Junk Food Ban

Title: Oklahoma Cracks Down on Junk Food in Schools Author: Ron Jenkins Source: Associated Press Date: Wednesday, March 9, 2005 Level: Advanced

Excerpt

A bill to prohibit junk food sales in elementary schools and restrict them in higher grades passed the Oklahoma Senate on Tuesday after it was amended to delay the ban until 2007. Pushed by the Oklahoma Fit Kids Coalition, a private group made up mostly of health professionals, the bill barring the sale of soft drinks and low nutritional snack items tackles the growing problem of obesity, diabetes and other health problems among young people. This is an excerpt. For full article, click here.

Vocabulary

Try to guess what these words mean from reading the article. If you need help, check out OneLook Dictionary Search. New words you will see in this article: alternative amend ban bill cherish constituent(s) delay diabetes duck guilty irresponsible incentive(s) measure nibble(s) nutrition(al) obesity perpetuate prohibit(ed) restrict snack supplant supplement tackle vendor Expressions crack down on fly in the face of (something) junk food pro tem soft drink(s) vending machine vote down

Talking Points

With your conversation partners, or classmates, you may wish to discuss the following: 1. Do you agree or disagree with the idea of banning junk food in public schools? 2. Should people have the right to consume whatever they want, even if it might be harmful to them? 3. Are school children mature enough to make their own decisions about what they will eat? 4. Who is most responsible for teenagers' health? (the kids themselves, their parents, school teachers and administrators, the government) 5. Should schools be allowed to accept money from businesses in exchange for promoting their products? For More Practice With a partner or in groups, debate the pros and cons of banning junk food in public schools.