Recently in Middle schools Category
At least, if you live in Baldwin Park.Back in 2005, there was a big push in the state legislature to make sure healthy food was being sold in schools. SB965 is phasing out soda from campuses, while SB12 mandates that snacks for sale on campus - even for fundraisers - doesn't exceed a certain amount of sugar, fat or calories.
The push for healthier food started in the schools, but now there's a task force in Baldwin Park taking it to the corners.
Participating corner stores and liquor stores (especially those near schools) are now highlighting items for sale that meet the criteria of SB12 and SB965. Healthier snacks and beverages at these stores will sport the logo you see here that was designed by a local teen.
This is the first phase of the "Healthy Selection" campaign, according to Christina Cardenas, an advocate coordinator based in Baldwin Park with the California Center for Public Health Advocacy.
In the next phase, Cardenas said that a consultant will be working with some of these store owners to make it easier for them to keep fresh produce and other healthy fare on hand.
Participating stores include La Blanquita, Mercado del Pueblo, El Mambi, J & J Liquor, Jay's Liquor and Vallarta. Smart & Final and 7-Eleven are also participating. I'm going to visit a few of these stores a little bit later to hear what store owners and customers have to say.
And all of this is a part of a broader campaign in Baldwin Park to battle childhood obesity as a part of the Healthy Eating Active Communities Initiative.
Look for more information about the campaign in upcoming editions of the La Puente, Baldwin Park and El Monte Highlander.
Torch Middle School received a special recognition on Friday, March 14, and a banner to hang in front of the school, from the California League of Middle Schools for becoming one of only three schools in California to achieve 2008 "California Schools to Watch" status. Dr. Irv Howard, "California Schools to Watch" program coordinator, told an audience at Torch of students, parents, teachers and administrators that the award is provided to schools that have demonstrated they are able to respond to the needs of middle school students and that they value academic excellence, the importance of families and culture and that they have the support from the community and parents "to make that school truly work."
