the rule, then most children and adults will not experience ill effects from their eating habits. It is when these items are consumed without a thought of moderation where adverse health impacts can begin to form. If children can access these items in school, then they may not have access to the input from trusted adults as to whether or not their eating choices are positive.

Should junk food be allowed in schools today? Here are the pros and cons to consider on this subject.

List of the Pros of Having Junk Food in Schools

1. Junk foods are easier to manage when they are allowed as part of the school policy. Schools do have the ability to ban the presence of junk food on their grounds. Parents can limit the access that children have to these items at home. Where the line gets drawn is in the general market. It is impossible to completely ban all possible foods that may be unhealthy for every person. Kids are going to smuggle in food items that they want to eat whenever they can if their favorite items are not permitted. Rather than treat these foods as contrabands, regulating their consumption can help teachers and administrators to work with parents on teaching these kids responsibility and accountability for their nutritional choices.

2. Junk foods are craved more when they are not permitted. Kids will want the junk foods that schools ban even more when they are told that they cannot have them during the day. Many districts have found that the consumption of these items will go up in the days after implementing such a policy if they do not have replacement options or educational opportunities available to their students. Gardening and exercise programs, along with nutritional information opportunities, can help children learn how to making individually healthy choices by themselves instead of relying on the feedback of others.

3. Junk foods offer a wide range of variety from which to choose. You can find numerous eating options available to students when junk foods are permitted in schools. They can be arranged in order to the personal taste of the student. Even though they might be included in a home-brought lunch or a snack eaten in class, these items can combine with healthier foods throughout the day to reduce the impact of its nutritional content. It always comes back to moderation when looking at this subject. When kids have access to a diverse set of choices, then they can begin to learn which ones are the best for their short- and long-term health.

4. Junk foods provide greater availability and affordability. In the United States, the average prices for fruits and vegetables can range from under $0.40 per pound to over $4.00 per pound. Many families stick to simple starches when purchasing produce, such as potatoes, because they tend to be the cheapest fresh foods available at the local store. Only grapefruit, melons, and bananas cost less than the weighted-average price across the country, which is why they account for 56% of all sales in this category.

Eating a healthy diet costs an average of about $1.50 per day. Although that doesn’t sound like much, that works out to more than $2,000 for a family of four. With 1 in 7 households already struggling with food security, junk food is a way to quench hunger in students without creating a negative impact on the family budget.

5. Junk foods save time when students need to eat. Many students find that they do not receive enough time to eat their lunch during the school day. When time constraints are placed on this process, then they are not getting enough to eat and are consuming what they have too quickly. It is not unusual for students on the current school schedule to receive 10 minutes or less of actual eating time for their lunch. If teachers delay the transition from the classroom to the cafeteria because of student behaviors, this time could be cut by 50%. Offering junk foods may not be the first or best choice parents want to make, but it can help to relieve hunger because the items can be consumed faster than other food choices.

6. Junk foods can be a source of needed nutritional items. Although there is a higher level of fat and salt content in many junk food items, it is inaccurate to say that they are completely devoid of the necessary nutritional content that students require each day. There are often high levels of antioxidants in these food items. Ice cream provides an excellent dose of calcium per serving. Eating dark chocolate can improve brain power. Potato chips are high in Vitamin B6, fiber, and other necessary minerals. Even Cheese Whiz offers conjugated linoleic acid, which may have anti-cancer properties. That’s why moderation is often more essential to teach to today’s children rather than complete avoidance.

7. Junk foods can even be classified as healthy sometimes. Even though popcorn can be coated with sugar, caramel, or high-calorie flavoring options, it can also be a healthy snack for schools because it is very high in fiber. If you want to avoid the unhealthy options that are available with this food item, then you will want to use air popping to make them at home. Ready-to-make popcorn products often contain partially hydrogenated oils and trans fats that can lead to plaque formation. If you can avoid the calorie bombs with this option, you might find that a school which outlaws junk food on their grounds might still accept popcorn.

8. Junk foods are often caused by additives instead of the core ingredients. There are numerous processed and junk foods that are made largely unhealthy because they were loaded with additional ingredients or oils to achieve a longer shelf life. When junk foods are made available at school, then there is no longer a need to depend on unhealthy choices from outside of the district. Parents and administrators can limit the choices of what is available to the healthiest options in this category while still meeting the “craving” that some students have for these food items.

List of the Cons of Having Junk Food in Schools

1. Junk foods often contain higher levels of cholesterol. It isn’t just sugar and fat consumption that are concerning when children make junk food a regular part of their diet. These items often contain higher levels of unsaturated fat, which means kids can see a boost in their overall cholesterol levels. The World Health Organization reports that higher levels of these food items in the diet creates a higher risk of chronic disease development and stroke later in life. Even the higher levels of salt that are found in processed foods can raise blood pressure levels to increase the chances of heart disease development as well.

2. Junk foods can increase the risk of suffering from depression. Teens and adolescents are more depressed today than arguably at any other time in history. The figures of this mental health issue are alarming.

• A teen will take their own life because of depression every 100 minutes on average. • Suicide is the third-leading cause of death for people between the ages of 15 to 24. • 1 in 5 teens will experience depression at least once before they become an adult. • Approximately 15% of the youth population is experiencing depression-like symptoms right now. • Only 30% of the youth who experience depression are actually treated for it.

When kids eat foods with higher levels of nutritional content, then they have more available energy that their brain can use to process events. Because there is more activity involved in their daily routine, it can provide a risk reduction of this mental health issue.

3. Junk foods might lower the IQ level of students. The nutritional value of the foods that a child eats is directly linked to their brain activity. When junk foods are the primary source of relief for hunger, then there are fewer resources made available to the brain. This result impacts their IQ level over time because the learning process becomes slower. Children only need to eat junk food items three times per week to have a lower IQ level compared to the kids who do not eat these products as often.

Junk foods affect student performance in other was as well. People receive a sudden spike of energy when they consume foods with high sugar levels. As these effects begin to fade, the child becomes less aware and sluggish until they find another snack. That creates another energy spike, which cycles down again after some time. This process is why these items can lead to lower energy levels, lethargy, and a general lack of concentration.

4. Junk foods may lead to higher levels of gastrointestinal issues. Since for 2003, there has been a 114% rise in the cases of irritable bowel diseases such as ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease requiring hospital admissions for youth in the United Kingdom. This steep rise may have many causes, but eating a lot of junk food could be one of the foundational causes of the issue. It is more challenging for the body to process items that contain high levels of fat. People who eat fast food more than two times per week increase their risks of developing IBD. Although there is no consensus for this disadvantage as of yet, the data does suggest that junk foods could be one of the causes for constipation, bloating, or diarrhea which can become chronic.

5. Junk foods can damage the liver and heart. The excessive consumption of junk foods can pose a threat to the heart and liver of a child. That is because of the higher levels of salt and fat that is contained in these processed foods. Not only will this increase the risk of obesity in today’s adolescents, but it will also contribute to higher levels of arterial plaque buildup which can lead to future health issues as well. It can even lead to the formation of fatty liver deposits that can lead to dysfunction or disease.

6. Junk foods have an addictive quality to them. When junk foods are available in schools, then it exposes children to products that are highly habit forming. The regular consumption of these products can lead to kids becoming addicted to them. With the higher levels of fat, salt, and sugar these foods contain, their unique taste can make it difficult for children to resist eating more of them than they should. These habits can be harmful if it takes someone outside of the limits of moderation, creating health issues that could potentially last for years. We are hard-wired to crave high-calorie foods as a means for survival, so continued exposure to them can release neurotransmitters that tell kids that it is time to eat when the opposite may be true.

7. Junk foods in schools can put kids off of healthier choices. Once children form the habit of eating junk foods in school, then it is also possible for them to move away from the desire to eat healthier options. The artificial flavors of the junk food can make it challenging for people to enjoy the natural flavors of options that are more nutritious. Many families replace other more nutritious items with foods that qualify as being “junk.” If you are eating more cookies or potato chips, then you are usually eating fewer fruits and vegetables throughout the day. This habit decreases your fiber intake, vitamin levels, and eliminates the desire to have items that are healthy.

8. Junk foods cause more problems than just obesity. We must be concerned about the obesity epidemic in the United States and other countries around the world. Children learn from their home environment. If adults feel that the regular consumption of junk food is healthy for them, then their kids will too. With nearly 70% of the adult population overweight or obese, these rates are climbing in children as well.

The obesity rate in children since the 1970s has tripled, with 20% of school-age children dealing with this issue. Keeping junk foods out of schools can prevent this issue while also reducing the risks of a weakening of the teeth and bones that happens when frequently exposed to high-calorie items and beverages – especially sodas.

9. Junk foods can prevent nutrient absorption when consumed at high levels. The higher levels of sugar, salt, and sodium that junk foods contain might allow the foods to last longer on the shelf, but they can also be exceptionally harmful to the human body. Many of these excessive elements cannot be broken down by the digestive system. During the attempt to do so, the body can ignore the other vital nutrients it requires for energy, directly impacting the strength of the metabolism, immune system, and other functions. Some items can even prevent the absorption of the vitamins and minerals that are found in the foods.

10. Junk foods create health impacts that kids may not even realize exist. Children (especially those under the age of 10) do not think about the future consequences of their actions. Kids up to the age of 8 even typically believe everything that they see on television. There is a general assumption that everyone tells the truth all of the time. We should applaud this innocence, but then we must also take the time to instruct kids on what healthy eating choices look like. When junk foods are readily available, it is not unusual for them to gorge on these products simply because they are present. They don’t know any better, which means it is up to us to provide them with the information they require.

The pros and cons of having junk foods in schools revolve around personal choices and freedoms balanced with a responsibility to teach healthier habits. There may be times when an outright ban of these high-calorie items is necessary because there is no other way to show students how healthy choices are better. Doing so will also increase the risk of that child craving the potentially unhealthy item even more. If we can teach responsibility through moderation at home and school, then we can hopefully make a positive impact on the rates of youth obesity which currently exist.

DebateWise

Junk Food Should Be Banned

junk food banned in schools essay

Many children in America eat large amounts of junk food, and this can cause health problems. In fact, junk food is even sold in the vending machines of many schools. This debate is about the good and bad points for how junk food should be banned. Whether you believe junk food is unhealthy, or you think it’s good, please add to this debate.

All the Yes points:

Junk food is unhealthy, junk food can cause obesity, unhealthy food may be bad for brain function, junk food can increase the risk of diabetes, banning junk food in schools could decrease the frequency of heart disease, junk food can have negative affects on bone health, habits are often formed during childhood and it’s important to ensure that kids eat a healthy diet in school, bans on junk food have been successful, some regions have already put warning labels on junk foods, fast food chains have even made efforts to make their foods less “junky”, all the no points:, yes because….

