West Babylon schools fight childhood obesity

Former President Bill Clinton's Alliance for a Healthier Generation, whose mission is to eliminate childhood obesity and inspire healthy habits, will honor representatives from all seven schools of West Babylon in Manhattan today.

Lunch director for the West Babylon school district Adrianne Goldenbaum said the district had been selected for funding from the Alliance that goes toward changes in the district's food and physical education program "because of the district's commitment" to healthier living.

West Babylon schools prove that positive change is possible in the battle against childhood obesity, school officials said. Documents show improvements in their students' body mass index, or BMI, which measures body fat, said Dominick Palma, West Babylon's assistant superintendent for curriculum and student services. Palma will receive the National Healthy Schools Champion award for his efforts since 2005.

"Our employees really grasped the idea that if we want the kids to be healthier, we need to model it ourselves," Palma said.

The district eliminated all fried foods, substitutes 1 percent and skim milk for whole milk, uses whole-wheat products, and offers water and 100 percent fruit juices instead of high-sugar beverages.

"We've changed a slice of pizza high in fat and sodium to 'smart pizza' with low-fat cheese and whole-wheat crust," Goldenbaum said. "The kids don't know the difference."

Besides changes in the food selection, the district offers physical activities such as dance classes, yoga and a state-of-the-art fitness center.

Palma said high school students also trained to be "wellness ambassadors" will organize activities and speak to other students in the district.