Ad Warns That 'Feeding Kids Meat Is Child Abuse' After Lawmaker Jokes About Stripping Tax Deductions From Parents With Obese Kids
For Immediate Release:
May 12, 2011
Contact:
Kristin Richards 202-483-7382
Springfield, Ill. — As the Illinois General Assembly debate over what to do about the state's skyrocketing rates of obesity heats up, PETA wants parents to get the real skinny on what's making their kids fat—namely, meat. That's why the group is currently negotiating with Springfield-area outdoor advertisers to display a billboard that shows a chubby little girl scarfing down a burger and reads, "Feeding Kids Meat Is Child Abuse. Fight the Fat: Go Vegan." PETA's idea for the billboard comes on the heels of reports that state Sen. Shane Cultra jokingly commented that parents of obese kids should be penalized by taking away their tax deductions.
"The potential for damage caused by a meat-heavy diet is like a ticking time bomb in kids," says executive vice president of PETA—and mother—Tracy Reiman. "Vegetarian and vegan kids are, on average, slimmer and enjoy all-around better health than their meat-eating peers. 'Eat your veggies' has become more than just off-the-cuff parental advice—it can mean the difference between a healthy, happy kid and one who's overweight and sick."
In addition to facing the social challenges caused by childhood obesity—which can lead to lifelong psychological trauma—children who are fed a diet of chicken nuggets, hot dogs, fish sticks, and other animal-based foods that are laden with saturated fat and cholesterol have their health put at risk. Our national addiction to meat is bad enough for adults, but it is even worse for kids: Some are showing symptoms of heart disease by the time they reach first grade. The American Dietetic Association, the nation's largest group of nutrition professionals, found that vegetarians have lower rates of obesity, heart disease, diabetes, and cancer than do meat-eaters and that a meat-free diet is appropriate for all age groups.
For more information, please visit PETA.org.