Junk food is highly unhealthy and can transform fit, healthy human beings into obese, lazy people. Is this what we want Earth to become for the future generations? I should think not. Eating too much junk food can cause your life to be shortened, and this is terrible. This is why I believe that junk food should be banned.

No because…

Junk food isn’t that bad. Healthy food can be just as bad sometimes. And when people try to change it, it just doesn’t work. For instance, my school’s canteen had a food change to make the food healthier. One day they cooked “healthy” fish and chips, and the people who spent $5 on it, got no chips and a tiny half-frozen piece of fish. This could happen to any other canteen, and I strongly advise against it happening, as it will turn out not to work.

The rate of obesity in the United States has risen dramatically. According to the CDC , more than one third of the population is considered obese. The rate of obesity is similar among children to the rate of obesity in the general population. Many more people are not obese but overweight. According to USAToday , around two thirds of the population is overweight. According to ScienceDaily, even moderate obesity can substantially shorten life expectancy. Over consumption of junk foods is a major contributing factor in the obesity epidemic. Many junk foods are extremely high in calories, and it’s easy for a person to exceed the recommended number of calories when they eat junk foods. Banning junk food in schools would reduce the amount of junk food that kids eat. Furthermore, some schools have already taken this step.

If junk foods are banned, kids will still eat junk food while in school. Instead of getting it from the school vending machines, they’ll sneak it in. This could create a climate of evasiveness among students. In some cases, students may even sneak out of school to buy junk food. Additionally, junk food is still likely to be freely available at home. Therefore, it’s possible that kids would simply binge on junk foods when they aren’t in school. This could cause their overall consumption of junk food to remain unchanged. Furthermore, banning junk food could increase the sense of boredom among students. This could potentially result in decreased academic performance. Another drawback to banning junk foods in schools is that it could be more difficult to prepare meals for students. By contrast, many junk foods can be prepared quickly. Furthermore, healthier food tends to be more expensive. The increased expense could result in an increase in school taxes. It also could result in an increase in the cost of school lunches.

According to WebMD , eating too much junk food could result in decreases in brain function. According to Consumer Health Digest , there are several types of food that are bad for brain health. The additives and preservatives in junk food can have impairing effects on cognition. Foods with a high level of salt also have been shown to reduce cognitive performance. Studies have also shown that fatty foods impair cognition. In addition, foods that contain residual amounts of pesticides might cause negative effects on brain health. Many healthy foods contain chemicals that are necessary for optimal brain function, such as Omega-3s. According to the University of Maryland , Omega-3s are extremely important. A deficiency of Omega-3s has been linked to a number of common mental health disorders, such as depression and ADHD. It’s even thought that a deficiency of Omega-3s could make one more prone to develop severe mental health conditions, such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. Banning junk food in schools could encourage students to eat more healthy food. This could reduce the prevalence of mental health problems among students. It also could improve the school performance of students.

Type 2 diabetes is becoming more common, and over consumption of junk food can increase one’s risk of developing it. There are two reasons why Type 2 diabetes can be caused by eating too much junk food. Many junk foods contain a high volume of sugar. If high volumes of sugar are consumed over a long period of time, the body can stop producing enough insulin. This can lead to Type 2 diabetes. In addition, Type 2 diabetes can be induced by becoming overweight or obese. In fact, many people who have Type 2 diabetes are able to cure the condition by losing weight. Serious health complications can result from Type 2 diabetes. In fact, Type 2 diabetes can even result in serious circulation problems that can result in amputation. In fact, diabetes is considered to be one of the primary causes of death in the United States. According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases , Type 2 diabetes can develop during one’s childhood under some circumstances. Banning junk foods in schools could result in a decreased rate of obesity, and fewer kids would over consume sugar. These habits may stick with kids for life, and this could further reduce the frequency of Type 2 diabetes.

Heart disease is a common cause of death in the United States, and it has been known to develop in children younger than age 18, according to WebMD . Poor diet is a major contributing factor to the development of heart disease. Therefore, an improved diet from a junk food ban in school could help to reduce one’s risk of developing heart disease. The reduction in obesity rates that could result from banning junk food in schools could have a particularly significant effect in terms of reducing the frequency of heart disease.

It’s unknown how much kids’ consumption of junk food would be reduced by banning junk foods in schools. If the ban didn’t reduce the amount of junk food that kids eat, the rate of heart disease would likely remain unchanged.

During childhood, bones are developing. Growing children need a significant quantity of calcium each day for bone development. Without enough calcium, serious defects in bone development can occur. A poor diet can increase one’s risk of developing osteoporosis, according to UPI . In addition to the lack of calcium in junk food, many junk foods contain high levels of sugar and fat. This can weaken bones. If junk foods are consumed in schools, this may cause kids to continue to eat a poor diet as adults. It’s thought that the first six years of life are crucial in ensuring that a proper diet for bone health is maintained throughout one’s life.

Banning junk food is likely to have an impact on one’s diet throughout their entire life. Prominent psychologists feel that healthy habits are formed during childhood. According to Blakeslee , a prominent psychologist, dietary habits formed in childhood tend to last throughout life.

If children sneak in junk food from home, banning junk foods in school wouldn’t help children to learn healthier ways of eating for life. Instead, the time and effort that went with sneaking in junk food could reinforce the habit of eating it even more.

Some schools in California have changed their policies on junk food. Instead of serving it in the school vending machines, they have switched over to serving carrots and other healthy foods. At these schools , it’s been estimated that students consumed an average of 160 calories less over the course of the school day. This is a significant decrease, and there was no evidence that these students over consumed junk food to any greater degree at home. This would be a significant enough reduction in caloric intake to significantly reduce one’s risk of becoming obese. If food that is served in vending machines at schools has health benefits, it would help to ensure that students get proper nutrition. If students are given the opportunity to buy healthy foods or junk foods from the vending machines, it’s likely that many students would choose the junk foods over healthier foods. Given the success of these bans, it’s likely that more and more schools will begin to follow suit in banning junk food. At least, it’s likely that more schools will stop selling junk food in their vending machines.

San Francisco has put warning labels on sugary sodas. This effort is also being considered by a state lawmaker in California, according to Reuters . While the products haven’t been taken off the shelves in any location, the effort is intended to inform the public about the dangers of drinking large amounts of sugary beverages. Given the fact that governments have issued warnings about sugary sodas, it makes us wonder if we really should allow them to be sold in schools. In addition to warnings on sugary sodas, warnings have been considered for foods that have a high concentration of salt. This is due to the fact that excessive salt intake can cause hypertension (high blood pressure). Some school aged children suffer from the condition. Many popular junk foods, such as potato chips, tend to have extremely high levels of salt. It’s not just San Francisco that is taking a stance on over consumption of junk food. In France, there recently was a law passed to prohibit free refills of sugary sodas.

While these laws have been successfully implemented, many feel that this is evidence that bans on junk food in schools could be a stepping stone to giving the government increased power over our day to day lives. A bill was even considered in New York City that would prevent sodas larger than 16 ounces from being sold. There was a large amount of opposition to this law. It can be difficult to determine where to draw the line as to what constitutes junk food. Foods vary considerably in terms of their nutritional value. So, it could be challenging to create a universal definition of what junk food is.

While many things on the McDonald’s menu are still very much junk food, the chain has begun to make an effort to reduce the amount of trans fats in their foods. According to CBS , one of their french fry oils no longer contains any trans fats. This helps to reduce the negative effects of the grease on the cardiovascular system. Furthermore, they have begun to incorporate healthier menu options in addition to the junk foods they offer. For instance, McDonald’s has started offering a variety of salads. In addition, they have begun to offer snack wraps with a relatively low amount of calories. This illustrates that Americans are becoming more and more health conscious. Therefore, many people would likely be in favor of banning junk foods in schools.

The fact that McDonald’s and other fast food chains have made an effort to make their menu items healthier doesn’t necessarily mean that people would tend to support banning junk foods in schools. McDonalds and other fast food restaurants still sell quite a lot of junk food. Therefore, many people would likely be disappointed about a ban on junk foods in schools.

To ban junk food would be a complete failure. It would also leave people feeling that their freedom of choice was taken. A better way to handle junk food is to make laws more strict about ingredient labels. Perhaps require foods with little nutritional value to have their nutrition facts be bolder and in a bright colour.

Every moving Junk Food franchise accumulates approximately $1 million a day. There are over 500 such franchises all over Australia and USA. Multinational companies like Lay’s, Doritos, etc. also make in the millions and billions. So imagine the amount of money international money, that would be drawn in every month. This kind of a cash flow is a necessity for big country economies to run. Hence, we should no let fast food joints or Junk food producing companies should not be shut down.

i think it is unhealthy i do not want OBESITY

I know junk food is good but at the same time junk food is not. Most people buys junk food but they don’t know that they are just wasting money and destroying their health. So I’ll got for “JUNK FOOD SHOULD BE BANNED”.

Hey! Very well written blog. According to The American Heart Association, we consume more than three times the amount of sugar over the recommended daily limit. Furthermore, these processed foods are tearing holes in our intestinal lining, allowing partially or undigested foods entry into our blood stream. It causes inflammation which not only effects the body but also effects the brain.

“junk food” is healthy and does not deserve a ban people say it is unhealthy and junk but it is NOT people are just jelous

Yes because it can cause a lot of stuff like brain damage and 108millon died cause of dieibites and it can cause cancer and more

keep the animals safe and healthy

ban all junk food so the animals will be saved

dave was here

Junk food can be good for the body if eaten in moderation, your body needs sugar and variety. The only people who get obese because of it, is people who are addicted to takis and stuff.

but…i love takis

takis are the best get a different example

you are grounded for that comment

Sure, junk food is bad for you, but it shouldn’t be banned; we should cut down on it. Junk food should only be eaten in moderation.

Junk food is unhealthy but it shouldn’t be banned because it creates jobs to help with economic debt we should just lower the amount of junk food we eat.

it will make people go to school but they could only get fast food if they do their woork

there were some of the other teams arguments in the other team’s speeches, but overall, this was great!

yes because

i am da god

Yes you are good god

someone wrote their sentence wrong it says ‘negative affects on bone health’ but it is actually ‘effects’.

Does anyone know who wrote this

I am concerned with all of the junk food that my school sells, and what my friends consume, from this school. The school is literally selling obesity, and I am kind of getting sucked into the junk food circle! I want it, but I know that it is horrible for you. I love chips and soda, but I don’t want diabetes, and I don’t love cholesterol.

That you can solve by eating a controlled amount and limiting your pocket money so you can’t afford more and you won’t get addicted.

