Any school that is federally funded by the government must follow guidelines regarding the lunch it serves. According to the Sustainable Table, nearly 29 million children per day participate in the National School Lunch Program. While the standards say that a school meal must contain at least 1/3 of the daily recommended allowance for nutrients, they are often high in fat, calories and salt at the same time. Children suffer from eating this way on a regular basis in many areas of health and development.
Obesity
One of the primary problems with much of the food offered in school cafeterias is that it is too high in fat and calories and contributes to weight gain among the children who eat it. Many schools offer a la carte items in addition to the meal that is provided each day. The problem is that these items are not regulated by the National School Lunch Program, says Southern Methodist University. If a child chooses high-calorie additions to his meal, his intake is going to be much higher than it should be for lunch, which over time will result in weight gain and obesity.
Lack of Nutrients
While schools are required to offer fruits and vegetables under the National School Lunch Program regulations, they still receive funds if children don't eat them. The cafeteria must offer produce, dairy, protein and grain, but three groups constitutes a full meal, so many students leave behind the fruits and vegetables. However, serving them rather than simply offering them increases the chances that children will actually eat them, according to the Yale Rudd Center for Food Policy and Obesity. By allowing school children to skip fruits and vegetables, they are at an increased risk of nutrient deficiency since produce is an important source of vitamins A, C and E as well as fiber, iron and antioxidants. Children should be given healthy foods from each food group to cover their nutrient needs.
Increase in Diseases
Children who are overweight and obese due to a high-fat diet are at an increased risk of developing other health conditions, such as heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, depression and high cholesterol. While school lunch fat-calorie content must be 30 percent or less of the total calories, the inclusion of a la carte items negates this effort. According to Reuters, children who get to choose their food at lunch ate more fat and calories than those who were only offered one meal choice.
Poor School Performance
Students who don't get adequate nutrient intake at lunchtime are at risk of poor progress in class and decreased cognition, says the American Psychological Association. Lack of adequate nutrition means children aren't getting the energy they need to perform in school and aren't able to focus. They are also at an increased risk of getting sick, which means missing school and falling behind. A nutritious midday meal is vital for learning new things and keeping the brain healthy.
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