The rising rate of childhood obesity is a threat to national security. That's one of the messages delivered by two retired army generals who visited a Lawrence grade school Tuesday morning, where they highlighted the importance of healthy school meals. KPR's J. Schafer was there and files this report.
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(newscast version #1)
Generals: Rising Childhood Obesity Rate Threatens National Security
The rising rate of childhood obesity is a threat to national security. That's one of the messages delivered by two army generals who visited a Lawrence grade school Tuesday morning. Retired generals Ed Gerhardt, of Topeka, and Daryl McCall, of Kansas City, toured Hillcrest Elementary School and ate lunch with a class of 4th graders. As part of a nationwide program called "Mission: Readiness," McCall says they're trying to highlight the importance of healthy meals for school children.
School officials say the upgraded kitchen at Hillcrest Elementary is serving more fresh and locally-sourced foods than ever before, making it one of the healthiest places to eat in the Lawrence school district.
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(newscast version #2)
Generals: Childhood Obesity Threatens National Security
Childhood obesity is one of the biggest threats to national security. That's what two army generals said when they visited Hillcrest Elementary School in Lawrence Tuesday morning. The generals toured the school and ate lunch with students to highlight efforts by Hillcrest to serve healthier meals. The retired generals - (Ed Gerhardt, of Topeka, and Daryl McCall, of Kansas City) - are part of a nationwide program called "Mission: Readiness." Spokesman Ben Goodman:
School officials say the upgraded kitchen at Hillcrest Elementary is serving more fresh and locally-sourced foods than ever before, making it one of the healthiest places to eat in the Lawrence school district.