Then don’t eat it…

All the people who liked this comment were probably adults with children that are obese, lol. Here’s a trick, if you don’t want your children to become obese, feed them healthily, maybe? Your probably buying all the junk food for them…

What are we calling junk food though.? I’m guessing we mean things with little nutrional value that have lots of fat sugar salt etc I’m on a low fat, low sugar, low carb diet due to health issues. I’m not sure we can ban ‘junk’ totally. A burger is deemed unhealthy but surely it’s grilled beef, meat bread and salad if wanted. Bakeries and take aways would disappear as would anything with sugar fat in it. It’s a lovely utopia dream but not really possible, if we eat too much of any one thing it’s not healthy. We can’t survive on just lettuce. Obesity isn’t just about junk food. It you eat large portions that too will encourage weight gain as well as lack of exercise. You can’t make people be more healthy. It’s down to the individual at the end of the day. But if people suffer health issues due to obesity then I think they owe it to the NHS to make an effort. We need to issue overweight people more options like prescribing a membership at the gym. A dietician, or perhaps vouchers to buy more healthy food, which is more expensive. Be hard to monitor though. I do want to cry when I see chubby kids though as that’s not their choice, its down to parents to buy cook their food, therefore allowing a child to become obese amounts to child cruelty in my eyes.

Junk food and fast food should be banned for all of the reasons mentioned. Another reason I feel it should be banned is because people don’t appreciate where the meat in their meals has come from . It’s more than likely been farmed intensively meaning an unfair quality of life for the animal, not the kindest ending to their life. The more worrying thing is that most intensively farmed animals are given antibiotics to prevent disease spreading and speed up their growth . HUMANS are eating this either through meat or dairy consumption and not to mention how much comes out through animal waste ! We are already starting to build a resistance towards antibiotics and surely this is just speeding the process up ? I feel need to go back to basics and start cooking, eat less meat ( or less cheaper intensively farmed meat and dairy) and stop paying these big takeaway companies and supermarkets to continue supplying us with this type of meat. The more we demand the more they supply. How do we get people to wake up to the fact that what they put in their mouths for their convenience is doing a lot more harm than what they realise.

No, and here are 6 reasons why. 1 restricting junk food early on only makes it more irresistible later when it’s their choice. 2 eating junk food can actually be healthy, a recent study shows that certain junk food has antioxidants that are good for the heart. 3 junk food like candy, cookies, and biscuits. 4 children should learn to make their own choices. 5 in school garbages the most wasted food is healthy food. 6 people like it and that’s their choice!

1: NOT restricting junk food early on makes it irresistible later, when you have gotten into a habit of eating delicious foods constantly, it becomes extraordinarily hard to stop later on-especially on young minds. 2: While certain types of junk food have antioxidants, there are much better ways to introduce these antioxidants. Throwing a few chemicals on candy and saying it is healthy is an overkill. 3: These foods could include milk, vegetables, or wholesome breads. 4: Its proven that children have a harder time making the right choice when there is a much more appealing choice. Children who need to learn to make the right choice have much more efficient options to help them learn independence. 5: By only providing healthy food to eat, children will eat that instead of starving themselves because they only eat junk food. By telling them junk food is bad and withholding it they won’t get into a habit of only eating junk food. 6: That’s there is home. At school, they should be educated on making good choices and we shouldn’t expose them to bad foods-even if they like it. Schools are a learning environment after all.

I agree. children should stay healthy but sometimes, they should be able to have it. it shouldn’t be an all the time thing.

I agree most definitely

I’m 18, I had a fairly happy and stable childhood, parents that were together and took care of me. I had many friends, got really good grades and had nothing to stress about. I also had anxiety and depression for the past four years of my life. It has honestly been the worst and most baffling period of my life. I have never been able to understand it. Until recently when i wanted to lose weight and started looking into healthy food alternatives and their health benefits I also started looking into why I started picking up weight in the first place. in my research I found that one of the causes might be a thyroid imbalance I went to the clinic and after a couple of tests they confirmed it. I looked into what caused thyroid problems(junk food) and what effect this would have on me ( one of the symptoms are anxiety and depression). I went to the doctor again because of some other issues I was having with my body and they said I had a gluten intolerance ( also causes anxiety and depression also caused by junk food). I can not explain how badly anxiety and depression ruined my life. It robbed me of so many precious feelings and moments in my life that I will never get to experience again and also simultaneously made me remove any people I might have cared for out of my life because of my fear of hurting them. Four years of my life I will never get back, all because no one explained to me what the labels at the back of my food actually meant. All because no one informed me of how these chemicals effect our bodies, All because buying healthy food is ridiculously expensive in comparison to unhealthy food. I mean this literally ruined my life, if something can cause thus much harm to someone surely it should be illegal. Sorry if this comes across as bitter, its just I would much rather someone had taught me about this in school rather than the Pythagorean theory.

I couldn’t agree more and Thankyou for sharing your experience . Sorry to hear about your health suffering but I am so happy you’ve found out the cause and know how to feel good again . I have a young daughter and I’m scared to let her see what rubbish food restaurants are out there . Everyone thinks I’m overreacting when I don’t want her eating at these places and get offended if I don’t have meals with them . I can understand how it ruins part of your life . I home cook everything and know I’m giving my daughter the best start . Thanks again for your story

Do you know how ridiculous this looks? All because SOMEONE ELSE never showed you how to read labels? So basically its SOMEONE elses fault. As someone who has spent years of their life in therapy/psychiatry I can tell you the root of your problem was more based on blame than food. If you magically got better after you learned something to blame it on.. Sure a crappy diet doesn’t help.. but basically it looks like you finally took action to a problem…and fixed it. Like normal adults. Its part of growing up.

I really appreciate you for sharing your experience with us. It was so sad to hear about your health suffering but on the other side I feel so happy on your recovery. We all know that banning the junk food is not the solution, the children should let themselves think about what is bad or good for their life. I am a seventh standard kid from india. I just want to let the government think about what they would do, we also have the right to chosen that is why our country is a democratic country. Once again I thank you for sharing your experience with us.

Agree that junk food should be banned

Oof dude u alright?

We would love to hear what you think – please leave a comment!

I think junk food should not be banned , because some children does not like eating veggies,i did’nt mean tha t we shoul’dnt eat veggies, we should eat but if we ban it children will stay hungry, and will not be able to concentrate.

Starving is better than being bullied because of your obese self therefore junk food should be banned

great work there bro.

  • I think junk food should be banned because of obesity bullying some people commit suicide because of how big they get and the bigger you are the more of earth atmosphere gets used up you die faster than most people And if Global warming is a thing then stay skinny so less of global warming is reduced

What exactly is Junk Food? How does one define junk food? I heard a can of peas is consideered junk food while dry peas is not? Really? I takes time, to prepare dried peas, if one still has their utilities still in tact, no shut off because they can not afford the cost.

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The Junk Food Debate in Schools: A Holistic Analysis

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The Role of Parents in the Junk Food Equation

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Active Parental Involvement

Defining the ambiguity of junk food, consideration for fundraisers and bake sales, parental initiative beyond school walls, supporting health programs, teaching healthy choices: beyond banning junk food, conclusion: a call for holistic action.

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The Junk Food Debate in Schools: A Holistic Analysis essay

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Junk Food Should Be Banned in Schools

Junk Food Essay Abstract

Nowadays, the trend of eating junk food is catching up with every teenager. Most teenagers love junk food because it is quickly cooked and delicious. Basically, junk food is sold in grocery stores or restaurants with precooked or preheated ingredients. Recent studies indicate that teenagers are consuming junk food at an alarming rate. Therefore, most junk food advertising is primarily focused on teenagers. However, many teenagers are not aware of the health effects of consuming junk food. The food in the picture is a good example of junk food. Such food looks nice, it tastes well, but is disastrous.

Junk Food Essay Introduction

Despite the consumption of junk food is popular, most of the teenagers know totally nothing regarding the health effects associated with the consumption of junk food. In most cases, they have trouble resisting the urge to taste the food when the shelves of grocery stores, commercials, and fast-food restaurants are overfilled with treats. Hence, it is important for a junk food essay to demonstrate the effects of eating junk food among teenagers.

This junk food essay will also look at ways of reducing the harms of junk food to teenagers. One possible way is to reduce the availability of junk food is informing about its effects at schools. It would be very beneficial if the consumption of junk food among teenagers would reduce at school because, typically, students spend most of their time there, interacting with their peers. It is through this interaction that they are swayed by their peers to eat junk food. And schools’ dining places usually have plenty of junk food for sale. During class breaks, teenagers swarm into dining halls to buy snacks or purchase them from vending machines. There are other possible ways to reduce the harms, such as schools offering nutrition class and grocery stores selling teenagers modified “junk food.”

The topic of junk food is very controversial. It elicits debate whenever it is mentioned. The argument against junk food gets most backing from health experts. This is primarily because they have conducted extensive research on the effects of junk food on teenagers; hence, they are justified in opposing the consumption of junk food. Additionally, parents have begun to realize the harms of teenagers’ eating habits; however, they do not have a good method to keep teenagers away from junk food. On the other hand, teenagers love eating junk food and they are largely affected by what their peers’ are doing. Even the images of fat people do not discourage them from eating junk food either at school, at home or at a restaurant.

The issue of junk food is thought-provoking and exciting because the majority of American teenagers consume junk food on a daily basis and seems to be not concerned with the negative health effects (Spurlock 195). Most of the diseases including heart attacks, high blood pressure, cancers, diabetes, and obesity have been closely associated with the consumption of junk food. Out of all these diseases, obesity takes a central role when it comes to the harmful effects of eating junk food among teenagers. Moreover, many teenagers eat junk food, oblivious to its harmful effects.

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Many high school students gained massive weight in a short time when they were teenagers. For example, Nibin is a close friend of mine who gained nearly 20 pounds in a span of four weeks when we were still in elementary school. He used to eat pizza and hot dogs after school. He gained that much weight because he ate a lot of junk food, which is against the recommendations of medical experts. Other kids called him “Junk Food Dude” just as the boy in the book “The Adventures of Junk Food Dude.” Undoubtedly, experience with Nibin enabled us to see the devastating health effects associated with the consumption of junk food. The below image clearly demonstrates the effect of the consumption of junk food on teenagers.

Research Objectives

  • To establish the harmful effects of junk food consumption to teenagers’ life;
  • To determine ways of reducing the harms of junk food to teenagers.

Research Questions

  • What is the effect of junk food consumption on teenagers’ life?
  • What are the ways of reducing the harms of junk food to teenagers?

Significance of the Study

There is a huge variety of junk food available in the United States, which makes the issue severe than any other country. What is most important to note is that teenagers take having junk food every day as an eating habit. These junk foods may lead to diseases and health problems. Disturbingly, not many teenagers are aware of the health effects of eating junk food. The information obtained through this study will facilitate the determination of ways of reducing the harms of junk food to teenagers. More so, further research can be conducted from the information obtained.

