Where Have All the Cupcakes Gone?

It is time to start writing!  This blog is, in part, a project for a journalism class.  It is also a place to write about things I think are worth discussing.  So speaking of school...

I've often wondered when it became expected that every event in a child's life at school required food.  Birthdays, Valentine's Day, the Last Day of School have all become treat-giving days.  Fortunately I have one child with a summer birthday and another who never really wanted to bring in food for his birthday, so I didn't have to have that fight.

Last week my son's elementary school announced a "no food birthday treat" policy.  This means no cupcakes, ice cream, cookies, etc will be distributed for a student's birthday.  Non-food items such as pencils or stickers are welcome.

This is partly in response to students with dietary needs ranging from allergies to diabetes. It also recognizies that not all families can afford the time or money to celebrate at school with treats for everyone.  And it helps remove some of the chaos and distraction that result when celebrations occur in a class of 25 students or more.

I know other schools have instituted "no cupcake" policies around the country.  I found an interesting discussion here.  People against the change point fingers at lack of physical education and recess as the culprit for our national obesity epidemic.  However, according to an article on MayoClinic.com, "Cutting calories through dietary changes seems to promote weight loss more effectively than does exercise and physical activity."

I am thrilled that the school will have this policy going forward.  From both a health and educational standpoint, it is a positive step.  Families can celebrate with food at home, and students can share non-food treats at school.  Public health advocates remind us that eating together as a family is good for our kids.  And finding ways to celebrate without unhealthy food is good for everyone.

Kids who have special dietary needs have many issues to deal with when a treat is brought by another family to be shared at school:  is it safe to eat, am I allowed to eat it, what is in it, who made it, will I feel left out if I don't eat it,  why didn't I know it was coming so I could bring something else?  As someone with food allergies, I can attest first-hand to this experience.  Even with the best of intentions, mistakes can happen.

If every student in the school brings in cupcakes just once a year to share with their class, that is close to 700 celebrations a year.  Trust me, the school cafeteria is loud and exciting enough during lunchtime without the birthday cupcakes.