46th legislature - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - first session, 2003

REQUESTING THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH, NEW MEXICO STATE UNIVERSITY, THE UNIVERSITY OF NEW MEXICO AND THE STATE DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC EDUCATION TO STUDY AND IDENTIFY THE HEALTH AND EDUCATIONAL BENEFITS OF SELECTIVE NUTRITION CHOICES IN FOOD AND BEVERAGES IN PUBLIC SCHOOLS.

WHEREAS, the health and academic performance of children in public schools is of particular growing concern to New Mexicans; and

WHEREAS, some public schools make available to children food products and beverages that offer little nutritional value and that contribute to an inability to focus and concentrate on school work; and

WHEREAS, there has been inadequate emphasis on promoting the health and academic benefits of optimum nutrition in the public schools; and

WHEREAS, obesity is a growing national problem that is directly related to many chronic diseases such as diabetes, hypertension and heart disease; and

WHEREAS, many of the foods and beverages readily available in the public schools are known to contribute to obesity, resulting in earlier onset of those and other diseases; and

WHEREAS, hundreds of thousands of children nationwide and thousands of children in New Mexico are currently taking prescription drugs to control their behavior in the classroom; and

WHEREAS, improved nutrition could eliminate the need for prescription drugs and offer an effective and natural alternative to increase the focus and attention of children in the classroom and improve their overall conduct; and

WHEREAS, the state department of public education, the department of health and others have a desire and an obligation to address the health and welfare of children attending public schools;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO that the department of health be requested to lead a study, with the participation of the state department of public education and the health sciences centers of New Mexico state university and the university of New Mexico, to identify the ways in which optimum nutrition in schools can contribute to a healthy classroom experience among children; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the study identify measures that promote healthy lifestyles among children, including proper availability of nutritious foods and beverages; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the study also include participation from statewide nutrition groups, representatives of the food and beverage industry and other interested parties; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the department of health report its findings and recommendations to the interim legislative health and human services committee and the legislative education study committee at their respective October 2003 meetings; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that copies of this memorial be transmitted to the department of health, the state department of public education, the health sciences centers of New Mexico state university and the university of New Mexico, the legislative health and human services committee and the legislative education study committee.