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Adam Putnam's mission to help Florida school kids eat healthier gets a boost

WTSP.com – June 29, 2011

Tallahassee, Florida – Mom always said eat your veggies.

Now dear Mom is getting some support on that mission from Florida Agriculture Commissioner Adam Putnam.

Putnam is dedicated to getting more fresh fruits and vegetables into school cafeterias.

He says it just makes sense to direct more of Florida’s fruits and veggies to school children, especially when so many of those products are grown in the state during the winter.

Now Putnam is getting some help with that goal under a new law signed by Gov. Rick Scott. It consolidates all of Florida’s school food programs under the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.

Putnam says he wants to teach children healthier eating habits and he believes that will have long-term benefits.

“If we’re developing good eating habits early on, introducing more fresh fruits and vegetables onto the plates, following that new guideline from USDA, I think everybody wins. The kids have a better meal, a meal that they enjoy, they’re developing healthier habits and over the long-term I think we’re doing society a big favor.”

Putnam says he’s concerned about the growing incidence of childhood obesity. The Centers for Disease Control reports that obesity affects 17 percent of all children and adolescents in the U.S. That’s triple the rate from just one generation ago.

Putnam says he would eventually like to see more fresh salad bars in schools, especially for older grades.

“We’re exposing them to fresh fruits and vegetables, developing healthy eating habits that will stay with them throughout their lives and over the long haul bend that cost curve on health care because of the high percentage of expenses that come from managing obesity-related illnesses.”

Putnam says he’s not focusing on removing any food items from vending machines at this point. He says there are a lot of healthy food choices available and he wants schools to take advantage.

The consolidation of food school programs under Putnam’s agency still requires approval from the federal government.

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