Studies show that the obesity rate amongst Maltese school children is one of the highest in the world, with Malta ranking second to the USA for overweight and obese children aged 11 to 13, while ranking first for children aged 15. These obesity rates are always increasing.
The Ministry of Education, together with the Health Promotion and Disease Prevention Directorate, should ensure that schools influence food choices. We feel that this policy should extend to the streets around the schools at pick-up time. The vans that set up near the school gates are selling pastizzi, doughnuts, and other sugar- and fat-laden junk food at a time of day when the children are hungry and might be looking for a quick snack. Eating such junk food will curb their appetite and they will not want to eat a proper, healthy meal when they get home, thus adding to the obesity and ill-health statistics of the Maltese islands.
If, like us, you feel that such trucks should be removed from school areas, sign this petition and share it with other parents who care about the health and well-being of their children.
Remember, the children are the future. It is time to educate them properly and teach them now so they set the example for the future of Malta!
Update #29 years ago
Obesity is linked to several long term health conditions, premature death and illness including diabetes, heart disease, stroke, gall bladder disease, fatty liver, arthritis and joint disorders and some cancers. THIS IS OUR RESPONSIBILITY! TO LEARN FROM THE PAST MISTAKES SO OUR CHILDREN BENEFIT! TAKE AWAY THE EASE IN WHICH CHILDREN CAN FIND THE FAST JUNK FOOD! Remove Junk Food Trucks from School Vicinities!!!!
Update #19 years ago
We changed the title so to be even more clear what we are looking for. Please do share this petition as it is our goal to ensure the best possible future for our children when it comes to their health and healthy options to eat!
