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Action Alert: Stop Dairy Industry from Invading New York Schools
Sample letter to Governor Pataki
Please send your letter or e-mail to:
Governor George E. Pataki
State Capitol
Albany, NY 12224
518-474-8390
Send an e-mail to Governor Pataki using this online
form.
Re: Stop New York Agriculture in the Classroom Ag Literacy Day
from Pushing Unhealthy Food on Schoolchildren
Dear Governor Pataki:
As a concerned [individual, parent, resident of New York, teacher,
etc.], I am dismayed that New York state is embarking on a program
that will actively push schoolchildren to eat unhealthy foods.
Given the large numbers of children who are overweight, obese,
and beginning to show signs of related health conditions, including
diabetes, this program is horribly irresponsible.
As you know, New York Agriculture in the Classroom is holding
its first Ag Literacy Day on March 20, 2006. On this day, volunteers
will go into elementary school classrooms to encourage children
to eat cheese, specifically—and shockingly—cheese pizza.
This program will involve reading the book Extra Cheese Please!:
Mozzarella’s Journey from Cow to Pizza to students as
part of the class curriculum. This book, which highlights dairy
products, the leading agricultural commodity in New York, ends
with a girl eating a piece of pizza and includes a recipe for cheese
pizza.
Children already eat enormous amounts of cheese. Its fat and cholesterol
content are among the highest of any food, and the consumption
of cheese and other dairy products has contributed to the current
childhood obesity and diabetes epidemics. Encouraging children
to eat more of this harmful product is not in the best interest
of America’s youth.
Ag Literacy Day should focus on healthy New York agriculture products
such apples, grapes, cauliflower, butternut squash, and other nutritious
fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Instead of choosing a book
that focuses on an unhealthy product, any book read to students
should highlight the healthy and nutritious foods our children
really need. The New York Agriculture in the Classroom program
has many such books, including Carrots, Albert’s
Field Trip, Farmer’s Market, or The Ugly
Vegetables, as indicated on the organization’s Web site
at http://cerp.cornell.edu/aitc/AITC_Resources.asp.
It is crucial that we teach children the importance of healthy
eating habits at a young age. I ask that you order New York Agriculture
in the Classroom to shift its focus towards healthy foods, including
fruits and vegetables, which children need to consume more.
Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
Name
Signature
Address
City, State Zip Code
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