Oct 6, 2008 6:45 pm US/Eastern
Health: The Food Trust
PHILADELPHIA (CBS 3) ―
The commute between school and home is packing on the pounds for some children. It's no surprise that the candy and junk food lining the shelves of convenient stores is a temptation many kids can't pass up, but this new study is already changing what food is available to kids.
It's the end of the school day ... OUT come the kids and IN they go to a corner store.
The Food Trust partnered with Temple University in a study that found 70- percent of kids bought food or drinks on their commute to school.
"Kids were purchasing two to three dollars worth of food at corner stores every day and that can equal 600 calories, and unfortunately usually those are empty calories from junk food," said David Adler, The Food Trust.
No surprise to school officials who see what kids are snacking on.
"They come in with their bags of Doritos, their sodas and all, we try and stop them coming in. It's a battle though," said James Whiting, Principal at Dobbins High School.
That's why the Food Trust -- a local non profit -- is partnering with local stores to sell healthier food.
Store owner Gorge Martinez recently signed up for the program that helps him offer fresh fruit in his store.
"They are buying a lot and I see an increase of sales every day," said Gorge Martinez.
Martinez says he hopes to offer more healthy snacks in the future.
The Food Trust is even providing these colorful coolers to participating stores to entice children.
"A lot of food wrappers have really bright red, orange colors and so that is the coloring we used on this so it would grab kids attention," said Adler.
So far 11 Philadelphia stores have agreed to stock the healthier food. The Food Trust hopes that number can grow to 30 by the end of the year.
RELATED LINK:
The Food Trust
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