Since the first “National School Lunch Act” was passed in 1946, the federal government has provided funding to ensure children had access to healthy, low-cost meals. Despite the objections from the School Nutrition Association (SNA) and some members of Congress, the USDA reports that “schools have come a long way toward providing healthy meals as now more than 90 percent of schools are meeting the standards” (“School Cafeteria Favorites”). Students are also beginning to realize the standards are beneficial. According to fifth grader, Cree Crook, “She knows to get tomatoes and lettuce in her taco salad and she’s learned to like green beans. .
THE PROBLEM In the past decade, school provided lunches have been a serious reason for unhealthy eating habits of children. School Lunches contain about the same amount of fat as a happy meal at McDonalds. Along with the extremely high fat and calorie content of school provided lunches there is not enough of the daily recommended fruits and vegetables. The American Dietetic Association reports that only ten to twenty percent of American children meet the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's recommendation of consuming at least five fruits and vegetables per day; and children eat 1/3 of their meals at school.
Carlicia Taylor Leroy Tate ASC-45 30 October 2012 School Lunches Research Question: Why School lunches are becoming healthier in schools? To begin my research on school lunches, I’ve found out a lot of things that are being improved in lunches and some things that are still an issue. On a recent article I found online written by the New York Times called, “No Appetite for Good-for-You School Lunches” it talks about a suburban high school in Pittsburg of students complaining about their lunches how it’s expensive and especially how they’re not getting enough to eat because of the lunch size portions are being reduce to more healthier lunches. But an act was passed called The Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010, which required public schools to follow new
Running Head: CHILDHOOD OBESITY CAMPAIGN Childhood Obesity Campaign University of Washington Tacoma THLEAD 320, Section A June 1 2012 In this paper we will discuss the objective of this project in this public health campaign for childhood obesity. The purpose of this project is to address childhood obesity in low income African American families in the Hilltop Community of children ages six through twelve by promoting a healthy diet and active life style, through decreasing fast foods to two times a week, incorporating some physical activities two times a week and eating two vegies/fruits a day. According to Sealy (2010), childhood obesity has doubled in the last thirty years with its biggest toll
America has increased in childhood obesity. By minimizing fast foods restaurants such as McDonald’s, Burger King and Taco Bell and enforcing physical activity on a day to day basis such as running and working out, obesity can come to an end. Decreasing childhood obesity means providing a healthier life style for kids, whether food wise or physically active. Providing is giving, maintaining and making life genetically and environmentally better for children. Children in America have bad habits and food choices, which are influenced by their parents hereditarily and environmentally such as my little cousin Grecia.
Regulation: Fresh fruit and vegetable program (FFVP) Agency: Food and Nutrition Service, USDA Action: Proposed rule Deadline for public comment: April 24, 2012 Proposal description: The Food and Nutrition Service is proposing changes to guidelines to National School Lunch Program. This change interests me, as I am a dietician and educating children to make smart food choices, helps the develop healthy eating habits in the future. FFVP increases availability of fresh produce to elementary schools, where at least 50% of students are eligible to receive free or reduced price meals. This regulation would set basic administrative and operational requirements in conformance with Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Program. Comment: I would like to submit my comment on the proposed rule related to changes in National School Lunch Program.
Both very valid arguments and we will begin to see why during this passage. The first major aspect of this article is why it would be a wise choice to remove unhealthy drinks and snacks from school vending machines. Tom Vilsack states in school is where these children consume half of their daily calorie intake. Schools are promoting unhealthy lifestyles to our younger generation. Vilsack feels by reforming and changing the school meal menu into healthier choices that it will in fact ensure a more nutritious and healthy effect on children.
Dear Nation, Did you know that one third of tax payers money was used for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program also known as SNAP formally known as food stamps. In 2009 they gave $4.6 billion in food stamps to over 43 million people. More that 14% of these people are not even eligible to participate in this program but find ways to any way. I believe that families that do not deserve this service should not get and the families that do deserve it are getting to much. A family of four on average gets $668 a month to spend on food.
I can see the concern, but I have also had lunch at school with my kids and seen the reality. One of the main reasons behind these changes to school food regulations is to promote healthy eating habits in school age children. The reality is that children do not eat their food, and they throw it away. Parents, who visit their children during lunch, take in fast food for them to eat. At the end of the day, the child is hungry, and most parents stop by the favorite fast food to get dinner as part of their busy lives.
“More than 70 percent of obese adolescents retain their overweight and obese condition even during their adulthood” (What Are Children Munching On?). Giving children not much of a choice but to consume these foods is setting them up for failure. Repeated lunches of this sort changes diets and can cause heart disease. These diseases may occur currently, under ones nose, or even further along in ones life like a silent sneak attack of sickness. Students need to be well rested and well focused to truly succeed in schools.