McCook school wellness program is good for a start

The new wellness program proposed for McCook Public Schools is a mixture of common sense and good intentions.

It's also an opportunity for public schools to work with parents, and even help educate parents, in promoting healthy lifestyles.

For one example, students will no longer be allowed to bring soda pop or other drinks or food into class. Many in the community, schooled at a time when chewing gum was considered a major infraction, will be amazed to learn that snacks and pop were allowed in the classroom in the first place.

Water bottles may still be OK, provided the teacher approves.

The policy, discouraging the consumption of food of "minimal nutritional value" -- MNV -- bans vending machines from elementary schools at any time during the school day, and for a half-hour before or after breakfast or lunch at other schools. In addition, at least one vending machine in each school building will include healthy choices such as water, 100 percent fruit juices, low-fat and/or non-fat milk, animal crackers, granola bars, whole-grain fruit bars, nuts and plain trail mix.

Food will no longer be used as a reward, and junk food purchased off-site will not be allowed back on campus.

Students will be encouraged to walk or bicycle to school, and parking situations that require a long walk to the classroom won't necessarily be considered inappropriate.

And, physical activity, or the denial of it, will no longer be used as a form of punishment.

Teachers also will be encouraged to set good examples by refraining from consuming foods of minimal nutritional value, but we know any effort to deny coffee drinkers with their morning cup would result in a major revolt.

School officials know they won't be able to keep all junk food away from students, and it's hard to fight human nature when it comes to walking to school when we can get a ride. They're fighting an uphill battle against millions of dollars spent to promote unhealthy foods and habits.

But it's appropriate for the school to do what it can, and the new wellness policy is a good start.