Better food + bicycling = the recipe for reducing childhood obesity
As we’ve blogged about before, we think bicycling is a solution to our nation's obesity epidemic. Childhood obesity is a major problem in our society, and kids today are the first generation in two centuries with a lower life expectancy than their parents. However, bicycling is not the only solution—there are other factors than have likely contributed to the rise in obesity, such as poor childhood nutrition.
We were excited when we heard about the School Food Bicycle Tour, a project envisioned by a bicyclist named Sara Salo, because it is working to reduce childhood obesity through better school nutrition and bicycling. We asked Sara some questions about her 6,000 mile, coast-to-coast bicycling tour, her history with bicycling, and the bright orange carrot flag that she plans on flying.
What is your mission with the School Food Bicycle Tour?
The mission for the School Food Tour is to raise public awareness about the need to provide kids with wholesome meals and plentiful physical activity opportunities.
How did you become interested in bicycling?
I grew up riding backyard single track that my dad created and blasting through mud puddles on two wheels with my friends. This upbringing motivated me to share the bike love with others, and so I have spent years working in bike shops part-time and encouraging the young athletes that I coach to pedal for both recreation and utility. I have also been lucky enough to live in locations such as my home of Bend, Oregon where cycling is an integral part of everyday life, and I have witnessed time and time again how bikes bring together diverse members of communities for positive change. The Tour developed from my desire to spread the benefits and joy of bicycling to the general public.
How do you think your project and Peopleforbikes.org are related?
I think that the hearts of our missions -– to encourage more people to enjoy bicycling in all its forms –- are very closely aligned. The Tour’s activities are designed to inspire youth and communities to consider a comprehensive approach to health that includes wholesome eating and physical activity, specifically bicycling. I plan to promote all types of riding, from active transportation to sport, and will also encourage individuals to get involved in creating safer bicycling environments.
What is your bike setup like for your tour?
I actually haven’t picked out a bike and additional equipment yet! I’m still in the process of researching touring bikes. I plan to use a standard touring bike and pull a trailer, probably a BOB. The Tour is self-supported, so I will carry camping gear along with my classroom materials, video camera and computer. However, the piece of equipment that I am most excited about is a carrot-shaped flag for the trailer that I plan to fly in lieu of the standard orange safety flag. It’s going to be awesome.
What other kinds of bicycling do you do, if any?
I absolutely love mountain biking and spend countless hours enjoying the extensive trail network near Bend. Luckily, our community is home to scores of bicyclists, which makes it easy to always find an eager riding partner. Oregon offers amazing riding throughout the state, and I take every opportunity to explore the numerous and diverse trail systems. I also employ an old Bridgestone as my trusty commuter and find great joy in simply transporting a fresh loaf of bread home from the bakery in my pannier.
What is one statistic people should know about school food?
Only 6 to 7% of schools met all nutrition standards for the National School Lunch Program in the 2004-2005 school year (Source: USDA Special Nutrition Programs Report CN-07-SNDA-III). This stat demonstrates that there is a great need to improve school meals.
In a few words or less, what does bicycling mean to you?
Happiness & health!
What is your vision for a day in the life of a U.S. schoolchild in the year 2020?
I envision a school day in 2020 that incorporates physical activity and healthy eating into each student’s daily activities. The day would begin with kids arriving by active transportation whenever possible. I would love to pass by a school in 2020 and see a number of packed bike racks out front. Breakfast would be offered to any interested student and feature fresh fruit, whole grains and low-fat dairy products. After a morning of learning, the students would then break for recess before lunch – a trend that has become more common in recent years and has been shown to positively influence eating behaviors. School lunch would be universally available and would include a salad bar, whole grains, lean protein sources and as little processed food as possible. Ideally the educational curriculum would incorporate a school garden and include PE classes that feature inclusive activities that all students can enjoy such as yoga, dance, or bicycling. The day would conclude with students perhaps staying after school for an extracurricular cooking program or sports team and finally, enjoying their commute home – by bike!
You can meet Sara on her ride, which begins August 2011. Visit the School Food Bicycle Tour website for more information on ways to get involved with her project.
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