Hon Chris Carter
Education Spokesperson

3 April 2009 Media Statement

Labour endorses Green Party Healthy Food Petition

Labour’s Education Spokesperson Chris Carter today joined Green MP Sue Kedgley at the launch of her petition seeking to overturn the National Government’s decision to no longer require schools to promote and sell only healthy food options.

“The National Government’s dumping of schools’ nutritional guidelines flew in the face of the rising childhood obesity epidemic in New Zealand, and is a reverse-step to what similar countries are doing now. ” says Labour’s Education Spokesperson.

“Research shows eating habits are cemented in childhood and adolescence, and overweight children are more likely to grow up to be obese adults. Child nutritionists are alarmed at the increasing prevalence of Type 2 diabetes in young people, and some economists are even predicting the collapse of developed countries’ healthcare systems as the burdens of treating early-onset chronic obesity conditions escalate. We must, as a society, act now.”

“Most parents and teachers, and all health professionals, know that high-fat, high-sugar diets can wreak havoc with kids’ energy and attention spans, and can badly affect their abilities to stay focussed in the classroom,” said Mr Carter. “That’s why as Education Minister I led efforts to improve the food options available to kids in schools, and why I’m astonished by Anne Tolley’s claim that this had ‘nothing to do with teaching and education’.”

“The National-led government needs to exercise leadership in addressing the health needs of young New Zealanders,” says Mr Carter. “I urge all concerned parents, community health organisations and Boards of Trustees to support Mrs Kedgley’s petition.”

ENDS

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