Action for Healthy Kids-AZ feels that it must respond to negative publicity and outright attacks launched against our organization and H2544. The two pieces came in a commentary and then in a letter published in Arizona Capitol Times. [Local Schools Can Police Their Own Vending Machines, Feb. 4, and, Research On Schools That Banned Snacks Is Flawed, Feb. 11]

Our group encourages the readers of Arizona Capitol Times, legislators, statewide school boards, teachers and parents to use this litmus test to cut through the rhetoric surrounding H2544: follow the money. Better yet, ask yourself, “What possible profit motive does the Arizona Department of Education, Action for Healthy Kids, and its various nonprofit health agency partners have in supporting H2544?” How about representatives of the beverage, snack and vending machine industry who oppose H2544? Which group do you really believe is looking out for the health and welfare of our children? Action for Healthy Kids-AZ is about creating schools that support sound nutrition and physical activity.

The assertion that there is “insufficient data” to make a case for H2544 is preposterous. The Arizona Department of Education could have forgone the pilot study and Rep. Mark Anderson, R-18, could have referred to the position statements of the American Dietetic Association, the Society for Nutrition Education, the American School Food Service Association, the American Academy of Pediatrics, the National Association of School Nurses, the resolution of the National PTA to Combat Childhood Obesity, along with others, to justify H2544 on its own merit.

Equally preposterous is the assertion that Action For Healthy Kids-AZ invited members from the vending and beverage industry to meetings motivated by our desire to look inclusive and then retracted the invitation after our needs were met. They were invited to become members. We will continue to hold open meetings and will collaborate with anyone interested in improving the health and well being of children.

Ironically, if these opponents would have participated in earnest, instead of attempting to disrupt meetings, they would realize that it’s very possible to provide healthy choices that meet the nutritional guidelines of the National School Lunch Program and still make enough money to share with schools. Nationally, our group provides resources and expertise to vending machine and snack distributors to help them make the transition without losing money.

Opponents clearly think this is an issue of self-responsibility and children should be mature enough to abstain or make healthier choices. Our group says the opponents should lead the way by placing children’s health first and profit second.—

*Action for Healthy Kids is a nationwide initiative dedicated to improving the health and educational performance of children through better nutrition and physical activity in schools. Its Web site is www.actionforhealthykids.org