By Teens For Food Justice Food Policy Interns, Grades 9-12.
Teens for Food Justice (TFFJ) is a 501(c)3 nonprofit that operates high-capacity hydroponic farms on six school campuses across four New York City boroughs and in Denver, Colorado. TFFJ students use real-world 21st-century science and technology to grow up to 10,000 pounds (per school) of hydroponic produce annually. Through TFFJ, students develop meaningful solutions to food insecurity, transform their relationship with the food they eat, and develop cutting-edge STEM skills needed in a new green sector economy.
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Do you know how many calories were in the food you just ate?
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As high school interns in New York City, we have decided to write about issues that can influence our well-being. We want to spread awareness about how what we consume on a daily basis may contribute to underlying health complications. Within our cherished neighborhoods of New York City, not everyone has access to healthy foods in their area of residence. We also know that fast food restaurants have quickly climbed the ranks to become one of the largest and most consumed within the food industry.
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The problem is that many neighborhoods have numerous fast food restaurants in abundance and far fewer healthy, affordable food options. Such neighborhoods are often better known as food deserts: urban areas in which it is difficult to buy affordable or good-quality fresh food. Come to think of it, in neighborhoods in Queens, the Bronx, and Brooklyn there are food deserts galore. Block after block is filled with temptations that are hard to resist.
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When getting out of the train station we are greeted by Popeyes, McDonald’s, Wendy’s, and many other fast food restaurants. There are always kids coming out of these stores with fries and hamburgers all smudged on their faces. The food looked so good at first, but is it really healthy for them?
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When getting to the line to order food, looking closely at all of the options was surprising. Many of the food options this restaurant offers have large amounts of calories, such as 250 to 730 calories per menu item. One example would be a Double Cheeseburger, which has 450 calories, 25 grams of protein, and over 50% of the daily suggested value of saturated fat. Furthermore, for comparison, the same standard kids’ meal in Mexico has about 282 calories for a 4 piece chicken nuggets and fries meal, and in the United States, the amount of calories in a standard chicken nuggets kids’ meal is about 395.
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This information is upsetting because we all don’t want to put these types of foods in our bodies which can lead to high blood pressure, blood sugar, obesity, and heart diseases. Despite the affordability of these foods, the portions are excessive and the nutritional value is insufficient. As New Yorkers, we take pride in our city’s diversity and commitment to justice. Specifically, we are concerned about health outcomes and health disparities. Unhealthy food options are more common in communities of color and families with low-income. Children are particularly vulnerable to the influence of unhealthy food options, which can have long-lasting effects on their health and well-being.
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In the United States, it’s becoming common to have diabetes, obesity, cancer, and heart disease at an early age. One reason for this is the amount of unhealthy food options eaten, sugar consumed, and ultra processed foods readily available. We believe that there are many reasons for this. As young people ourselves, we know that many people, especially teenagers, don’t always fully understand the nutritional value of the foods they order at restaurants and how those choices may affect their health. We also know that parents with young children are doing the best they can while they navigate the stressors of work, family responsibilities, and rising costs of living, especially in places like New York City. Fast food kids’ meals offer a convenient, affordable, and low-stress way to get dinner on the table.
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This is why we support Intro. 641 and want the New York City Council to make the bill a law. The purpose of the bill, otherwise known as The Big Apple Kids Meal Bill, is to have restaurants make healthier, affordable options available for children and families. The bill would require fast food restaurants to adopt and adhere to healthier nutrition standards. Creating healthier kids’ meals, that maintain affordability, is one way to address the systemic issues that disproportionately impact communities of color and low-income families. Our children are our future, what we weren’t able to do for ourselves should be a top priority when it comes to the next generation. The bill aims to create a sustainable diet for kids that would not only energize them but fill them as well without using unhealthy ingredients. Access to nutritious food options has often been limited in these communities due to the factors that create food deserts and economic barriers.
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This recently proposed bill to the administrative code of the city of New York, Int. 641, focusing on nutrition standards and beverage options for children’s meals served in food service establishments, is a crucial step towards promoting racial and social justice. By ensuring that children’s meals meet specific nutrition standards, we are taking proactive measures to address the health disparities seen across racial and socioeconomic lines from an early age. This legislation restricts beverage options to healthier choices like water, milk, and limited-portion fruit or vegetable juice that are free from added sweeteners. It also mandates that children’s meals contain no trans fat and limits calories, sodium, saturated fat, and added sugars, while requiring servings of fruits, vegetables, dairy, protein, and whole grains.
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By mandating healthier options in food establishments, we are working towards nutritional food accessibility for all children, regardless of their background or socioeconomic status. Food service establishments found in violation will face civil penalties. Efforts will be made to promote compliant children’s meals on menus and menu boards, making healthier options more visible and accessible to families. The Big Apple Kids Meal Bill Int. 641, regarding children’s meal standards, is not just about food—it’s about equality, justice, and the well-being of our communities.
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Take action today and tell New York City Council: We Want Healthier Options for Kids at Restaurants!
Dígale al Ayuntamiento de NYC: ¡Queremos opciones mas saludables para los niños en los restaurantes!
Faites savoir à la mairie de New York que vous voulez des repas sains pour les enfants!
নিউ ইয়র্ক সিটি কাউন্সিলকে বলুন: নিউ ইয়র্ক সিটি কাউন্সিলকে বলুন:
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