According to the Centers for Disease Control and prevention, 30 percent to 40 percent of children will develop diabetes during their lifetime. The University of Michigan estimates that 15 percent of American children are overweight, and a study by University of Michigan Health Systems showed that more children who consumed school lunches were obese than those who consumed packed lunches from home. School breakfasts were not related to an increase in childhood obesity levels.
Soda Machines in Schools
Although many schools offer relatively healthy basic lunch menus, they also feature vending machines in their lunch room with high-calorie sodas and other unhealthy beverages. These drinks are favorites with students but can quickly pack on the pounds. Some schools are now choosing to ban soda machines, replacing them with vending machines selling water, juice or dairy products.
Few Healthy Options
School lunches are often served with each student receiving the same meal as they walk through a cafeteria line. Students may not have the option to add or remove items from their tray, and salad bars or vegetarian options aren't commonly offered. Many school lunches consist of high-calorie items such as pizza, corn dogs and french fries, leaving students with few healthy options.
A la Carte Items
In addition, some schools operate snack shops or have a la carte items for sale in their lunch rooms. These are generally child-friendly snack foods in individual serving sizes that may not be a good value or a nutritionally sound choice. If students have already been served a meal that was not to their tastes, they may opt to fill up on higher-calorie snack foods bought from this vending area. These snack choices can quickly contribute to obesity.
Choosing a Better Way
If you're concerned about your child's health, talk with her about the choices available in her school lunch room. Discuss the options and help her make healthy food choices. Ask if she would prefer that you pack healthier options from home. Or, talk with your school about providing healthier options.
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