Politics & Government

POLL: Who Should Ban Sugary Foods - the Government, or Parents?

Who is ultimately responsible for making sure sugary cereals, sodas and other foods don't end up in children's hands - parents, or the government?

 

In the Bay Area, it all seemed to start in 2010 when the San Francisco Board of Supervisors banned McDonald's from including toys in Happy Meals, allegedly because it made fast food more attractive to children.

Just recently, results of a study conducted in 2010 that measured the number of overweight or obese children in cities across San Mateo County was released. Although exact numbers for Belmont were not included, in surrounding communities was nearly 30 percent; was slightly higher. Countywide, the study showed that nearly 31 percent of children are obese.

Find out what's happening in Belmontwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Earlier this spring, New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg announced he wants to ban the sale of large sodas and other sugary drinks like energy drinks and sweetened teas in all restaurants, food trucks, delis, sports arenas and movie theaters in the city limits in an attempt to combat obesity.

Just this week, the Environmental Working Group released its list of the top 10 worst cereals for children, in terms of their sugar content. At the top of the list, Kellogg's Honey Smacks contains nearly 56 percent sugar. One cup is equal to eating a Twinkie, it says. Other offending cereals on the list include Fruit Loops, Cap'n Crunch and Apple Jacks.

Find out what's happening in Belmontwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Patch wants to know - what do you think? Are high-fat, high-calorie, high-sugar foods too often marketed toward children? And, if they are, is the answer to ban such foods? Or does responsibility lie with the parents who continue to buy such foods for their children? Or, is the solution a combination of both?

Vote in our anonymous poll below, and tell us your thoughts in the comments.


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