Purpose of the Junk Food Essay

Junk food is a key issue since its consumption negatively affects teenagers in that they might become obese or suffer from heart-related diseases. Many countries look upon the United States; therefore, it would be prudent for it to take a bold step in educating the teenagers on the dangers of consuming large amounts of junk food. For this reason, it is important to conduct a study on the consumption of junk food among teenagers. Ultimately, the purpose of this junk food essay is to determine ways of reducing the harms of junk food to teenagers.

The results will be presented to parents to persuade them to comprehend the effects and convince that their children were exposing themselves to those negative effects while eating huge amounts of junk food. Some of the parents might not be cognizant of the harmful effects of eating junk food. Therefore, by interacting with them, they will realize the effects of junk food. Hence, they can take measures to ensure that their children do not consume junk food.

Furthermore, the results will be presented to the administrators of schools to the administrative office and hope the report can catch their attention. Through the report, schools would be made aware of the health dangers students were exposing themselves to by consuming junk food and schools’ responsibility of taking care of students’ health, as well as their study. Furthermore, schools will be presented with suggested ways of reducing the harms of junk food to teenagers. If they implement these suggestions, the health hazards associated with junk food will be a gone case in a few months.

Lastly, the results will be presented to junk food companies. Many junk food companies target kids as their future customers, and if they can build brand loyalty now, they will have a customer for life. People have been increasing their attention to living a healthy life. Once a company invents a healthy substitute for junk food, other junk food companies will easily lose the competition. Therefore, it is significant to make the companies aware that producing healthy food is beneficial for teenagers and also the long-term growth of the company.

The fast-food effect is a great concern affecting people around the world. A lot of individuals and companies have created campaigns to notify and educate people. All of them have the same aim - to prevent the consequences of fast food. Since fast food consumption impacts caused campaigns in mass media, communities and schools have been forced to reach various discourse organizations and the genre of these campaigns covers various information.

Nowadays, the United States has the biggest fast food industry than any other country in the world. It also adds to the problem that teens see advertisements with tasty junk food everywhere, they are tempted to try it and think they become cool consuming it. However, an average meal at a fast-food joint has about 1000 to 1500 calories. That is half of the daily calorie intake of a teenager. Teenagers often overeat because of the large portions served. Teens with extra weight are less likely to take part in sports and more likely to transform into couch potatoes. They are at risk of becoming fat, and it has both psychological and health dangers. Overweight teens have to live with teasing at school. This can affect their development and cause low self-esteem. Eating poorly can lead to a vicious cycle of eating more than required, low self-esteem, anti-social behavior, fatigue, and even depression.

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If they are overweight in adulthood, they can be prone to overweight related diseases, like diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol, heart problems, and gout. Frequent consumption of junk food makes teens face the risk of developing insulin resistance. Junk food has no nutrition value and makes such harm to the teenage body as overweight, chronic degenerative diseases, cardiovascular problems, high blood pressure, heart diseases, affection of the oxygen flow to the brain cells and others. It also causes a constant feeling of hunger, fatigue, and tiredness. Teen over-weight usually leads to consequences like depression which has a negative influence on the development and growth, social relationships, performance in school and can sometimes lead to suicide.

The harmful effect and consequences of eating fast food were not clear at the beginning. With time, campaigns have been promoted to make the community aware of these consequences and make people develop a healthier diet. Contrary to it, fast food joints use various forms of marketing to promote their products. Advertising on television, radio, restaurants, websites, and signs as well as social media are all creating advertisements to affect the community about fast food. However, there are a lot of campaigns that try to avert the dangers of consuming junk food. The purpose of such campaigns is to improve knowledge about the dangerous consequences of both direct and long term health diseases because of eating at fast-food restaurants. They provide statistics, reports, nutrition facts, information about growing overweight problems in the United States. These campaigns generally express knowledge to younger adults about the influence of nutrition and healthy lifestyles by concentrating on the hazardous effects of junk food.

Junk Food Essay Conclusion

The teen years are the time of quick physical and emotional development. The food nutrients are the fuel for this growth, and a nutritious diet is important for good health when you are a teenager. Junk food contains items like sweets, chips, and soda that are high in calories and fat but nutritionally low. Understanding the junk food effect on teens' growth helps to stress the importance of a healthy diet.

Junk food seems to be appealing because of its price, taste, and convenience. Children do not usually understand the consequences of this kind of food because it is so appetizing and they easily become addicted (Fleck). Of course, teenagers can sometimes have a burger or pizza, about once a week. But they should be prompted to this kind of food in smaller portions. Adults have to let them know about other food options and the bad effects of junk food. Once they are aware of what they eat, they may go for healthier food. Parents can only tell them more about what they eat. The idea is to attach eating habits from the very beginning but avoid overdoing it. It is good to keep a combination of both healthy and not healthy snacks at home. Sometimes, teenagers should be allowed to have a soda. The harder they are pushed on, the more they resist. So, it is necessary to find the balance - not too hard, not too lenient.

The greatest problem is that junk food is easy to reach, delicious and not too expensive. It is also has a lot of fat and refined starch, and almost no fiber and is highly processed. Teens eat burgers, French fries, pizzas with soda that contains lots of calories. Fast food restaurants are also great places to have fun with friends.

In order to avert the global problem, all possible informative means should be used to make teenagers realize the harmful effects of junk food. It is not necessary to avoid eating it, but it is of vital importance to avoid the habit of eating such food. The conclusion is that young individuals must eat less of the calorie-dense, nutrient-poor meals served at fast-food joints. Schools and parents can do a lot to make children aware of healthy choices. First of all, fast food joints must strongly change their current marketing practices, that teenagers and children do not receive ongoing encouragement to look for food that will greatly damage their health. Additionally, when young individuals visit, the joints should do more to help them make more healthy choices.

Junk Food Essay Summary

The traditional eating habits of American teenagers are not healthy, mostly because they eat too much junk food. However, sufficient efforts have not been put in place to educate teenagers on the harmful effects of consuming junk food. The number of obese teenagers keeps on increasing at an alarming rate. Also, the number of health-related cases caused by the intake of junk food keeps on increasing every day. Evidently, this shows that most teenagers are either not aware of the harmful effects of junk food or are just ignorant of the consequences. The extensive research needs to be conducted in this area to provide schools, parents, and teenagers themselves with adequate information on the extent of the effect of junk food consumption. Ultimately, such research would yield suggestions on how people can work together to reduce the harms of junk food to teenagers.

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Why parents (and schools) shouldn't ban junk food

Efforts to ban kids from having junk food could have unintended consequences. Here’s what you need to know about setting limits on chips, pop and candy.

Why parents (and schools) shouldn't ban junk food

Photo: iStockphoto

“She had that guilty look from the second I came near her,” recalls Annette Prouse*  of her six-year-old daughter, Ella, when she found her holding a can of Coca-Cola. In an effort to instil healthy eating habits in her children, Prouse, a lawyer and mom of three in Milton, Ont., doesn’t allow her kids to have pop, candy or chips, though she admits that she drinks multiple Cokes a day herself. She hopes her rules will help her kids avoid her bad habits . But it was one of her cans—left out on a nearby living room table—that Ella had snuck off with.

Until then, Ella had never shown an interest in pop, but a few days earlier, her grandma had taken her and her eight-year-old sister, Sophia, out for lunch, “They both came home and proudly told me how they’d had pop ,” Prouse recalls. While she says her daughters are usually pretty good at following the rules, realizing that the newly discovered sweet, fuzzy joy of Coca-Cola was easily available in her house was clearly too tempting for Ella.

Prouse’s story doesn’t surprise Victoria-based registered dietitian Jodi Holland. “When some kids are really restricted or feel deprived, they may go towards the tendency of hiding food or, when they do have access to those foods, they’re overeating.” While banning kids from junk food might seem like a simple way to create healthy eaters, the truth is a bit more complicated.

The problem with banning food

Issues around banning junk food start with defining what that term even means. For Prouse, it covers fast food as well as products like chips and chocolate bars. While that’s a definition most of us can get behind, where does something like a homemade cookie fall? For Holland, “It depends on the recipe.” She points out that we all have different definitions of what’s healthy. For example, for some people, cheese is a nutritious snack while others would say it’s too high in salt and calories.

However parents define junk food, Holland recommends they avoid presenting it as bad. She suggests parents explain junk food as items that don’t have any health benefits, so they shouldn’t be eaten too often. That’s because categorizing foods as “bad” or severely restricting them can make them more alluring. “Whenever children feel deprived, the tendency is to push back and want it even more,” says Sara Dimerman, a psychologist in Thornhill, Ont., who sees children in her practice .

And when kids do get a taste of something forbidden, research shows they can end up overindulging. A 2002 study published in the American Society for Clinical Nutrition journal revealed that girls whose diets and access to junk food were tightly controlled by their parents when they were five were more likely to overeat at age seven. The girls who overate were also 4.6 times more likely to be overweight when compared to their peers who were more in control of their snacking.

But not all kids react this way. Those who don’t want to disappoint their parents might develop negative emotions around eating the banned food. “A child who is very compliant might feel very guilty or ashamed, like they’ve done something bad [when] ,” explains Dimerman.

In some cases, restricting certain foods and labelling them as “bad” also has the potential to scare kids, explains Corinne Eisler, a registered dietitian and paediatric nutrition expert at Leap Therapy for Kids in North Vancouver. She recalls one five-year-old she worked with whose parents had banned sugary foods: “The child actually began to view food with fear.” She explains that young children don’t have the maturity to decipher the degree of the issue and may react to negative labels and restrictions by tightly narrowing what they will eat, sometimes to the point where they refuse to try new foods, even if parents tell them these new dishes are healthy.

While binging or developing severe aversions to new foods is extreme, even sneaking treats can signal an unhealthy relationship with food. “Tightly restricting or banning doesn’t mean that your child will choose a healthy alternative,” notes Dimerman. In fact, they’re likely to opt for sugar and salt if given the chance—say, when they’re at a friend’s house.

Should schools ban junk food?

But what happens when you’re not the one imposing the rules? Increasingly, schools are the ones putting limits in place around junk food. In 2005, New Brunswick became the first province to ban the sale of  “minimum nutritional value” food in its public school system. Since then, Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia, Quebec, British Columbia and Ontario have implemented their own versions of this policy and have banished pop, candy and even poutine from public school cafeterias and vending machines.

There is some evidence that these bans have had an impact on students’ weight. In June of this year, the University of New Brunswick released a study that found that, for each year a child was subject to a school junk food ban, her BMI declined by 0.05 points. That means kids who were at these schools for five or more years were, on average, two pounds lighter than their peers whose schools didn't have bans.

Some schools are going even further. The elementary school that Prouse’s daughters attend is part of a board that bans candy, pop and some pre-packaged items from packed lunches. “I think it’s the best thing that has happened to kids,” says Prouse, who would like to see this policy expanded across the entire province.

But not everyone agrees. Last year, Ontario’s Durham District School Board made headlines when parents complained that some teachers were confiscating items as varied as chips, string cheese and chocolate chip banana bread despite the lack of any formal rules around junk food in lunches.

