HR 134 (LSB 6013HH (4) 84)

HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 134

BY  UPMEYER, SCHULTE, HELLAND, LYKAM, and JACOBY

A Resolution encouraging parents to cook with their children.

   WHEREAS, our children are Iowa’s most precious and joyful responsibility, and we are obligated to do all we can to make the good health of our children our number one goal; and
   WHEREAS, childhood obesity is considered by many to be an epidemic in western countries, particularly in the United States where over 15 percent of children are currently considered obese and where that number is increasing; and
   WHEREAS, overweight children can develop serious health problems, such as diabetes and heart disease, often carrying these conditions into adulthood as an obese adult; and
   WHEREAS, overweight children are at higher risk for developing Type 2 diabetes, metabolic syndrome, high blood pressure, asthma and other respiratory problems, sleep disorders, liver disease, eating disorders, and skin infections; and
   WHEREAS, research shows that children are more open to tasting new foods they help prepare; and
   WHEREAS, children who help their parents shop for groceries and help prepare the food they buy are empowered to make decisions about what they eat and are more likely to choose healthier foods; and
   WHEREAS, when buying groceries, parents can share with children the benefits of healthy snacks and the importance of choosing fruits and vegetables over convenience foods that are high in sugar and fat; and
   WHEREAS, studies show that parents’ presence at mealtime leads to kids eating healthier meals and, in terms of preventing obesity, it is important to understand that the example parents give their children will influence what they eat; and
   WHEREAS, parents and children should select recipes and preparation methods that are lower in fat, put colorful food on the table, such as green and yellow vegetables, fruits of various colors, and whole-grain breads, and refrain from eating in front of the television or computer; and
   WHEREAS, experts say that if families gathered around the dinner table more often and made sharing news and telling stories an event, it would provide benefits to children, such as improved academic performance and higher self-esteem; and
   WHEREAS, celebrity chef Guy Fieri, and other chefs, have helped to make cooking with kids a fun and healthy family activity; NOW THEREFORE,

   BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, That the House of Representatives encourages parents and children to spend time in the kitchen together and prepare a healthy meal; and

   BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That parents are encouraged to cook with their children at least once per week, spend quality time and make healthy food choices with their children, commit to new healthy habits, and set achievable goals for their families; and
   BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That the Chief Clerk of the House of Representatives shall transmit copies of this resolution to the sponsor for appropriate distribution.