Public comment on the child nutrition programs of the USDA is currently taking place around the country.

[Guest guest]

Public comment on the child nutrition programs of the USDA is currently taking

place around the country.

 

For more information on the programs and the " outreach sessions, " visit the

following Web sites:

 

go to: http://www.fns.usda.gov/cnd/menu/whatsnew/WhatsNew.htm

 

go to: http://www.fns.usda.gov/cga/outreach.htm

 

 

[[[[ The following is a statement submitted in writing and in person by Pamela

Rice during the New York City session, today, April 16, 2002. About half of the

wording and focus of this tract came from PCRM (Physicians Committee for

Responsible Medicine) general counsel Mindy Kursban (MKursban). It is

presented as an example of what bright (you're all bright, aren't you?),

creative, thoughtful, informed, resourceful, focused, and disciplined

vegetarians can do with their contribution to the reflective process of this

USDA committee. Pamela presents herself, identifies herself (including her

location, concern, accomplishments, and background), then logically outlines her

case. NOTE: Her grammar is impeccable. She's writing a committee of the

Federal government. ]]]]

 

********

I would like to thank the USDA and the Food and Nutrition Service for the

opportunity to comment on the reauthorization of the child nutrition programs.

 

I am the founder of a vegetarian organization in New York City, the founder and

coordinator of the Vegetarian Center of New York City, and the publisher of a

vegetarian-issues magazine.

 

Over 150,000 copies of my 16-page pamphlet, which I wrote, entitled " 101 Reasons

Why I'm a Vegetarian, " have been distributed widely throughout the city as well

as all over the country. It sells by word of mouth.

 

I mention this because everyday people today are more and more adopting the

vegetarian lifestyle, simply because it embodies common sense.

 

But vegetarianism is much more than a peculiar dietary lifestyle. Its issues

touch on matters of health, economics, the environment, and animal welfare.

 

As for health--which this hearing is primarily concerned with--I believe that in

order to improve the overall health of our nation's children, decrease childhood

obesity, and teach our children healthy eating habits, I recommend that the

child nutrition programs:

 

-- provide more fresh fruits and vegetables, including calcium-rich

vegetables, and much less meat, poultry, and fried foods.

 

-- They should provide soy milk and rice milk to children,

regardless of whether a medical or dietary need is shown. To do

otherwise, I believe, is simply an outrage.

 

-- Ultimately, the programs should provide information about

nutrition so that children not only have the option, but the desire

to choose healthier foods.

 

Overall, the USDA must sever its ties to the meat and dairy industries.

 

As for the current food pyramid, from the vegetarian point of view:

 

-- Why do we have a milk group? Because we have a National Dairy Council.

 

-- Why do we have a meat group? Because we have an extremely powerful meat

lobby.

 

Vegetarian children grow up to be slimmer, healthier, and live longer than their

meat-eating friends. They are less likely to suffer from cardiovascular

diseases, diabetes and certain kinds of cancers.

 

It is in fact much easier to build a nutritious diet that meets the goals of the

Dietary Guidelines from vegetarian foods than from animal foods. Meat and dairy

have just too many calories and too much fat for the nutrients that they

provide.

 

And vegetarian foods contain absolutely no cholesterol.

 

An extensive body of research shows that consuming cow's milk is associated with

osteoporosis. It is linked to juvenile diabetes, anemia, constipation,

allergies, ear infections, asthma, and prostate cancer.

 

Moreover, a majority of ethnic populations are lactose intolerant.

 

Epidemiological research shows that countries with the highest incidence of

osteoporosis, including the U.S., have the highest dairy consumption rates.

 

My final comment, as a resident of New York, is to oppose Senator Charles

Schumer's proposal to put milk vending machines in public schools as part of the

school lunch program. I would favor bottled water, juices, and nutritious soy

and nut milks.

 

Thank you for the opportunity to speak with you today.

 

Pamela Rice

President

VivaVegie Society

http://www.vivavegie.org

 

 

 

 

 

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