Promoting healthy school lunches is not an easy task. This is largely due to a lack of funds and the fact that schools cannot help if a child opts to throw their fruits and vegetables in the garbage. In 2009, the Institute of Medicine released a report encouraging schools to adopt standards that will increase the nutritional value of meals as well as reduce calorie content. These standards are backed by the American Dietetic Association.
Recommendations
The Institute of Medicine recommendations -- which are strongly backed by the American Dietetic Association -- include meals that conform to the Dietary Guidelines for Americans. These should set the standards for meal planning in elementary, junior high and high school cafeterias. Schools should increase the amounts of fruits, vegetables and whole grains seen on lunch tray. In addition, sodium, saturated fat and trans fat content should be limited. Schools should also supply students with milk that is low-fat or nonfat. The Institute of Medicine also wants schools to implement nutrition education for students.
Problems with School Lunches
In the same year -- 2009 -- that the Institute of Medicine released their recommendations for healthier school lunches, the Journal of the American Dietetic Association released their findings on the healthy of school lunches. One of the major problems with school lunches is that students have limited choices. The choices in vending machines, in the cafeteria, in schools stores, at school snack bars and those used in fundraisers are often unhealthy. Much of the foods available to children are packed with additives and preservatives. School lunches are commonly lacking vegetables and have unreasonably high amounts of fat and high-fructose corn syrup. This study indicates that schools need to reduce the availability of high-calorie foods with little nutritional value. Schools need to replace these items in vending machines and in the cafeteria with healthier items.
Reasons for Change
According to the American Dietetic Association, unhealthy eating during school lunches is contributing to an increase in childhood obesity. The Journal of the American Dietetic Association indicates that obesity rates in school-aged children continue to rise. Over the last 30 years, obesity has more than quadrupled in children ages six to 11. Obesity rates have tripled in the age group of children ages 12 to 19. Proponents of healthier school lunches are concerned about the overall health of these children. Obesity is known to increase the risks of developing diabetes, cardiovascular disease, cancer and osteoarthritis.
Success
As part of an initiative launched by First Lady Michelle Obama in 2010, the issue of poor school lunches has been partially addressed. The Healthier US School Challenge is a key component of Mrs. Obama's Let's Move initiative which aims to end childhood obesity. Schools taking part in this challenge were challenged to serve healthy foods, educate their students about nutrition and engage students in physical activity. In the first year -- 2010 to 2011 -- the program has seen 1,122 schools in 40 states successfully take on and complete the challenge.
References
- American Dietetic Association: American Dietetic Association Supports New Institute of Medicine Recommendations on School Meal Programs; 2009
- Health.com: School Lunches Too Fatty and Surgary; Critics Say
- School Nutrition Association: USDA Food and Nutrition Service Announces New Healther US School Challenge Winners
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