While Holland supports a ban around the sale of junk food, “I really think it’s up to parents to decide what goes in their children’s [packed] lunch; they know their kids best, know what types of foods their children are going to accept as well as what types of foods the family has access to and what’s going to be culturally appropriate for them.”

Vilifying specific foods can also unintentionally pass judgment on families that are coping with food insecurity. According to the Canadian Community Health Survey, nearly 13 percent of households identify as struggling to afford fresh, healthy meals. These families often turn to more affordable packaged products that many of us would quickly dismiss as junk food. “It’s not a lack of knowledge; it’s a lack of money,” says Eisler. “A child should never be shamed because they don’t have an optimal eating plan.”

Rather than teaching kids that certain foods are bad or making decisions about what kids should eat, Dimerman suggests schools take a more proactive approach, like showing kids how to decipher nutrition labels. “Teach them how to become more objective, and how to evaluate what is healthy and why certain foods are better for you than others,” Dimerman explains, adding that schools are getting better at teaching nutrition literacy. For example, programs like Farm to School Grants help kids in Ontario and BC learn about nutrition and participate in growing and cooking their own food. “Sensitive education without judging or shaming is imperative,” says Dimerman.

Aim for balance and healthy attitudes

Parents can take a similar approach at home, teaching their children balance while also educating them about nutrition. “It’s important for our kids to understand it’s OK to occasionally have a treat, “ Holland says. “It’s also important for them to understand why it’s best to fill up on healthier foods the majority of the time.” She coaches parents to look for opportunities to teach children how different foods make them feel—like when too much Halloween candy gives them a tummy ache or how a healthy lunch leaves them with lots of energy to play.

Eisler believes that parents should provide “reasonable guidance” around junk food, allowing it in moderation—for example, once a week or at birthday parties. She notes that it should never be used as a bribe and that parents should be nonchalant about it, in order to keep treats from being extra tempting.

Also avoid hard and fast details around when and why junk food is available, says Dimerman. “If you say you can’t have ice cream except for Saturday nights, they’re going to figure out another way to get that ice cream,” she says. Instead, she encourages parents to be on the same page and focus on creating a healthy balance.

Plain talk is key if your child starts whining about how a friend gets a chocolate bar as an after-school snack. At Prouse’s house, “We say, ‘The rules are different in different places.'” While her eight-year-old doesn’t like this fact, “She accepts it,” Prouse says. It’s an approach that both Holland and Eisler approve of. “Parents need to establish boundaries,” says Eisler, and then stick with them.

“We think that we’re doing our children a service by forbidding them, but really we should be modelling moderation,” says Dimerman. While she realizes that this can be tricky for parents who adore junk food themselves, she also sees it as the perfect opportunity to demonstrate how to exercise willpower. For example, if pop is your weakness, openly acknowledge that and drink it in front of your kids— but perhaps only when you go out socially. “It’s OK to show your children that you’re not perfect.” She recommends against sneaking junk food behind their backs—it’s always only a matter of time until you’re busted.

To help turn kids’ attention to healthy food, regularly include them in meal planning. “Get them involved with packing lunches,” says Holland, “Give them a couple of healthy choices and let them decide from those healthy options.” Eisler encourages parents to involve even toddlers in the kitchen. “It gives them some power,” she says, explaining that giving them agency and responsibility helps children be receptive to healthy eating and trying new foods..

After catching Ella with the can of Coke, Prouse sat down with her and thoroughly explained that she and her siblings aren’t allowed to drink pop because it’s unhealthy. She’d thought that was the end of the matter. Then, a few weeks later, her husband found six half-empty Coca-Cola cans hidden under their bed.

When confronted about the squirreled away pop, Ella denied having anything to do with it, pointing out to her mom that, “Coke is very bad for you.” For now, Prouse plans on keeping a closer eye on her daughter, as well as where she leaves her Coke cans. But she’s staying firm on her pop ban. “No tweaks,” she says. “It’s not healthy.”

*Names have been changed.

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Essay on Junk Food: Samples in 150, 250 Words

junk food banned in schools essay

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  • Oct 5, 2023

Essay on junk food

Food is the main source of energy. It is important to consume healthy food. Any food product that contains a high percentage of saturated fats or trans fats is referred to as Junk food. The term junk itself indicates that it is harmful to our health. To lead a healthy lifestyle it is important to avoid the overconsumption of junk food. However, junk food has gained popularity because we consume it on a regular basis. Here we have provided an essay on junk food for children and school-going students. It will provide a general overview of how to draft an essay on junk food. Continue reading!

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Essay on Junk Food in 150 Words

Junk food has become a prevalent component of the modern diet. It is not only attracting the young generation but is also getting induced in their daily diet. Habitual consumption of junk food causes serious health issues because it is high in calorie content. Processed food with high content of saturated and trans fats, or high sugar content comes under this category.

Street food places and the majority of food chains and restaurants are serving food in high quantities, thereby reducing the consumption of healthier options. People are now prioritizing taste and neglecting the culinary diversity of traditional food.

Another aspect of the over-consumption of junk food is ordering food on a daily basis due to a busy schedule. Besides that, munching on snacks to satisfy hunger is another bad habit that leads to health issues. Such food products lack nutritional components such as dietary fibres, protein, vitamins, iron, etc. 

To conclude, health is an important part of life so, it is important to take care of healthy food habits and avoid the excess consumption of unhealthy or junk food.

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Essay on Junk Food in 250 Words

Junk food refers to the unhealthy food. Consumption of junk food such as pizzas, burgers, fried items, pastries, etc. has alarming consequences. Its effect is witnessed as the global obesity epidemic because the masses are more inclined towards eating junk food.

Impact of Consuming Junk Food

Food high in salt, sugar, and unhealthy fats contributes to weight gain. It will ultimately cause obesity. Obesity is the key source of other diseases that are difficult to cure. Some of the chronic diseases that occur due to the consumption of junk food are high risk of heart failure, GIT disorders, hypertension, diabetes, etc. So, it is crucial to eliminate or reduce the consumption of unhealthy food and replace it with nutritional food. 

Affordability

Another factor that contributes a lot in favour of a high intake of junk food is its affordability. Junk food is more accessible as it is available on the streets at a cheaper price. The price factor affects people who cannot afford healthier options. Thus, people tend to consume junk food that is comparatively more affordable and accessible.

Taste over Nutritional Value

Nowadays, people are more inclined towards enjoying the taste of food. It’s obvious that crispy and spicy food will attract you more as compared to salads and pulses i.e. much healthier options with high nutritional values. Consuming junk food on a regular basis has become common for many, and this has led to homogeneity in their diets. So, it’s important to choose the healthy option over a tastier option to minimize the negative health impact due to junk food.

In conclusion, having junk food occasionally is acceptable when you visit any party or celebrate any occasion. However, its regular consumption will disturb your dietary habits and also hamper your health for the long term.

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Junk food is processed and refined food products high in calories due to the high percentage of saturated and trans fats. Most restaurants generally serve junk food as they know that such food is popular among the young generation. However, it is not nutritious and also causes serious health issues such as obesity, diabetes, etc.

Following are 10 lines on junk food: Junk food does not possess nutritional value; It causes serious health illness; Junk food is mainly fried food products or packaged foods that have high-calorie content; It lacks dietary fibres; Heart disease, hypertension, diabetes, obesity, all such health issues are caused by junk food; Talking in terms of accessibility and affordability, then, such food items are cheaper as compared to healthier options; Excess availability of junk food in the market at cheaper rates is leading to a loss of culinary diversity; Over-consumption of junk food leads to anxiety, depression, and upset stomach; Junk food products are also high in sugar content causing harmful health effects, and Fast food chains and junk food brands are prevalent worldwide, homogenizing diets.

The 10 harmful effects of junk food are listed below; Cardiovascular disease; Obesity; Fatty liver; Hypertension; Diabetes; High cholesterol; Kidney damage; Weight gain; Addictive eating patterns, and Dental problems.

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Should junk food be banned in schools?

In recent years, there has been a growing concern over the consumption of junk food among children. With an increase in childhood obesity rates and related health issues, parents, educators, and health professionals are engaging in heated debates about whether junk food should be banned in schools. While some argue that a ban would restrict individual freedom and choice, others believe it is necessary to promote healthier eating habits and safeguard children’s health. Let’s explore this controversial topic and consider both sides of the argument.

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In this article:

The Case for Banning Junk Food

One of the primary reasons put forth to support the ban on junk food in schools is the adverse impact it has on children’s health. Junk food is often packed with excessive calories, unhealthy fats, and added sugars, all of which contribute to weight gain and increase the risk of obesity. Additionally, these foods lack essential nutrients, such as vitamins and minerals, that are crucial for children’s growth and development.

Apart from their negative impact on physical health, junk foods can also adversely affect children’s academic performance. Studies have shown that a diet high in sugar and unhealthy fats can impair cognitive function, attention span, and memory, which are essential for effective learning. By removing junk food options from schools, students would be encouraged to opt for more nutritious meals, potentially enhancing their academic achievements.

Another argument in favor of banning junk food in schools is the importance of setting a positive example. Schools play a vital role in shaping children’s behaviors and attitudes. By removing unhealthy food options from school cafeterias, vending machines, and fundraisers, schools can cultivate an environment that promotes healthy eating habits. Encouraging students to make healthier choices at a young age may lead to lifelong habits that positively impact their overall wellbeing.

The Argument Against Banning Junk Food

Opponents of a junk food ban argue that it infringes upon individual freedom and personal choice. They believe that it is the responsibility of parents, not schools, to regulate the diet of their children. Banning junk food in schools might be seen as an overreach into personal decisions, and some argue that it restricts students’ ability to make choices autonomously.

Additionally, critics argue that a ban on junk food may not solve the underlying issue of unhealthy eating habits. Even if these foods were removed from schools, students might still consume them outside of campus or develop cravings for those forbidden items. Inculcating healthy eating habits requires a multifaceted approach, involving education, parental involvement, and community support, rather than relying solely on banning certain foods.

The Verdict: Should Junk Food Be Banned in Schools?

**Yes, junk food should be banned in schools**, but it is essential to combine this prohibition with education and support. While it is crucial to respect personal choice, the negative impact of junk food on children’s health cannot be ignored. By removing junk food options from schools, providing nutritious alternatives, and educating students about the importance of making healthy choices, we can strive to create healthier environments for our children.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. does junk food consumption contribute to childhood obesity.

Yes, consuming junk food, which is high in calories, unhealthy fats, and added sugars, is strongly linked to childhood obesity.

2. Are there any negative implications of junk food on academic performance?

Yes, diets high in sugar and unhealthy fats have been shown to impair cognitive function, attention span, and memory, which can affect academic performance.

