NEW YORK CITY -- The vast majority of parents want schools to
limit students' access to high-calorie chips, sodas and candy,
and to offer them opportunities for physical activity throughout
the day, according to survey results released by the Alliance
for a Healthier Generation. Six hundred parents of children in
grades K-12 were surveyed by KRC Research for the alliance's
study, and nearly eight in 10 said they are ready to get more
involved to create a healthier environment in their local
schools. Among the key findings is that parents almost
unanimously agree (98%) that their child's school should offer
opportunities for physical activity throughout the day, whether
through P.E., activity breaks or recess and afterschool
programs. Almost as many (96%) agree that their child's school
should limit access to “unhealthy” snacks and sugar-sweetened
beverages. About two-thirds of parents (63%) believe schools
play a major role in instilling healthy habits in students.
Four-fifths of parents have undertaken one o