Prevalence of Childhood Obesity in Elementary Schools in Lincoln, Nebraska: A study of Children on Free or Reduced Lunches

The purpose of the project is to show that there is a direct relationship between childhood obesity and socioeconomic status. Other factors that go into this relationship include: physical activity and foods available in vending machines. My ultimate objective is to prove that children coming from low socioeconomic backgrounds are showing higher levels of obesity during childhood. I believe that this work, as well as other studies similar to this, can be used show that these children need more help and assistance. Many of these children are not taught proper eating habits; generally because cheaper foods are generally not nutrition and energy dense. Many families living in poorer neighborhoods do not have supermarkets close by, which greatly affects their eating behaviors (Flournoy, 2006). If we can get the word out that children will make better choices when given the opportunity, maybe we can encourage schools to provide healthier choices to their students