Some very ambitious activists envision the possibility of a society-wide adjustment in the theory and practice of Halloween. It is almost as if adding on pounds has become the national sport, and they are determined to resist this trend. In recent years, to the point where politics often become involved, the holiday has increasingly attracted the notice of people who would like to see (and help) the entire landscape improve.
Former First Lady Michelle Obama poured a lot of energy into trying to end childhood obesity, or at least to make a dent in it. But what happened in Washington? “White House M&Ms” were the presidential treat, inviting snide comments from some members of the press. Today, one shudders to imagine the photo-worthy costumes that might hit the streets, which celebrating the holiday so close to Election Day will no doubt inspire.
Why the concern? As the first of a series of occasions where food is the signifier of love, togetherness, hospitality, generosity, and, in too many cases, regret, Halloween kicks off the eating season. As first in line, this quaint holiday can be a horror for an overweight kid. It’s all about doing the exact thing she or he is not supposed to do — acquire and consume a bunch of sweets.
Here’s a thought: Let’s figure out how to reduce the amount of junk the kids collect, how much they hold onto, and how much of it they ultimately consume. The goal is to minimize the acquisition, retention, and consumption of candy. Mainly, the first. The method is to offer, and even create, alternatives that are more desirable.
So much angst
Critics say those industrial-size packages of candy appear on supermarket shelves earlier every year. (Maybe. Is Easter too early?) Worse yet, some wary folks suspect that most of it is left over from last year. Can you tell the difference between a fresh bag of candy corn and a superannuated one?
Even people who don’t want to abolish the holiday altogether would like to radically change its nature. Plenty of parents are nervous about the whole trick-or-treat concept. All year, kids are told “Never take candy from a stranger” and suddenly, the rule is ignored. Every autumn, rumors circulate about shady neighbors who are said to tuck razor blades or various substances into the treats they distribute.
As the wisecrack goes, “That’s crazy. Nobody gives away perfectly good drugs.” Above that is a layer of cosmic humor. The candy, stuffed with not only sugar but high fructose corn syrup, food dyes, and all sorts of additives, is capable of doing more damage than some drugs. Childhood obesity, as many news items remind us, is growing by leaps and bounds.
Look to the future
Why? Because it might make a big difference in the outcome — that outcome being your child’s or children’s health for the rest of their lives. Okay, so maybe you missed the boat this time. Maybe you already bought the jumbo bags of sweet treats, weeks ago on the way home from a day at the outdoor swimming pool, on the theory that the price would rise as Halloween approached. Maybe some hungry family member has already depleted the stock. It might be a good idea to check, as there is still time to get more.
None of this needs to happen
Look to the future, parents, but first think back to previous Halloweens, especially last year. Did you make any notes to yourself about doing things differently? Maybe it is not too late. And there is always next year.
Meanwhile, set aside some time in the months that lead to Halloween 2025, to have a look at a little story of how things could be. For further inspiration, check out one or several previous Childhood Obesity News posts on the subject.
Things don’t have to stay the way they are! The future is ours to create.
Your responses and feedback are welcome!
Image by Da Puglet/Attribution-ShareAlike 2.0 Generic