Weight issues among children have become such a problem in this country that some experts are mulling over whether to deem obesity an actual epidemic. According to a report at Explorer News, the number of overweight children in the United States has doubled over the past three decades. Nearly 25 percent of children between the ages of 6 and 11 are considered obese by current standards. When children gain too much weight during their younger years, they are at much higher risk for conditions like heart disease, diabetes, and some types of cancer. Schools have recognized the obesity problem in this country, and many are taking steps to address it right in their school lunchrooms.
Bringing Nutrition to the Classroom
From coast to coast, schools across the country have taken the necessary steps to ensure their students are treated to nutritious foods throughout the school day. From removing sugar-laden drinks and snacks from vending machines to stocking school cafeterias with an array of healthy fare, these learning institutions are taking the obesity scare to heart. Some even provide their students with home-grown produce, thanks to agreements with local farmers or gardens on school property.
Students are learning to make healthier food choices and discovering that nutrition-packed fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can make for a tasty meal. Some schools are incorporating taste tests or time in the garden with their classrooms to encourage students to try new foods and enjoy more nutritious fare. We’ll look at just a handful of the school districts nationwide that are establishing new policies to ensure students get the healthiest fare possible during the school day.
More Healthy Food Coming to Massachusetts
Massachusetts schools are bringing nutrition into cafeterias by banning foods rich in sugar and other artery-clogging substances. This district is saying goodbye to soft drinks, French fries, and white bread and introducing whole grains, fresh fruits, and smaller portion sizes to the mix. The district is even considering removing flavored milk from its menus, although school officials are worried that the absence of a favorite beverage might cause an uproar among parents and children.
Dr. Lauren Smith, medical director of the Department of Public Health, told Boston.com, “We knew that people were going to have strong feelings about this and were concerned about the overall milk consumption drop. We wanted to give schools time to prepare so it could be done seamlessly.” Dr. Smith added that most studies show a slight decrease in milk consumption after such a ban, but consumption numbers tend to rebound and return to normal within a relatively short period.
Missouri School District Getting School Lunch Makeover
Kennett Public School District in Missouri exemplifies how national programs like the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act can change the overall look of a school lunch tray. This district has taken the information gleaned from the program to heart, changing how a school lunch tray looks to Kennett students. When they return to school this fall, kids in Kennett schools will enjoy more fruits and vegetables, dark leafy greens, and whole grains. They will also get meals aligned with proper caloric intake for their specific age groups. New foods are taken into the classrooms, where children can taste them and provide feedback to lunch staff.
Marion Jackson, Nutritional Director for Kennett, told the Daily Dunklin Democrat, “These food challenges are a way for us, outside of the lunchroom, to introduce new food, encourage them to try them, and get their thoughts on whether or not they enjoyed them or would like to see them added to the choices we provide at mealtime. It’s been a lot of fun and the kids really love to participate. It’s been successful so far.”
Florida Adding Fresh Produce to School Menus
Florida is taking healthy eating in schools one step further by providing an array of fresh fruits and vegetables from Florida farms to school lunch tables. Thanks to a federal initiative, Florida and Michigan will begin offering fresh, raw foods through the USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service and Food Nutrition Service Program. According to a report in the Ledger, this federal program will build on farm-to-school programs that already exist in both states.
Sherrie Nickel, superintendent of Polk County Public Schools, favors the program. Nickel told the Ledger, “As someone with a dad with a green thumb, my family always enjoyed fresh fruits and vegetables from Dad’s garden. I strongly believe that those healthy eating patterns as a child contributed to my health and well-being today. I am pleased that our students can access fresh items in our cafeterias.”
The Fight Against Obesity in Arizona
Arizona is also working on a healthier student population by developing Arizona Nutrition Standards. According to Explore News, the standards prohibit various unhealthy foods, including deep-fried ,fruit juices that contain less than 100 percent fruit, and whole-fat milk. Districts are also banning sports energy drinks and carbonated beverages. Calories, caffeine, sugar, and sodium are all considered before the state allows a food or beverage to be added to a school lunchroom.
Healthy eating paves the way to a healthier lifestyle overall, and many school districts are leading the way in educating kids about making nutritious choices. As school lunches begin to make the grade, perhaps those healthy eating habits will also trickle into other parts of our culture.
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