Feature Articles: Food, Fitness and Health
Are School Lunches Making the Grade?
School lunches are important because they provide brain power for afternoon classes and energy for after-school activities according to Terry Egan, nutrition specialist, University of Missouri Extension.
Meals funded by USDA’s Child Nutrition Programs, including
breakfast and lunch, must meet specific requirements for
meal balance and fat content.
“School lunches are intended to be nutritious and
appealing,” said Egan.
A 2004 study by the USDA showed that children who eat school
lunch consume 29 percent fewer calories from fat and twice
as many fruits and vegetables than children who bring a
typical “bag lunch.”
“Parents can play an important role in creating healthy
nutrition environments at school,” says Egan. “Read menus
carefully, visit the cafeteria, buy a meal and eat with your
child, and talk to foodservice staff about the healthy
changes they are making.”
If you have concerns about the school food program, look for
positive ways to support changes. PTA/PTO organizations, as
well as parents, can discuss foodservice and meal options
with the school according to Egan.
Families can also play their part by packing nutritious
meals. A balanced lunch includes a whole grain, a vegetable,
a fruit, a protein and a milk food.
“It’s as easy as lean turkey on whole wheat bread with
lettuce and tomato, an apple and a carton of milk purchased
at school,” said Egan.
For variety, parents could choose to pack peanut butter on
mini rice cakes, string cheese, baby carrots and a box of
100 percent fruit juice.
“It is important to give kids the calories and nutrients
they need in order to perform their best in school subjects
and during active play. Parents and school personnel need to
work together to provide healthy choices in a healthy
environment,” said Egan.
Resource:
Terry Egan, Nutrition Specialist in Greene County, University of Missouri Extension
Tel: (417) 866-3039
E-mail: egant@missouri.edu
Last update: Wednesday, July 30, 2008
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