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Parents and health advocates urge McAllen ISD to remove added sugars from school meals
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Summary
Parents, a dental hygienist and public-health advocates used the board's public-comment period to urge McAllen ISD to cut added sugars from meals and fundraising items, citing local obesity and dental health concerns and asking trustees to set a timeline to phase out sugary products.
Parents, public-health advocates and a dental hygienist urged the McAllen Independent School District board on Monday to reduce added sugars in school-provided foods and in-school fundraising.
Several speakers during the public-comment period said daily access to sugary cereals, chocolate milk and packaged snacks is contributing to cavities, obesity and Type 2 diabetes among McAllen students. "We should advocate for removal of sugared beverages in the schools, including some of the fundraising activities," said Moises Arcona, collective impact director for Unidos Contra Rio Grande Valley.
Chelsea Gossett, a registered dental hygienist and parent of three McAllen ISD students, said she sees cavities in children who drink chocolate milk and eat cereal at school daily. "These are treat foods," she said, urging district staff to bring healthier options into early grades. Christine Rovelli, a pediatric nurse and parent, cited a Journal of School Health study she said links lower diet quality to poorer academic performance and asked the board to use scientific evidence when reviewing menu choices.
Parent Hershel Patel criticized language on a McAllen ISD webpage that he said suggests sugars prevent 'sugar crashes' and called for a district timeline to phase out added sugars. "Expanding daily fruit choices is a small change that makes a big difference," Patel said. He urged trustees to continue the progress already underway and set explicit timelines and benchmarks.
Enrique Flores, a district alumnus and public-school employee, urged the trustees to issue an official statement condemning recent detentions of three McAllen ISD mariachi students and their parents by immigration authorities and to adopt a board policy to protect students, families, faculty and staff. He also asked the district to provide training on rights when interacting with law enforcement and immigration officials.
Board members did not take immediate policy action on the requests during the meeting; public comments were followed by scheduled agenda items. Speakers framed their remarks as requests for the board to review policy and curriculum, to update district communications, and to consider trainings and protections for students and families.
The board moved on to the agenda after closing public comment.
