School lunch isn't what it used to be. Today's students face many choices when they grab a tray and walk through the cafeteria line. The U.S. Department of Agriculture regulates what's sold as the school lunch, which is usually what you will see posted on the menu. It's the foods that aren't posted that you need to worry about. These foods are usually unregulated and often are not the best choice for kids nutritionally.
History and Significance
President Harry Truman signed the Child Nutrition Act in 1946, charging schools with serving lunch to U.S. youths. At that time, malnutrition was so common that Congress viewed it as a threat to national security. Ironically, with child obesity tripling in the past 30 years, we again find ourselves with young men and women unfit to serve, but now it's because they are overweight instead of malnourished.
Is School Lunch Nutritious?
By USDA regulation, the school lunch provides 1/3 of the recommended daily allowance for calories, protein, vitamins A and C, calcium and iron. Additionally, the meals must meet the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, contributing no more than 30 percent of calories from fat with no more than 10 percent saturated fat. The meals should emphasize whole grains, non-fat dairy, and plenty of fruits and vegetables.
Is Lunch from Home Better?
A study conducted by the USDA Food and Nutrition Service published in 2001 found that kids who eat school lunch are more likely to drink milk, eat more fruits or drink fruit juice, and eat more vegetables than kids who bring lunch from home. Conversely, kids who bring lunch eat more sugary and salty foods.
School Lunch Challenges
The school lunch program struggles to serve needy kids while appealing to those with the ability to pay. One challenge is that kids from low-income families are regular consumers of cheap fast food. As a result, schools sell other foods, such as french fries, cookies, chips and sports drinks that appeal to kids. These "a la carte" foods are not part of the USDA school lunch program. Schools sell them to help balance budgets.
A la carte Foods
A la carte foods range from nutritious foods, such as a carton of skim milk or a cup of vegetable soup, to french fries, pizza, ice cream or a fruit drink. These foods are on the cafeteria line and in vending machines. Often the portions are larger than what would be served on a lunch tray. These foods tempt kids away from the more nutritious lunch, especially when lunch lines are long and the playground beckons.
What Parents Can Do
With only 2 percent of kids meeting Dietary Guidelines recommendations, parents must take action. Learn about your school's lunch program. Eat lunch with your child in the cafeteria. Talk with your student about the menu, and help them make good choices. Ask the school district's child nutrition director what standards they follow. Most use USDA guidelines, but some use higher standards. If your school district isn't one that takes a more proactive approach, ask school leaders to adopt higher standards.
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