Argumentative Essay : Junk Food Final Draft

Should the sale of junk food in school canteens be banned?


Junk food aptly meant any food that is presumably unhealthy and of low nutritional value (Family Journal 2005). Owing to the simplicity, time and cost saving factors, junk foods have always been opted to be sold and consumed. However, the decline in the sale of junk foods in Cook High School after 2001 has shown that the society is getting more health-conscious nowadays (School News 2005). Thereby, I strongly agree that the sale of junk food in school canteens should be banned as it triggers behavioural problems, creates health problems, as well as contributes to litter problems.

Firstly, junk food will affect the behaviour of children. According to Family Journal (2005), chemical additives have been lavishly added to enhance flavor and colour of most junk food as well as to prolong its shelf life. Most of these additives are proven to cause behavioural problems in children, namely hyperactivity and poor concentration. By removing junk food and soft drinks from the canteen, Hillview primary school teacher observed a noticeable improvement in students’ behaviour in class as they had become calmer after lunch (The Food Show 2005). Hence, in order to make the students well-behaved, the sale of junk food in school should be banned in the first place.

Secondly, junk food deteriorates the health of schoolchildren. High calories level in junk food has led to childhood obesity which can further result in heart disease, osteoarthritis and certain cancers. Professor Steven Reynolds puts the blame of obesity in youth on the school canteens which offer foods high in fat and sugar. Besides, Dental Association is also urging state governments to prohibit the sale of soft drinks as the dental health of Australia’s primary-school children is worsening (Weekend News 2005). In short, when junk foods are readily available at school, students’ learning ability is reduced as the nutrients required for healthy development and growth are insufficient (The Food Show 2005).

Thirdly, the packaging of fast food is the main contributor to litter problems. According to Family Journal (2005), litter jeopardizes the safety and health as well as tarnishes the image of our communities. When junk food is sold at the school canteen, there will be cans, crisp packets, cartons and plastic containers everywhere. As a result, there will be more time spending on cleaning the surroundings while less time can be allocated on maintenance projects that benefit the school (The Food Show 2005). Although the sale of low-cost production junk food generates bigger profits for school, the cleaning costs of litters on the other hand incur high cost as well.

In a nutshell, school which is responsible for the well-being of students should outlaw the sale of junk food as it contributes significantly to the behavioural, health and litter problems. Professor Reynolds postulates the prohibition of the sale of junk food as it will give young generation the perception that they can consume junk food whenever they like without any repercussions (Weekend News 2005). There is no better time than now to provide a supportive environment in school for nurturing good eating habits for students. Accordingly, junk food should be banned in school canteens.