Valentines Day Parties Are Giving Kids More Than Candy - They're Fueling Health Risks. Why Are We Still Serving Junk?

Valentine’s Day is supposed to be a celebration of love. But for our children it's all about treats. When did sugar-filled, processed snacks become the go-to way to celebrate love? From heart-shaped cookies to candy conversation hearts and sugary drinks, Valentine's Day is now just a sugar holiday. A result of the brainwashing we discussed in last week's blog. Have you ever stopped to think about the impact these treats are having on our kids' health?

I began pondering why junk food is the “norm” for celebrations when I received the Valentine’s class party sign-up sheet for my daughter, and I thought to myself, "why do we accept celebrations surrounded by junk food?" Healthy food options are not readily available, but junk foods are.

The latest class signup sheet came through my inbox, and it looks like my daughter will be “treated” to: 

1. A refined highly processed store-bought sugar cookie

2. Icing and sprinkles filled with inflammatory oils, corn syrups and artificial colors

3. Pirate Booty made from processed corn meal and high inflammatory oils

4. Rice Krispie Treats which contain BHT, corn syrup and inflammatory vegetable oils

5. Conversation heart candies made with artificial colors and various types of added sugars

6. Juice boxes filled with sugar, artificial colors and natural flavors

Basically, they are giving her the ultimate treat of inflammation, a spike in blood sugar, hyperactivity, and an endocrine disruptor that is a known carcinogen. Wow! That valentine’s party is the gift that keeps on giving. But hey, they added baby carrots and sliced apples to the sign-up sheet, so all is good, right? Wrong!

Most of us know candy isn’t good for us. When we open a box or Rice Krispie treats, we know it is filled with things that are “not the best,” but we do it anyway. Why? How did offering foods that are bad for our children become the norm? Would it help if the package said, "Hey, this Rice Krispie treat contains a known endocrine disruptor and carcinogen?" California thinks so. There are warnings on their products if it contains a known cancer-causing agent. And other states like Texas are planning to push through similar legislation. But I have to ask, will that stop you from letting your child eat the junk at the class party? Will that motivate you to tell your child, no we can’t eat that and then explain to them why? Will it empower you to reach out to the teacher or school and challenge the sheer junk that is being “gifted” to our children at class parties? 

I pray it does. Your child’s health and quality of life depends on it. But here’s the kicker, this happens everywhere, so you have to fight back everywhere. At the church youth group my daughter received conversation heart candies as a treat this weekend. At the school she is handed candy when she does her flag duties as a special treat. At dance this week they handed out Valentine’s candies to reward the girls for their hard work. Candy is not just candy, it is a chemically made, toxin-filled fake food. When she receives these treats, she is getting artificial colors, chemically made sugars, and unhealthy oils. These come with a long list of potential harms.

It is up to us to normalize healthy eating. It is up to us to prioritize real whole foods. We can change the habits of society. It starts with each mom and dad, small business owner, teacher, coach, and daycare facility. How would the world look if it was a treat to be handed a baby orange? Or a bag of grapes? Imagine if we normalized health to the point where all pediatricians offer stickers at the end of visits. It could be normal for a child to attend a party with whole, healthy foods and treats to be either fruits or homemade desserts from whole, healthy ingredients. I imagine a place where children do not require silly treats every time they go somewhere. They grow up with zero expectations or desires for it.

It’s time to take action. We have the power to shift the habits of society and make healthy food the real treat. Start by saying no to the junk at your child’s school parties and other events. Challenge teachers, coaches, and event planners to offer better options—like fresh fruit, homemade treats, or snacks made from whole ingredients. Talk to other parents and raise awareness about the impact of processed foods. It’s up to us to lead by example and show our children that daily life can be celebrated with real, nourishing food. Let’s stop accepting the current sweet treat norm and start making healthier choices the standard!

Valentine’s Sweets-are they Tasty or Toxic? You decide.