State officials estimate that 25-percent of Wisconsin children are currently considered obese. State Representative Chuck Benedict (D-Beloit) says it’s a battle that the Badger State appears to be losing, and a new approach is needed.
Part of that change is to take the battle into Wisconsin schools. Benedict is sponsoring legislation that requires schools to track the fitness level of students, sets nutrition guidelines for food served during the school day, and bans soda and junk food from vending machines. He says students need to be taught health habits at school, which they’ll then be able to take home with them.
The bill would not impact food brought from home or concessions sold at school events, although it would urge similar nutritional standards.
The legislation is being considered by the Assembly Committee on public health.
AUDIO: Andrew Beckett reports (1:03)