PUBLIC TESTIMONY
Testimony by Kiara King, Intern at Teens for Food Justice on Introduction 641
2:38:07
·
103 sec
Kiara King, a high school senior and intern at Teens for Food Justice, testified in support of Introduction 641, which aims to promote healthy eating habits for children by requiring restaurants to offer at least two healthy kids' meals that meet expert nutrition standards.
- King emphasized the health risks associated with excessive salt and sugar consumption, including cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and obesity.
- She shared a personal anecdote about her grandmother's struggle with diabetes to highlight the importance of healthy eating.
- King argued that passing the bill would not only promote healthier eating habits but also reduce the burden on the healthcare system.
Kiara King
2:38:07
Hello and good afternoon.
2:38:08
Before I get started, on behalf of myself and my follow colleagues, I'd like to thank the city council for having us here.
2:38:15
My name is Kiara King.
2:38:16
I'm a senior attending the Moore High School For Law Advocacy and Community Justice on the MLK campus, and I'm an intern for Teens to Food Justice.
2:38:25
In 2023, I became an intern for Teens to Food Justice, a nonprofit organization that aims to eliminate food insecurity and promote youth led activities with a hydroponic farming system.
2:38:35
We helped to work on the intro 641 bill, which intends to promote healthy eating habits and lifestyles in children.
2:38:42
I'm here today to urge the council to pass the intro 641 bill.
2:38:46
It is a known fact that consuming unhealthy and processed foods can pose significant health risk.
2:38:51
I think about my grandmother who, despite faces diabetic limitations, still prioritizes the importance of healthy eating and maintaining good health.
2:39:00
This bill requires restaurants to have 2 healthy kids meals that meet expert nutrition standards that put limits on such as salt and sugar.
2:39:08
Excess salt and sugar are the leading causes of health risks and diseases.
2:39:13
Meals that contain too much salt can contribute to water retention, stroke, kidney diseases, and an overall negative impact on cardiovascular health.
2:39:22
Sugar also impacts raising blood pressure, cholesterol levels, increasing the risk of obesity, cardiovascular cardiovascular diseases, and diabetes.
2:39:32
An excess amount of salt and sugar can be detrimental to our overall overall health and well-being.
2:39:37
By passing this bill, we're taking a crucial step in combating harmful health practices and improving public health.
2:39:43
Not only will this bill promote healthier eating habits, but it will also reduce the immense burden in our health care system.
2:39:49
Thank you for your time.