3. Can banning junk food in schools improve children’s eating habits?

While a ban alone may not solve the entire problem, removing junk food from schools can promote healthier eating habits by providing nutritious alternatives and educating students about making better choices.

4. Is it solely the responsibility of parents to regulate their children’s diet?

Parents play a significant role in regulating their children’s diets, but schools also have a responsibility to create a healthy environment that supports good nutrition and positive habits.

5. Will banning junk food lead to a restriction of personal freedom?

While some argue it restricts personal choice, the goal of banning junk food in schools is to prioritize children’s health and promote better eating habits rather than to infringe upon personal freedoms.

6. Can a ban on junk food lead to the development of healthier habits?

When combined with education and support, a ban on junk food can encourage students to adopt healthier eating habits that can positively impact their long-term health.

7. Do bans on certain foods in schools work effectively?

While banning certain foods alone may not solve the entire issue, it can contribute to creating a healthier environment that promotes better eating choices if combined with other supportive strategies.

8. Are there any alternatives to banning junk food in schools?

Educating students about healthy eating, providing nutritious alternatives, and involving parents and communities in promoting better dietary choices are alternative approaches to complement a ban on junk food.

9. Can a ban on junk food in schools decrease childhood obesity rates?

A comprehensive approach involving a ban on junk food, along with other healthy initiatives, has the potential to contribute to a decrease in childhood obesity rates.

10. Can a junk food ban lead to a reduction in related health issues?

By promoting healthier eating habits and reducing the consumption of unhealthy foods, a junk food ban can help decrease health issues associated with poor nutrition, such as obesity, diabetes, and heart problems.

11. Are junk food bans common in schools worldwide?

Different countries have various policies regarding junk food in schools. Some have enforced strict bans, while others have implemented guidelines to regulate the availability and nutritional value of food offered in schools.

12. Should schools only focus on nutritional aspects when considering a junk food ban?

Schools should consider the holistic impact of a junk food ban, including not only nutrition but also potential social and psychological effects, to ensure a well-rounded approach to student well-being.

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Should Junk Food Be Banned In Schools? (Essay/Paper Sample)

Table of Contents

Should Junk Food Be Banned In Schools?

Junk food has been blamed as a major contributing factor to the high rate of obesity and overweight cases in the U.S. and across the world. In the United States, for instance, 20 percent of the population is categorized as either obese or overweight. Schools are a key area in which dieting habits are addressed. Consequently, the debate on whether or not junk food should be banned in school remains vibrant. This paper evaluates the two sides of the debate and finds that a ban decision is gratuitous and counterproductive.

Given the high number of people who die annually from complications associated with obesity, having an obese rate of 1 in 5 people (20 percent) is alarming. Some of the key arguments raised in support of banning junk food are explained below. First, poor eating habits are often developed at early ages in a child’s development. Such habits ultimately result in major health consequences including obesity. Given that children spend most of their daytime at school, banning junk food can be an effective foundation for children’s healthy habits.

Besides, junk food has high-calorie content and low nutrient value. When school children are allowed to continue buying and consuming junk food from school cafeterias, they believe that it is healthy. They have no information that it is harmful to their health. It is incumbent upon relevant authorities to take charge and ensure that children grow up to become healthy, responsible adults.

However, the arguments raised against the banning of junk food are more convincing. First, key decisions affecting any school are to be determined by school boards, not the state or national government. As school boards are influential and have absolute control over major decisions touching on the welfare of learners, the decision to ban junk food must be left to individual school boards. A collective national decision would be counterproductive and seems to sabotage the authority of school boards.

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Besides, the definition of junk food is controversial. Many people consider junk food to be soda, pastries, pizza, potato chips, and other high-sugar, high-fat meals. Other high-fat foods such as cheeseburger are often doubted as junk food. Surprisingly, pizza, cheeseburger, soda, and fried chicken fingers are the food that most school cafeterias and vending machines serve. Before thinking of banning junk food, the government first needs to clarify what junk food is.

In addition, the school system is designed to teach children about the making of choices. Therefore, when the government or some other authority makes an across-the-board decision to ban junk food, the children who form the consumer base are unable to make decisions as expected. Such a move would be a way of taking away children’s ability to choose what they want to eat. The best approach is to teach children about what healthy food is, and allow them to independently choose what food to consume. Teaching healthy choices is the better option. In fact, when teachers emphasize physical exercise, students can remain healthy. It is all about putting the decision-making power in the hands of the consumer, not taking it away.

In addition, junk food sold in vending machines enables schools to raise money. Thus schools are able to raise the money needed in undertaking such activities as the purchase of relevant school supplies and furniture. What is more, most parents allow their children to eat junk food at home. Consequently, banning such food in school vending machines and cafeterias would have undesired effects. From home, children would still carry junk food to school and consume it. This way, the school would not be benefiting financially.

In conclusion, both parents and teachers have a role to play in bringing up a nutrition-conscious and health-conscious child. The most powerful tool to help a child grow up effectively is education. Educating the child would help him to make the right decisions in life. As discussed in this paper, junk food should not be banned in schools as that would be counterproductive and ineffective.

junk food banned in schools essay

Debate: Should Junk Food be Banned in Schools? Essay

junk food banned in schools essay

Example 1: Supporting Arguments: Junk Food Should be Banned in Schools

Example 2: supporting arguments: junk food should be banned in schools, example 3: opposing arguments: junk food should not be banned in schools, example 4: opposing arguments: junk food should not be banned in schools.

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junk food banned in schools essay

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Essay on Junk Food

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Junk food is a term used to describe highly processed and refined food. It is generally considered less nutritious than natural foods. Junk food has been associated with obesity and causing serious health issues in children, along with the development of diseases such as diabetes. Junk food is not suitable for anyone. It is filled with sugar and other unhealthy ingredients that can cause diabetes, heart disease, and cancer. Junk foods are also loaded with sodium, which is dangerous for people suffering from hypertension. Sometimes the calories in a junk food item can be deceiving because they will seem to satisfy hunger; instead, it fills our stomach and makes it harder to stop eating. BYJU’S essay on junk food in schools is a great tool to help the little ones understand the disadvantages of junk food.

Junk food is famous for being inexpensive processed food. The term is often used to insult unhealthy, unbalanced foods that contain high amounts of sugar, fat, and calories. Junk food usually contains added chemicals that can cause an imbalance in our bodies. Junk food also tends to be full of empty calories. Eating junk food regularly leads to weight gain, putting people at a higher risk of developing severe diseases. Now, let us learn from BYJU’S short essay on avoid junk food by understanding the harms caused by eating junk food.

Why Should We Avoid Junk Food?

Now, let us understand the demerits of junk food by reading BYJU’S effects of junk food on health essay. Junk food is not suitable for our bodies as it contains a lot of processed sugars, leading to weight gain. It also affects brain function, causing slower reaction times and memory loss. Many people are trying to be more aware of junk food, so they choose healthy alternatives like fruits and vegetables instead of unhealthy treats.

Besides the health issues, junk food can also be addicting. It contains high sugar levels, which can cause diabetes, and it is often filled with preservatives, artificial colours, flavours and other unhealthy additives. Junk food also has a high-calorie content and is usually made with processed ingredients that don’t provide many nutrients.

Junk food is a term that comes to mind when thinking about food that is high in calories and low in nutrients. It is not a good choice as it is something you have to avoid because of its detrimental effects on health. Junk food has been linked to many health issues such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and others. What starts as an innocent distraction from stress could become daily chaos for many people. However, healthy food is rich in nutrients and wholesome, unlike junk food.

Having junk food occasionally is not bad, but consuming it every day is bad for health. Healthy food might taste bland, but it’s good for your health. For more essays, worksheets , and other kids learning activities, visit BYJU’S website.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is junk food bad.

Junk food is bad for a number of reasons, such as high levels of salt, sugar and fat. These ingredients make junk food taste good, but they make us unhealthy. Overeating these foods can cause obesity, heart disease, diabetes and other chronic health conditions.

How to avoid junk food?

There are many ways to avoid junk food, but the most critical step is knowing your portion sizes. When hungry, stick with whole grains like brown rice and quinoa and fill up on vegetables instead of chips or other high-carb snacks.

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When College Kids Can’t Afford Food

junk food banned in schools essay

A s fall semester of college is in full swing, nearly a quarter of students face a little-discussed, yet pernicious challenge: food insecurity. 

According to a 2024 study by the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO), in 2020, 3.8 million college students reported experiencing food insecurity. More than half of these students reported skipping meals or not eating multiple times a day because they couldn’t afford food.

This food insecurity crisis didn’t come out of the blue. College students have struggled to access sufficient food for decades. What used to be viewed as the college trope of a student eating ramen for four years has become a full-blown crisis. More students with lower incomes and less generational wealth are enrolling in college. The cost of attending has grown along with increased food, housing, and other  living expenses . 

The recent GAO report provides the first-ever national systemic data on just how prevalent this crisis is.   

Make no mistake: It takes a massive toll on students—and our economy. Research consistently shows that food insecurity hinders student performance and  reduces college completion rates . That can delay or derail students’ careers and deprives our economy of  much-needed, college-educated workers . 

I experienced food insecurity myself as a young, single mother who was fighting to get out of poverty by attaining a college degree. My four-year degree dragged on 12 years as I worked to support myself and my family.

Read More: Millions of Americans Face Food Insecurity. They Need Help.

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), which helps people with lower incomes afford food, could theoretically help quell this food disaster. But in its current form, the program excludes millions of college students. That’s a massive policy blunder.

Currently, to access SNAP, applicants must have income below set  poverty thresholds  and meet certain citizenship and household criteria. People who are enrolled in a higher education institution at least half-time must also fulfill one other criterion to qualify. Some criteria include working 20 hours per week on average or participating in work study. 

Lawmakers passed these restrictions decades ago over unfounded concerns that students who were supported by their parents would abuse the program. Policymakers speculated that students supported by higher-income families would claim to be low-income by counting themselves as separate households. But there’s no research to indicate this has ever happened on a wide scale—any “evidence” is purely anecdotal. 

Nevertheless, these restrictions continue to block many individuals from accessing necessary nutrition support that could help them finish college, and sooner. The GAO report found that 4.5 million students who were enrolled at least half-time met the income thresholds for SNAP participation. But only 3.3 million met one of the exemption criteria— mostly by working at least 20 hours per week. 

That’s already a hefty task for students while managing their course load. But on top of that, two-thirds of these students reported not receiving any SNAP benefits despite appearing eligible. 

Unsurprisingly, the food insecurity crisis doesn’t affect all schools and students equally. A higher share of food insecure students attend minority-serving and for-profit institutions. Students experiencing homelessness, former foster youth, genderqueer, and gender nonconforming students, and first-generation students are also particularly vulnerable to food insecurity.

