Feed our future — make healthy foods more affordable

Two years after the school nutrition policy was implemented, initial findings indicate promising progress in improving children’s dietary habits. However, achieving the overarching goal of healthier children requires ongoing and concerted efforts.

Recent reports from authorities highlight progress in students’ attitudes towards incorporating more fruits and vegetables into their diets and a positive response from several businesses that have reformulated their product offerings to align with healthier guidelines. Despite these encouraging developments, challenges persist.

Education and health officials have acknowledged that the policy encounters significant hurdles, particularly with vendors operating outside school premises and the varying reactions from students towards healthier school meals.

Senior Education Officer Hedda Phillips-Boyce addressed the issue of non-compliant vendors operating outside schools during a news conference on Tuesday. She stated that these vendors continue to sell items that do not adhere to the nutritional guidelines and that some parents are permitting their children to purchase from these vendors. Phillips-Boyce acknowledged the complexity of the issue and emphasised the need to find effective solutions.

It is undeniable that as a country we are crippled under the far-reaching effects of rampant non-communicable diseases — diabetes, strokes, cancer — largely caused by poor diets and inactive lifestyles. Most of us, if not all of us, know of a relative, neighbour or co-worker who has died or suffered from these debilitating conditions.

We all agree that we have to end this death trap like yesterday. A crucial starting point is to instil healthy eating habits in children from a young age. Encouraging children to consume less sugar and salt and increase their intake of fruits and vegetables can significantly improve their long-term health and longevity.

Therefore, policymakers are justified in prioritising the nutritional well-being of children and we expect that vendors — many of whom are mothers, grandmothers, and aunties — share the desire to ensure the health and happiness of all children, and will therefore cooperate with the policy.

However, while promoting healthy meals and snacks within schools is a commendable initiative, it is equally essential to address the elephant in the room—the underlying issue of the high cost of healthy foods. It is not an excuse or a cop-out to admit that healthy foods are costly.

Open and honest dialogue about healthy eating is crucial and therefore there must be a shift to offering support and finding practical solutions.

In Barbados, healthy food options are often expensive. For many families, especially those facing financial constraints, fresh fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains are simply unaffordable. Processed foods, which are often high in sugar, salt, and unhealthy fats, are typically cheaper and more readily available. Encouraging parents and vendors to provide healthier options without addressing the economic disparity is unrealistic.

A systemic approach is needed to make healthy choices more accessible and affordable for everyone, including vendors, single parents, and families of all sizes.

Policymakers have a responsibility to address these critical issues. Several strategies could be explored to reduce the cost of healthy snacks and juices for vendors. Subsidies for fresh fruits and vegetables could significantly lower their input costs, enabling them to offer healthier options. Tax breaks or incentives for businesses that produce and distribute healthy snacks could further drive down prices. Additionally, the Barbados Association of Vendors and Retailers could consider implementing a bulk purchasing programme to help small vendors access healthier products at discounted rates.

Ultimately, creating a healthier food environment for children requires collaborative action. Policymakers, vendors, parents, and the community at large must work together to establish a system where healthy choices are not only available but also affordable. By providing greater support, vendors can be empowered to become advocates for positive change, ensuring that all children have access to the nutritious food they need to thrive.