There has been a longstanding debate about whether or not school canteens should sell junk food. On one hand, some argue that schools have a responsibility to promote healthy eating habits among students and that selling junk food goes against this mission. On the other hand, others argue that students should have the freedom to make their own choices about what they eat and that school canteens should be able to offer a variety of food options. In this essay, I will explore both sides of the argument and ultimately argue that school canteens should not sell junk food.
One argument in favor of allowing school canteens to sell junk food is that students should have the freedom to make their own choices about what they eat. It is important for students to learn how to make healthy decisions for themselves, and this includes learning how to balance unhealthy and healthy food choices. Additionally, some argue that banning junk food from school canteens could lead to students feeling deprived or restricted, which could ultimately lead to them seeking out unhealthy options elsewhere.
However, the negative health impacts of junk food outweigh the argument for personal freedom in this case. Consuming junk food on a regular basis can lead to a range of health problems, including obesity, diabetes, and heart disease. These health issues can have serious consequences, both in the short term and the long term. In addition, research has shown that children who eat unhealthy diets are more likely to have poor academic performance and lower levels of concentration.
Given the negative health impacts of junk food, it is clear that schools have a responsibility to promote healthy eating habits among students. Allowing junk food to be sold in school canteens sends the message that it is an acceptable choice, when in fact it is not. Instead, schools should be promoting healthy eating habits by providing a range of nutritious food options in the canteen. This could include offering more fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins.
In conclusion, while some may argue that students should have the freedom to choose what they eat, the negative health impacts of junk food make it clear that school canteens should not sell it. Schools have a responsibility to promote healthy eating habits among students, and offering junk food in the canteen goes against this mission. By providing a range of nutritious food options, schools can help students to make healthy choices and set them up for success both in and out of the classroom.
