Research on Tap discusses “Fries with that? Are school nutrition policies the solution to childhood obesity?”

The kids are all right. Well... maybe they're just big-boned. Or perhaps… OK, let's face it: the kids have an obesity problem. Let's talk about it at UPEI's next Research on Tap. The discussion starts at 7 p.m., April 6, in the bar at Mavor's in the Confederation Centre of the Arts.

'I think schools do have a role to play to help promote healthier eating,' argues Dr. Jennifer Taylor. 'But then again, so do parents. So do communities. So does government. So does the food industry.'

Taylor will discuss nutrition policies in Island schools, including ones that categorize food based on their nutritional value.

'There is controversy as to whether we should label a particular food as good or bad, and where the focus should be to reduce childhood obesity. I think we need to take a step back and look at the environments where our children eat, play and learn.'

Research on Tap is a series of public discussions with UPEI's researchers in a comfortable environment. Every month of the winter, we bring a UPEI researcher to a local pub-in this case, Mavor's-to discuss his or her area of expertise.

Research on Tap is presented by UPEI's Office of Research Development. For more information, call (902) 620-5117, or e-mail datkinson@upei.ca.