MILTON – Senator Brian A. Joyce recently applauded Milton Public Schools’ (MPS) efforts to promote healthy eating through its partnership with Whole Foods while highlighting legislation he has reintroduced this session that would teach nutrition and physical fitness to students in grades 1 through 9.

“We have seen health care costs rise dramatically and have had to adjust public policy accordingly,” said Joyce.“Last year we passed comprehensive health care cost containment that will save the Commonwealth an estimated $200 billion over the next 15 years. We need to ensure the next generation will not be saddled with billion dollar costs by reforming our current system and educating our children about healthy lifestyles.”

The legislation currently before the Joint Committee on Education would require students to have at least 45 minutes of instruction every week on subjects like the health benefits of balanced nutrition, fat and cholesterol content awareness, the dangers of cigarettes and alcohol, and other important health-related issues.

Two years ago, MPS entered into a partnership with Whole Foods as part of First Lady Michelle Obama’s “Let’s Move” campaign that has resulted in a new salad bar for Pierce Middle School and Whole Foods staff members working with faculty and visiting classrooms throughout the district to talk about healthy eating with students. Numerous studies have linked healthy eating and physical activity to improved academic performance in children including articles appearing in “Nutrition” and “The Journal of School Health.”