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Cameras Capture What Children Eat At School

BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- How do parents track everything their children are eating in school?  Take a picture of it on a calorie camera.

As Gigi Barnett explains, several schools in Texas already have the federally funded cameras.  Could they make an appearance in Maryland?

A camera that takes a snapshot of exactly what students choose as they go through the cafeteria line may be the newest weapon in the fight against childhood obesity.  When lunch is over, the camera takes another picture of what the kids left behind.  The camera then sends the photos to parents.

Five San Antonio schools are testing the federally funded cameras.  Could it work in Maryland schools?

"If it helps people, I'm for it," said one.

The camera also calculates the number of calories each student ate.

"I ate a sandwich, a banana, two cookies and chips," said a student.

School leaders say the photos will help curb childhood obesity and diabetes by showing students how to make healthy choices.  Some parents say the photos could enforce what they're teaching at home.

"If the kids knew that was going on and that I might be able to see the picture, they might be more motivated," said a parent.

The calorie cameras cost $2 million.

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