School Funding

There is much controversy existing over the idea of funding schools through licensing agreements with Coca-Cola and fast food companies. Some argue that there are many benefits, while others are strongly against the idea. Some of the advocates for school funding through such agencies say that students are encouraged do well through programs such as Pizza Hut's "Book It", where rewards are given to the students for various reasons, such as reading or doing well on a test. Those against it argue that these agreements help pave the road for childhood obesity.

Supporters for licensing agreements feel that the programs that these companies offer because of the licensing agreement increase student's desire to do better. For example, if there happens to be a high absentee rate in a school, programs through these companies will help to encourage students to attend school through positive reinforcement. "Companies like Coca-Cola and Pizza Hut offer their products as an incentive for work well done, or excellent attendance (Brown, M. Eder, P., Sundberg, M., Valcik, M.)". Currently, my center is participating in the Pizza-Hut's Book-it Program. I feel that this is a great program, despite it being funded by Pizza-Hut. It is giving the children and parents a reason to open books. It is sad that they should need such an incentive to read, but regardless of the reason, it is apparent that it works. Other programs that provide an incentive for student's to do certain things is McDonalds "Passport to Play". This program persuades students to exercise and maintain a healthy lifestyle "in unique and fun ways during grade school physical education classes (DIET & NUTRITION)".

In addition to the idea that these