An audit released today by New York State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli found that junk food is routinely sold in New York City schools through vending machines and school stores. These sales undermine efforts of the federal and state governments and the New York City Department of Education to reduce obesity rates and promote healthy eating habits among students. The science has shown that one third of all cancer deaths can be attributed to a poor diet high in fatty, non-nutritional foods and to a lack of exercise. In New York State, 11,000 cancer deaths a year are related to obesity and lack of physical activity.
The Comptroller’s office held a press conference earlier today to announce the audit findings. Dave Momrow, Senior Vice President of Cancer Control for the American Cancer Society, spoke at the press conference in support of the Comptroller’s audit. The American Cancer Society was the only health organization invited to offer remarks at the news conference.
Below is a statement by Mr. Momrow on the audit.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 10, 2009
AUDIT REVEALS GAPS IN NYC SCHOOL NUTRITION PROGRAM - MEASURES TAKEN TO STRENGTHEN PROGRAM AND ENCOURAGE HEALTHIER FOOD CHOICES AMONG STUDENTS
Statement from Dave Momrow, Senior Vice President of Cancer Control, American Cancer Society of NY & NJ, regarding audit of NYC school nutrition program.
“Our vision is a world where cancer is not a major health problem, and helping children make healthy eating choices is a big part of realizing that dream, since one-third of all cancer deaths can be attributed to obesity and lack of physical activity. Comptroller DiNapoli and the New York City school system are joining the fight by ensuring that only healthy food selections are available to students during the school day. The Comptroller's audits, in combination with his special report on the significant health related cost impact of this issue, provide critical direction on why and how we must focus greater attention on where young people spend a significant part of their day, our schools.
What’s happening in New York City is key. Now it's time for lawmakers in Albany to address the issue of nutrition in schools so children statewide have futures filled with promise, not pain.”
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About the American Cancer Society
The American Cancer Society combines an unyielding passion with nearly a century of experience to save lives and end suffering from cancer. As a global grassroots force of more than three million volunteers, we fight for every birthday threatened by every cancer in every community. We save lives by helping people stay well by preventing cancer or detecting it early; helping people get well by being there for them during and after a cancer diagnosis; by finding cures through investment in groundbreaking discovery; and by fighting back by rallying lawmakers to pass laws to defeat cancer and by rallying communities worldwide to join the fight. As the nation’s largest non-governmental investor in cancer research, contributing more than $3.4 billion, we turn what we know about cancer into what we do. As a result, more than 11 million people in America who have had cancer and countless more who have avoided it will be celebrating birthdays this year. To learn more about us or to get help, call us any time, day or night, at 1-800-227-2345 or visit cancer.org.
After months of delay and hard negotiations, Congress has finally passed a funding bill! The bill includes a small increase for cancer research and prevention programs.