The beloved annual candy fest that is Halloween may become a little less sweet this year, as PTAs are gingerly targeting the holiday in an effort to stem America’s epidemic of obesity.
The National PTA announced that 22 of the estimated 14,000 PTAs and PTOs around the country will receive grants of up to $1,000 to conduct activities to promote good nutrition and physical activity as part of its Healthy Lifestyles Month.
“It’s no secret that we have a childhood obesity epidemic in this country,” Charles J. “Chuck” Saylors, National PTA president, said. “Statistics show that over the past three decades, childhood obesity rates in America have tripled and nearly one in three American children is overweight or obese. So, we’re proud of all the PTAs across the country who are taking the initiative to help keep our kids healthy.”
The grants are intended to increase awareness of healthy foods and physical activity, provide healthier food in schools, and engage family members in promoting physical activity and healthy eating habits. The cause is good, but a dental practice in my community may have a better idea of incentives for today’s children. They are offering to pay children for each pound of candy they turn in.
