There is not a new school year that goes by without a new fast food chain being in the talk... because it has opened a new branch too close to a school. Junk food is a few minute walk from our children, morning, noon and night. Is this normal?
When you know that obesity has tripled in Quebec over the last 15 years and that one third of children have a problem related to their weight, it is unfortunate that so many offers fast food near schools.
According to research at the University of Montreal, 75% of schools in Montreal, North Shore and South Shore are less than a mile walk from a junk food paradise.
Yet municipalities have the power to change their zoning regulations to prohibit the opening of new fast food restaurants within a certain radius around the school.
Moreover, in spring 2013, following a public consultation on physical activity in Montreal, he was recommended to the boroughs to commit to prohibit the opening of new branches of resto-minute around schools.
For now, there is the town of Rosemere that would suit.
Different school boards in Quebec for several years, created food policy banning junk food from their walls. However, they have no power over the choice of their new neighbors.
Is that different levels of government must do something concrete?