These food insecurity issues have wide-reaching impacts. Students struggle to perform at their highest level if they don’t have enough food. And working more hours results in less  successful education outcomes . If they don’t graduate, they lose crucial opportunities to advance in their careers and achieve higher incomes. In fact, over  40 million  people have attempted college but did not achieve a credential, which most attribute to  financial challenges . 

Ultimately, the system re-entrenches the cycle of poverty that made students food insecure in the first place. Case in point: Instead of completing my degree sooner, I was routed into poverty-sustaining wage jobs that forced me to continue to use public programs to survive, and delayed my ability to be economically secure. Restrictions on SNAP didn’t help me, my son, government programs, or my contributions to the tax system. Restrictions kept me in the system.

Our country also can’t afford to miss out on college-educated workers. A 2023 report from Georgetown University  found that 72% of jobs will require postsecondary education or training by 2031 and over 40% will require a bachelor’s degree. By failing to address food insecurity now, we’re also hurting our economy for the long haul. 

It doesn’t have to be this way. SNAP can and should ensure people can access an education that  we  know  leads to greater economic security . SNAP serves almost 80% of eligible households on average, but just 30% of students in need. 

SNAP is governed by the Agricultural Improvement Act, commonly known as the Farm Bill, which is traditionally reauthorized every five years . The legislation governs many other programs – including agriculture subsidies and disaster aid—but nutrition programs comprise the largest share. The reauthorization process is the window of opportunity to retool programs to reflect current and future economic conditions over the next five-year period. The program should have been reauthorized last year, but the deadline was extended due to partisan divide. The deadline is now set for the end of this month.

We should take advantage of this opportunity. SNAP has a long history of support across the aisle. Ensuring SNAP does not force people to choose between pursuing college or meeting their basic need for food is a commonsense adjustment that should have bipartisan appeal. 

Notably, other national programs—including the  Workforce Innovation & Opportunity Act  (WIOA) and the  Strengthening Career and Technical Education for the 21st Century Act  (Perkins) program already promote the pursuit of postsecondary credentials and degrees. Adjusting SNAP would simply bring it in line with other similar programs. 

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Cigarettes Should be Illegal – Argumentative Essay

junk food banned in schools essay

One of the biggest and most challenging health concerns in our society is smoking. Smoking is not a new activity. This practice has been around for ages in different forms. Smoking is presently the foremost cause of death in the world, due to its damaging and addicting substances, such as nicotine and tobacco. Even though millions die from it each year, smoking is the single most avoidable cause of death as well. Without smoking, a great amount of money and lives will be saved. Bans on items like tobacco are difficult to implement, and usually, do not stop all activity. Illegal selling of cigarettes is likely to follow a ban, if not imposed correctly. Cigarette smoking is the source of several health issues, it also includes lethal cancers.  The habit-forming nature makes it a tough task to stay away from once it has been experienced. This is made particularly testing when smoking is attempted at a young age. Evolving and impressionable minds often form addictions faster.

Currently, a cigarette manufacturing machine can use up to 3.7 miles of paper an hour. Tobacco crop uses additional important nutrients than many other harvests, degrading the soil. Probably the most influence of a cigarette on the environment is the making of them. The land used to grow tobacco crops could be put to healthier use by planting more trees or food production. Huge quantities of pesticides, fertilizer and herbicides are used on tobacco crops. Cigarette butts also do a lot of damage as actually they are often made from a form of plastic. The polymer acetate filters consist of thousands of strands that can take up to 15-25 years to dissolve. The dregs from tobacco in the butts also discharge pollutants into the atmosphere. Trillions of butts are discarded each year. These cigarette butts then make their way inside the stomachs of birds and fishes. It is awful to know that some of the fishes that we have consumed may have been tainted by cigarette butts.

Main reasons why cigarette smoking should be banned Pollution Cigarettes add to pollutions every day as people smoke them and release toxins into the air. Our air is already wanting in good quality. This is only increasing the problem. Global warming has become the main problem because of the solid inflow of toxins into our air. We also want plants to help filter our air and produce purified clean air to breathe. The air around us is also needed by plants to breathe. Crops grown by farmers in contaminated air, do not give the top nourishment for our bodies. Polluted air and soil is the root cause of these issues.

Cancer Cancer is the usual result for those that smoke for many long years. Probabilities of escaping cancer are better instantly after giving up the habit. However, the damage to the lungs can be substantial. There are many losses that turn around advanced lung cancer. The lungs of these patients are frequently studied to understand how much damage has happened. They are mostly found to be totally black in colour, like the inside of a fireplace. The smoking of cigarettes can also lead to cancers of the mouth and throat. The smoke that constantly passes down the lungs harms the delicate tissues of the respiratory tract. There is, therefore, no purpose to permit the usage of a product that is killing people.

The rise of cancer is in many forms. Lung cancer can even happen after the habit of smoking ends. It takes time for the cells to heal themselves once they have been mutilated. Smokers very often regret the decision to try cigarettes when cancer is the diagnosis. Others may be angry after being exposed to unprotected second-hand smoke.

Children Children are at great danger from cigarette smoking. Those children whose Parents smokes regularly are susceptible to this poison, every day. Young kids that are still growing can be especially vulnerable to the bad effects of cigarette smoke. Children can also without difficulty become hooked when they live in the home with a smoker.

Children that are wide open to cigarette smoke before they are even born can have many problems right away. Pregnant women, who smoke cigarettes, put their newborn babies at danger for prematurity and low birth weight. Pregnant women smoking during and after pregnancy are at risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. Smoking can expose a baby to harmful substances like nicotine, carbon monoxide and tar. Children with smoking parents are often ignorant of the concerns until they start school and learn about the dangers.

The recent laws forbid smoking in the car with children. This is a gigantic step towards shielding children from grown-ups with bad habits. Children that are open to cigarette smoke at an early stage in their life, often suffer from respiratory problems. This can include chronic disease like asthma. The pollutants from smoke settle down into the hair, clothes, and furniture of smokers. Even if a smoker selects to smoke only outside and away from children, the toxins from the cigarettes still make their way to children in the home.

Smoking is a nauseating habit that puts people’s lives at risk. The health concerns have been identified for many years, yet the habit-forming nature of cigarettes has stayed put. It may benefit to ban cigarettes since some people do not have the willpower to fight the problem on their own. A ban holds people responsible for their actions when it comes to illegal substances. Nicotine may not damage cognitive skills in the same way that drugs and alcohol do. However, they do affect vast long-term health matters. Smokers also suffer publicly, socially and not just physically. Cigarette smoking culminates to governing the lives of those who become addicted. Many residential complexes do not want smokers, as the cleaning is difficult when they move out. It is very difficult to totally eliminate the smell as the smell penetrates the walls and carpets deeply.

Unfortunately, smokers are at danger of losing their lives from huge health concerns. Smaller illnesses, like asthma, can also be challenging on the person. Lung cancer is often terminal and can lead to a heart-breaking loss for family and friends. Many people may try to support smoker mend, without any positive result. A ban on smoking may assist to curb pollution, keep children safe and healthy, and leave fewer people lonely. Any kind of addiction can inflict destruction in the lives of the addicts and those close to them.

Home — Essay Samples — Nursing & Health — Junk Food — People Should Eat Less Junk Food

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People Should Eat Less Junk Food

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Published: Jan 31, 2024

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Table of contents

Physical health, mental well-being, overall quality of life, counterargument and refutation.

  • American Journal of Clinical Nutrition - https://academic.oup.com/ajcn
  • Nutritional Neuroscience - https://www.tandfonline.com/toc/iunu20/current
  • World Health Organization - https://www.who.int
  • National Institute on Drug Abuse - https://www.drugabuse.gov

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Heilbrunn Timeline of Art History Essays

Saint petersburg.

Ewer and basin (lavabo set)

Ewer and basin (lavabo set)

Probably made at Chisinau Court Workshop

Settee

Andrei Nikiforovich Voronikhin

Alexander Danilovich Menshikov (1673–1729)

Alexander Danilovich Menshikov (1673–1729)

Unknown Artist, Swiss, Austrian, or German, active Russia ca. 1703–4

Ewer

Samuel Margas Jr.

The Empress Elizabeth of Russia (1709–1762) on Horseback, Attended by a Page

The Empress Elizabeth of Russia (1709–1762) on Horseback, Attended by a Page

Attributed to Georg Christoph Grooth

Table snuffbox

Table snuffbox

Niello scenes after a print entitled Naufrage (Shipwreck) by Jacques de Lajoüe , published in Paris 1736

Voltaire (François-Marie Arouet) (1694–1778)

Voltaire (François-Marie Arouet) (1694–1778)

Jean Antoine Houdon

Plate

Imperial Porcelain Manufactory, St. Petersburg

Cup with cover and saucer

Cup with cover and saucer

Two bottle coolers

Two bottle coolers

Zacharias Deichman the Elder

Catherine II The Great, Empress of Russia

Catherine II The Great, Empress of Russia

Jean-Baptiste Nini

Coffee service

Coffee service

Johan Henrik Blom

Tureen with cover

Tureen with cover

Tureen with cover and stand

Tureen with cover and stand

Jacques-Nicolas Roettiers

Snuffbox

Possibly by Pierre-François-Mathis de Beaulieu (for Jean Georges)

Pair of scallop-shell dishes

Pair of scallop-shell dishes

Sugar bowl (from a tea service)

Sugar bowl (from a tea service)

Clock

Workshop of David Roentgen

Beaker and saucer

Beaker and saucer

David Roentgen and Company in Saint Petersburg

David Roentgen and Company in Saint Petersburg

Johann Friedrich Anthing

Drop-front desk (secrétaire à abattant or secrétaire en cabinet)

Drop-front desk (secrétaire à abattant or secrétaire en cabinet)

Attributed to Martin Carlin

Pair of Flintlock Pistols of Empress Catherine the Great (1729–1796)

Pair of Flintlock Pistols of Empress Catherine the Great (1729–1796)

Johan Adolph Grecke

Harlequin

Gardner Manufactory

Center table

Center table

Imperial Armory, Tula (south of Moscow), Russia

Female Shaman

Female Shaman

Pair of vases

Pair of vases

Nikolai Stepanovich Vereshchagin

Jugate busts of Czarevitch Paul and Maria Feodorovna of Russia

Jugate busts of Czarevitch Paul and Maria Feodorovna of Russia

James Tassie

Wolfram Koeppe Department of European Sculpture and Decorative Arts, The Metropolitan Museum of Art

October 2003

The Birth of Saint Petersburg Russia, or “Muscovy” as it was often called, had rarely been considered a part of Europe before the reign of Czar Peter I (Piotr Alexeievich), known as Peter the Great (r. 1682–1725). His supremacy marked the beginning of the country’s “Westernization,” whereby the political, economic, and cultural norms of the western European monarchies would become the basis for “civilizing” Russia. A radical transformation was needed to launch Russia into the modern world, a transformation later called the Petrine Revolution. The young czar, feeling oppressed by the medieval traditions and ecclesiastical patriarchy of seventeenth-century Moscow, wanted to Westernize Russia in a hurry, defying the sluggish pace of history.

