The Center for Disease Control states that kids who follow healthy eating patterns in childhood and young adulthood are more likely to follow good nutrition practices throughout adulthood. Schools are changing the types of foods served in cafeteria lunches in an effort to boost the nutritional status and health of children. The effects of healthy cafeteria lunches for children are many, and may continue to provide benefit for a lifetime.
Reduces Obesity
The CDC states the amount of overweight youth has doubled in the past 30 years. Kids who eat a healthy school lunch may consume less calories, fat and sodium that when combined with regular physical activity may help kids acquire a healthier body weight, according to the CDC. Federally funded cafeteria lunch programs must meet certain nutrition requirements for healthy eating at school, including limiting the amount of fat to 30 percent or less of calories and saturated fat to 10 percent of calories or less over the course of a school week.
Promotes Healthy Eating
The American Dietetic Association states nutritious cafeteria lunches are an integral part of keeping kids healthy and promoting healthy lifelong eating habits. Children who follow good nutrition may keep chronic health conditions at bay as an adult, according to the CDC. Obesity-related illness such as diabetes, heart disease and high blood pressure are closely linked to nutritional habits and lifestyle. Promoting healthy cafeteria lunch, along with nutrition education as part of a school curriculum, helps foster a foundation of health benefits of good nutrition over a lifetime.
Boosts Nutrition
Healthy cafeteria lunches may provide fruits, vegetables and other foods that provide nutrients and good fats. School lunches must provide one-third of the recommended dietary allowance of protein, vitamin A, vitamin C, iron, calcium and calories, as mandated by the USDA. Some children may not have healthy food choices available at home; healthy cafeteria lunches helps provide needed nutrition.
Better Learning
Children who consume a healthy lunch may experience sharper focus in school. The University of Michigan Health System states that kids who eat a healthy lunch have the energy and mental stamina to focus and engage in better learning. Cafeteria lunches that provide protein, fiber and carbohydrates boost brainpower over meals containing large amounts of salt, sugar and fat.
References
- CDC: Guidelines for School Health Programs to Promote Lifelong Healthy Eating
- USDA: National School Lunch Program
- School Nutrition Association: Researching the School Nutrition Industry
- University of Michigan Health System: Healthy school lunches increase kids' appetite for learning
- Eat Right: Schools, Communities Share Responsibility for Child Nutrition
Member Comments