Bills to Improve Health of Oklahoma Kids Become Law

A bill to make sure Oklahoma kids aren’t filling up on junk food while at school has been signed into law. Senate Bill 265, signed by Gov. Brad Henry on Thursday, will prohibit elementary schools, junior high or middle schools from allowing “low-nutritional” foods except for special occasions such as class parties.
High schools would be required to provide healthy food options. The measure also directs school districts to provide incentives to encourage healthy food choices for high school students such as reduced prices.
State Sen. Bernest Cain, D-OKC, is principal author of the legislation, which is co-authored by Rep. Susan Winchester, R-Chickasha. Cain said passage of the measure shows the health of Oklahoma’s children is a priority for the state.

“So many public health problems in Oklahoma are preventable or at least could be greatly reduced by a healthy diet and exercise. But we know that simply isn’t happening. That’s why the legislation we’ve passed is so important—by starting early, we can encourage our children to make healthier choices. It will save taxpayers money in public health savings and help these kids become healthier, happier adults,” Cain said.

Cain was also principal author of a companion measure, SB 312 which 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. That measure was signed into law by Gov. Henry earlier this month.

SB 265 becomes effective July 1, 2007 while the physical education measure, SB 312, takes effect on November 1, 2005.

“One-third of American kids are overweight and childhood obesity in this country has doubled in the last two decades. We also know that Oklahoma is leading the nation in heart disease and that diabetes is literally an epidemic. I believe both of these bills are important steps toward turning those statistics around and creating a healthier future for our state,” Cain said.