Of course intervention could help, but the scope of government intervention is limited to two actions, and both take place in school. First, give the kids healthy food at lunch. This should be a no brainer. The fact that junk food is available at additional cost and that the government subsidized meals resemble those fed to cattle on factory farms smacks of corruption. Healthy food is not expensive. Second, educate the kids. My phys. ed. and health classes were a joke when I was in school (not to mention quite a few of my other courses). Despite the fact that a massive amount of tax money is spent on education, K-12 education is getting worse every year and school budgets are constantly being cut. The rest of the burden falls to the consumer. Taxing unhealthy food is unjust. If I choose to be fat, I shouldn't be penalized for it. Parents should purchase healthy food for their children regardless of income level. Ultimately, the cost of medical bills and medications (which MUST be paid) will be far greater that any additional costs incurred by purchasing healthy food (for both the consumer and the tax payers). Furthermore, a greater demand for healthy foods would increase their supply (one of the few things I did learn in high school) and level out the playing field with junk food made from corn.