PUBLIC TESTIMONY
Testimony by Ji Yoo Lee, Masters Student at CUNY School of Public Health, on Nutrition Standards for Children's Meals
3:02:59
·
162 sec
Ji Yoo Lee, a master's student at CUNY School of Public Health, testified in support of Introduction 641, which aims to address childhood obesity by requiring healthier options on children's menus in restaurants. She presented statistics on childhood obesity rates and discussed the health risks associated with unhealthy restaurant meals.
- Lee emphasized the importance of limiting saturated fats, sodium, and added sugars in children's meals.
- She highlighted the issue of food insecurity, particularly in the Bronx, and its connection to the need for better access to nutritious food.
- Lee urged support for the bill, stating that the food given to children today shapes their future health.
Ji Yoo Lee
3:02:59
Oh, okay.
3:03:00
Yes.
3:03:02
Good oh, sorry.
3:03:04
Good afternoon.
3:03:05
My name is Ji Yu, and I am a master's student at CUNY School of Public Health.
3:03:09
I'm here to testify in support of bill introduction number 0641, which is an essential step toward addressing the growing public health crisis of childhood obesity and promoting healthier eating habits for our children.
3:03:23
Unhealthy restaurant meals are a significant threat to children's health.
3:03:28
According to the National Institute of Health, about 19% of children in the United States are obese, and 15 to 19.4% of NYC children are overweight, an additional 22 to 27% of children are obese.
3:03:41
This trend has been linked to the rise in fast food and restaurant meals that are high in calories, sugars, and saturated fats.
3:03:48
Research shows that meals at restaurants frequently exceed the daily recommended calorie intake with children averaging more than 1,000 calories per meal when eating out, much of which comes from unhealthy ingredients.
3:04:01
Bill introduction number 641 is a crucial response to this, requiring at least 2 meals on every children's menu to meet certain nutrition standards will make sure that healthier options are available for children when they dine out.
3:04:15
These meals would be designed to limit saturated fats, sodium, and added sugars, which are significant contributors to childhood obesity and related health problems.
3:04:24
The bill also addresses the issue of flavored milk and large juice portions, both major sources of added sugars.
3:04:32
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends limiting sugar sugary drinks for children, and large servings of juice can contain excessive sugar up to 30 grams per serving far exceeds exceeding the recommended daily intake for kids.
3:04:47
Furthermore, it is important to recognize that food insecurity disproportionately affects certain communities.
3:04:53
According to a 2022 report released by the mayor's office of food policy, Bronx residents experienced the highest rates of food insecurity, which is 19.7% of all 5 5 boroughs.
3:05:06
This highlights the need for better access to
UNKNOWN
3:05:08
nutritious has expired.
Ji Yoo Lee
3:05:09
Especially for vulnerable populations.
3:05:12
The food we give the food we give
Lynn Schulman
3:05:15
our children today shapes their health for the future.
3:05:17
You?
Lynn Schulman
3:05:17
Yes.
3:05:18
You have
Monica Bartley
3:05:18
to Yes.
Lynn Schulman
3:05:18
You have to sum up now because the time
Raul Rivera
3:05:20
is up.
Ji Yoo Lee
3:05:22
The food we give our children today shapes their health for the future.
3:05:25
I urge you to support bill number 0641 to create a healthier food environment for our children.
3:05:31
Thank you.
Lynn Schulman
3:05:32
Thank you.
3:05:32
And you can also submit your testimony to testimony at council.nyc.gov, the part that you didn't get to talk about.
3:05:40
Okay?
Ji Yoo Lee
3:05:41
Alright.
3:05:41
Thank you.
Monica Bartley
3:05:41
You're welcome.
