Bills to Improve Health of Oklahoma Kids Clear Senate

Two bills aimed at helping Oklahoma students become healthier and more fit have won Senate approval. The measures, authored by Senator Bernest Cain, would ensure schools offer more nutritional foods as well as physical education for students.

“Oklahoma is leading the nation in heart disease. The numbers of new cases of diabetes being diagnosed are alarming. Both of these diseases can be fought with a healthy diet and exercise. By ensuring our schools are encouraging those things, we can improve the health and quality of life for future generations of Oklahomans,” said Cain, D-OKC.

Senate Bill 265 would prohibit elementary schools as well as junior high or middle schools from allowing low-nutritional foods, except for special occasions such as class parties.
Middle and junior high schools would allow students access to low-nutritional foods only on special occasions, after school and provides an exception for diet sodas.

High schools would be required to provide healthy food options. School districts would also provide incentives to encourage healthy food choices for high school students such as reduced prices.

Senate Bill 312 simply requires elementary schools to provide sixty minutes of physical education or exercise a week for full-day kindergarten students through the fifth grade. It also requires that school districts at least provide physical education, which may include athletics, to students at all grade levels.

According to the Oklahoma Fit Kids Coalition, one-third of American kids are overweight, obese or at risk and that childhood obesity in this country has doubled in the last 20 years.

“It’s a two-fold problem—kids are getting less exercise. They’re staying inside and spending more time on computers or video games instead of going outside, riding bikes or playing. If they’re eating food of low-nutritional value as well, then it is a recipe for health problems that can affect them the rest of their lives,” Cain said. “These bills can help turn that trend around.”

Both measures now move to the House of Representatives for further consideration. Sen. Cain’s House co-author is Rep. Susan Winchester, R-Chickasha.