PUBLIC TESTIMONY
Testimony by Rebecca Johnson, Partnerships Manager at Plant Powered Metro New York
2:35:27
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156 sec
Rebecca Johnson, a chef nutrition educator and partnerships manager at Plant Powered Metro New York, testified in support of the bill to improve nutrition standards for children's meals in restaurants. She emphasized the importance of offering healthier beverage options and discussed the health benefits of whole foods over processed alternatives.
- Johnson shared her experience working in NYC public schools, noting children's desire for healthier food options
- She highlighted Plant Powered Metro New York's efforts to promote healthier meals in restaurants through their plant powered plates program
- Johnson advocated for water and non-dairy sugar-free beverages as default options for kids' meals, citing scientific evidence on the health impacts of different food choices
Rebecca Johnson
2:35:27
Good afternoon.
2:35:28
Thank you for this opportunity to testify on this bill today.
2:35:32
My name is Rebecca Johnson.
2:35:33
I'm a chef nutrition educator and partnerships manager at Plant Powered Metro New York.
2:35:39
For over 10 years, I worked in New York City Public Schools as a chef and nutrition educator, giving me daily opportunities to talk with kids about food in cafeterias and classrooms.
2:35:51
When kids learn about how the food and beverages marketed to them impact their health, they're often outraged.
2:35:58
They've asked me why aren't healthier options available instead of junk and why aren't adults doing more about the problem?
2:36:07
At Plant Powered Metro New York, we're addressing these concerns through our plant powered plates program, which promotes healthier meals in restaurants, which it supports, bringing these options, making, them available on their menus.
2:36:25
And so while some chain restaurants
Lynn Schulman
2:36:25
are beginning to offer healthier options that are pan
Rebecca Johnson
2:36:38
critical precedent.
2:36:39
Food service establishments must meet higher standards to protect the health and well-being of their customers, especially children.
2:36:46
Recommending water and nondairy sugar free beverages as default options for kids' meals is a step in the right direction.
2:36:54
Science supports this approach.
2:36:55
When fruit is eaten whole, the natural sugars either, enter the bloodstream slowly providing sustained energy.
2:37:03
In contrast, straight fruit juice causes blood sugar spikes contributing to health issues like childhood diabetes.
2:37:10
And studies have suggested that fat accumulation from meat products aggravates insulin resistance, yet which in turn contributes to type 2 diabetes, whole grains, legumes, vegetables and fruits, which are fiber rich, actually are low fat and promote health.
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School menus have already evolved, allowing principals to remove flavored milk while food service teams are increasing plant based option options.
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Restaurants, however, have not widely caught up.
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It's time to hold them accountable for supporting the health and well-being of New York City's children and families.
2:37:48
I commend the council for considering this amendment to children's meal standards, Cities like Louisville, Kentucky with their healthy drinks and kids meals ordinance have taken this bold step, and now it's New York City's turn to lead.
2:38:02
Thank you for your time and leadership.
