Santa Clara County Grand Jury • 2005-2006

2005-2006 Santa Clara County Civil Grand Jury Report What is Santa Clara County Doing About Childhood Obesity?

Published: June 30, 2006 21 pages
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Findings and Recommendations 5 findings

F1
All school districts appear to abide by federal nutritional guidelines for breakfasts and lunches. Not all students partake in a full meal program and instead may choose less healthy items. Nutritionally poor items may be included as part of a complete meal, even though overall the meal technically may meet the standards. Unhealthy items are available in many schools and libraries.
Related Recommendations (1)
R1
All foods offered on school grounds and in public libraries should be of the healthy variety. Vending machine contracts should be modified to specify only healthy food choices.
F2
Currently only 200 minutes of PE every ten days are required in elementary school and middle school districts grades 1-8, except for medical exemptions or special circumstances.
Related Recommendations (1)
R2
Districts should determine how to increase the amount of time devoted to PE by at least 50%, even if this might mean rearranging and/or increasing the length of the school day. In grades 7-8, where the requirement is only 200 minutes every ten days, this should be increased by 50% as well.
F3
Currently only 400 minutes of PE every ten days are required in grades 9-12, except for students with medical or other special considerations. This requirement applies for only two of the four years. 11
Related Recommendations (1)
R3
The PE requirement for grades 9-12 should apply to all four years.
F4
Very little time is devoted in schools educating students about nutritional values of foods and the effects of calories ingested and the relation of weight to health. Some passing references may be made in PE or a science class, but no educational materials are mandated concerning food, calories, exercise, fitness, weight, and health.
Related Recommendations (2)
R4a
Specific age-appropriate curricula should be developed to educate children and teens about the relationship of food, weight, physical activity, and health. This should then be included on a regular basis at all grade levels.
R4b
The concept of BMI and percentile values should be considered for introduction in classes at age-appropriate levels.
F5
Proven methods exist which help children decrease screen time, select healthier foods, and increase physical activity. Other programs, involving dance and after school activities, are effective. Very few of these methods have been adopted.
Related Recommendations (1)
R5
Districts should adopt programs that have proven effective in decreasing screen time, encouraging healthy diet, and increasing physical activities. PASSED and ADOPTED by the Santa Clara County Civil Grand Jury on this 25th day of May, 2006. ________________________________ Thomas C. Rindfleisch Foreperson 12

Conclusions 26