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'Two Angry Moms' to open discussion on childhood obesityWESTERN MASSACHUSETTS On May 16 at 7 p.m., The Food Bank of Western Massachusetts and the Massachusetts Public Health Association (MPHA) will host a film screening of the 60-minute documentary "Two Angry Moms" at the Media Education Foundation, 60 Masonic St., Northampton. Refreshments and information will be offered prior to the screening at 6:30 p.m. A short discussion will follow the film. This event is free, open to the public and is accessible.
In "Two Angry Moms," Amy Kalafa and Dr. Susan Rubin investigate school cafeterias to reveal what children are really eating. Their findings show parallels between junk food kids are eating in school and rising childhood obesity rates. In Massachusetts, 29 percent of children and 55 percent of adults are overweight or obese. Studies show that overweight children are at significantly higher risk of developing diabetes, asthma, heart disease, depression and low self esteem. The unhealthy chips and sodas sold in school vending machines are feeding this growing epidemic.
Why aren't all schools providing healthy meals? "Two Angry Moms" questions the roles of the government, corporate interest and school administration in developing school lunch programs. More than a film, this documentary has started a growing movement with a mission of eliminating junk food and getting healthy food in school cafeterias.
H4376, An Act to Promote Proper School Nutrition, contributes to this movement as a promising piece of legislation prioritizing the health of Massachusetts children. H4376 would establish healthy standards for snacks and beverages sold in vending machines, school stores and cafeteria la carte items. A discussion following the film screening will speak to the potential success of this bill and what the wider community can do to offer it the support it needs to become law. Garnering public support for this bill is crucial to pushing the bill through this legislative cycle.
"With obesity rates and their associated negative health consequences soaring we must take this first small step toward better food in schools. H4376 is a doorway to greater support for schools to offer better food to our children. There's no time to waste," noted Jo Comerford, Food Bank Director of Programs.
MPHA, leading this advocacy work, is the oldest public health organization in the nation that promotes laws, policies and programs that protect of health of our communities. The Food Bank of Western Massachusetts has also shown strong commitment to passing H4376 through meeting with legislators, hosting educational events and organizing associated advocacy efforts. Additional sponsors include the Northampton Committee to Stop the War with Iraq, Western Massachusetts Center for Healthy Communities, Springfield CHNA, Holyoke Food and Fitness Policy Coalition and the UMass Public Health Department.
For more information call Comerford at the Food Bank at 247-9738 ext. 118.
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