Saint Petersburg was born on May 16, 1703 (May 5 by the old Julian Russian calendar). On that day, on a small island on the north bank of the Neva River, Peter cut two pieces of turf and placed them cross-wise. The setting was inauspicious. The area was a swamp that remained frozen from early November to March, with an annual average of 104 days of rain and 74 days of snow. The army, under the command of Alexander Menshikov ( 1996.7 ), had conquered the region shortly before. To show his gratitude, the czar later appointed Menshikov the first governor-general of Saint Petersburg. The fortification of the territory kept the Swedish enemy at bay and secured for Russia permanent access to the Baltic Sea. The partially ice-free harbor would be crucial to further economic development. All buildings on the site were erected on wooden poles driven into the marshy, unstable ground. Stones were a rare commodity in Russia, and about as valuable as precious metals.

The Dutch name “Piterburkh” (later changed to the German version, “Petersburg”) embodied the czar’s fascination with Holland and its small-scale urban architecture. He disliked patriarchal court ceremony and felt at ease in the bourgeois domestic life that he experienced during his travels throughout Europe on “the Great Embassy” (1697–98). However, the primary purpose of this voyage was to acquire firsthand knowledge of shipbuilding—his personal passion—and to learn about progressive techniques and Western ideas.

The victory over the Swedish army at Poltava in June 1709 elevated Russia to the rank of a European power, no longer to be ignored. Peter triumphed: “Now with God’s help the final stone in the foundation of Saint Petersburg has been laid.” By 1717, the city’s population of about 8,000 had tripled, and grew to around 40,000 by the time of Peter’s death in 1725. Saint Petersburg had become the commercial, industrial, administrative, and residential “metropolis” of Russia. By the 1790s, it had surpassed Moscow as the empire’s largest urban vicinity and was hailed as the “Venice of the North,” an allusion to the waterway system around the local “Grand Canal,” the Neva River.

Peter the Great’s Successors The short reign of Peter’s second wife, Empress Catherine I (r. 1725–27), who depended on her long-time favorite Menshikov, saw the reinstatement of the luxurious habits of the former imperial household. The archaic and ostentatious court display in the Byzantine tradition  that Peter had so despised was now to be restored under the pretext of glorifying his legacy. Enormous sums of money were lavished on foreign luxury items, demonstrating the court’s new international status and its observance of western European manners ( 68.141.133 ).

During the reigns of Empress Anna Ioannovna (r. 1730–40), niece of Peter I ( 1982.60.330a,b ), and her successor Elizabeth (Elizaveta Petrovna, r. 1741–62; 1978.554.2 ), Peter’s daughter, Saint Petersburg was transformed into a Baroque extravaganza through the talents of architect Bartolomeo Francesco Rastrelli (1700–1771) and other Western and Russian artisans. Foreign powers began to recognize Russia’s importance and competed for closer diplomatic relations. Foreign immigrants increased much faster than the local population, as scholars, craftsmen, artisans, and specialists of all kinds flocked to the country, and especially to Saint Petersburg ( 65.47 ; 1982.60.172,.173 ; 1995.327 ).

Catherine the Great (r. 1762–96) In a coup d’état assisted by the five Orloff brothers ( 33.165.2a–c ; 48.187.386,.387 ), Catherine II overthrew her husband, the ill-fated Peter III (r. 1762) and became empress. Catherine saw herself as the political heir of Peter the Great. A German-born princess of Anhalt-Zerbst who, after her marriage, became more Russian than any native, Catherine aimed at completing Peter’s legacy ( 52.189.11 ; 48.73.1 ). Having lived in isolation in the shadow of Elizabeth I since her marriage to the grand duke in 1745, the time had come to satisfy her thirst for life and her insatiable quest for culture and international recognition. An admirer of the Enlightenment and devoted aficionada of Voltaire’s writings, Catherine stimulated his cult in Russia ( 1972.61 ). In response, the French philosopher dedicated a poem to the czarina; her reply, dated October 15, 1763, initiated a correspondence that influenced the empress on many matters until Voltaire’s death in 1778. The hothouse cultural climate of Saint Petersburg during Catherine’s reign can be compared to the artistic and intellectual ferment in New York City in the second half of the twentieth century.

Catherine’s desire to enhance her fame and her claim to the throne was immortalized by her own witty play on words in Latin: “Petro Primo / Catharina Secunda” (To Peter the First / from Catherine the Second). This she had inscribed on the vast lump of granite in the form of a wave supporting the Bronze Horseman on the banks of the Neva in front of Saint Isaac’s Cathedral in Saint Petersburg. This triple-lifesize equestrian figure of Peter the Great took the French sculptor Falconet twelve years to complete, until it was finally cast—after three attempts—in 1782.

Catherine had military expansion plans for Russia and a cultural vision for its capital Saint Petersburg. Above all, she knew how to attract devoted supporters. Only nine days after the overthrow of her husband, Catherine wrote to Denis Diderot, offering to print his famous Encyclopédie , which had been banned in France. Catherine recognized the power of art to demonstrate political and social maturity. She acquired entire collections of painting ( Watteau , for example), sculpture, and objects. The empress avoided anything that could be called mediocre or small. With the help of sophisticated advisors, such as Prince Dmitrii Golitsyn, her ambassador in Paris, Denis Diderot, Falconet, and the illustrious Baron Friedrich Melchior von Grimm, the empress assembled the core of today’s State Hermitage Museum. Catherine favored luxury goods from all over Europe ( 33.165.2a–c ; 48.187.386,.387 ; 17.190.1158 ). She commissioned Sèvres porcelain and Wedgwood pottery as well as hundreds of pieces of ingeniously conceived furniture from the German manufactory of David Roentgen in Neuwied ( 48.73.1 ). Furthermore, she encouraged and supported Russian enterprises and craftsmen, like local silversmiths ( 47.51.1–.5 ; 1981.367.1,.2 ) and the Imperial Porcelain Manufactory ( 1982.60.171 ; 1982.60.177,.178 ; 1982.60.175 ), as well as privately owned manufactories ( 1982.60.158 ). Catherine especially liked the sparkling decorative products of the Tula armory steel workshop ( 2002.115 ), genuine Russian art forms with a fairy-tale-like appearance, and in 1775 merged her large collection of Tula objects with the imperial crown jewels in a newly constructed gallery at the Winter Palace in Saint Petersburg.

Catherine’s son and successor Paul I (Pavel Petrovich, r. 1796–1801) disliked his mother and her aesthetic sensibility ( 1998.13.1,.2 ). As grand duke, he had spent most of his time with his second wife Maria Feodorovna ( 1999.525 ) outside of Saint Petersburg, in Gatchina Palace and Pavlovsk Palace. These they transformed into the finest Neoclassical architectural gems in Europe ( 1976.155.110 ; 2002.115 ).

Koeppe, Wolfram. “Saint Petersburg.” In Heilbrunn Timeline of Art History . New York: The Metropolitan Museum of Art, 2000–. http://www.metmuseum.org/toah/hd/stpt/hd_stpt.htm (October 2003)

Further Reading

Cracraft, James. The Petrine Revolution in Russian Imagery . Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 1997.

Koeppe, Wolfram, and Marina Nudel. "An Unsuspected Bust of Alexander Menshikov." Metropolitan Museum Journal 35 (2000), pp. 161–77.

Shvidkovsky, Dmitri, and Alexander Orloff. St. Petersburg: Architecture of the Tsars . New York: Abbeville, 1995.

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COMMENTS

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    This junk food essay will also look at ways of reducing the harms of junk food to teenagers. One possible way is to reduce the availability of junk food is informing about its effects at schools. It would be very beneficial if the consumption of junk food among teenagers would reduce at school because, typically, students spend most of their ...

  13. Why parents (and schools) shouldn't ban junk food

    In June of this year, the University of New Brunswick released a study that found that, for each year a child was subject to a school junk food ban, her BMI declined by 0.05 points. That means kids who were at these schools for five or more years were, on average, two pounds lighter than their peers whose schools didn't have bans.

  14. Essay on Junk Food: Samples in 150, 250 Words

    Here we have provided an essay on junk food for children and school-going students. It will provide a general overview of how to draft an essay on junk food. Continue reading! Also Read: Essay on Health. Also Read: Importance of Education. Essay on Junk Food in 150 Words. Junk food has become a prevalent component of the modern diet.

  15. Should junk food be banned in schools?

    One of the primary reasons put forth to support the ban on junk food in schools is the adverse impact it has on children's health. Junk food is often packed with excessive calories, unhealthy fats, and added sugars, all of which contribute to weight gain and increase the risk of obesity. Additionally, these foods lack essential nutrients ...

  16. Should Junk Food Be Banned In Schools? (Essay/Paper Sample)

    Consequently, the debate on whether or not junk food should be banned in school remains vibrant. This paper evaluates the two sides of the debate and finds that a ban decision is gratuitous and counterproductive. Given the high number of people who die annually from complications associated with obesity, having an obese rate of 1 in 5 people ...

  17. Debate: Should Junk Food be Banned in Schools? Essay

    One of the main reasons why junk food should be banned in schools is the growing obesity epidemic among children and teenagers. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the prevalence of childhood obesity has more than tripled since the 1970s. The easy accessibility of unhealthy food options in school cafeterias plays ...

  18. Essay on Junk Food in Schools

    It also affects brain function, causing slower reaction times and memory loss. Many people are trying to be more aware of junk food, so they choose healthy alternatives like fruits and vegetables instead of unhealthy treats. Besides the health issues, junk food can also be addicting. It contains high sugar levels, which can cause diabetes, and ...

  19. When College Kids Can't Afford Food

    A s fall semester of college is in full swing, nearly a quarter of students face a little-discussed, yet pernicious challenge: food insecurity.. According to a 2024 study by the U.S. Government ...

  20. What counts as junk food in upcoming UK advert ban

    Other countries are also considering a ban on TV adverts for junk food aimed at young people. Norway will ban marketing aimed at under-18s for products like soft drinks, sweets and ice cream.

  21. Cigarettes Should be Illegal

    The smoking of cigarettes can also lead to cancers of the mouth and throat. The smoke that constantly passes down the lungs harms the delicate tissues of the respiratory tract. There is, therefore, no purpose to permit the usage of a product that is killing people. The rise of cancer is in many forms.

  22. People Should Eat Less Junk Food: [Essay Example], 475 words

    Fast Food Should Be Banned: Analysis of Health Effects Essay. Oliver, J. (2010, February). Teach every child about food. TED. Retrieved from Publishers. Ban Junk Food in Schools Essay. The presence of junk food in schools has become a pressing concern for educators, parents, and health advocates. The consumption of high-sugar, high-fat, and low ...

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