Healthier School Lunch's

Over the past couple of years schools have become more concerned about the food they are serving to kids during school. In some states the government has passed laws requiring school lunches to meet certain nutritional guide lines.  The exchange of junk food for healthier choices in school lunches is a positive step toward an overall healthier lifestyle. 

According to CDC, childhood obesity has increased over 10% in the last twenty years.  Because of this increase more children are at risk for high blood pressure and cholesterol, heart problems, high blood glucose which can lead to diabetes, bone and joint problems, certain cancers, stigmatism and low self-esteem. In order to put a stop to this trend CDC recommends a good healthy diet, one filled with whole grains, fruits and vegetables. School lunches are a good way to increase this healthy life style among students. Putting healthier options on the lunch menu insures that at least students are getting one nutritious meal a day. For some kids this may be their only nutritious meal because they can’t afford it outside of school.  

I agree that changing junk food for healthier food in school lunches will increase the child’s ability to learn and pay attention. According to a study in Appleton Wisconsin they saw a change in the children’s behavior when they switched out the junk food for healthier options at lunch. There were less drop outs and fights reported and the students were more alert and calm. With the switch from candy and pop machines to a salad bar, the principal said she didn’t have to deal with daily discipline problems that happened before the switch. 

Many schools feel that with the exchange for healthier food, school lunch costs will increase but that is not true. According to a University of Minnesota study, it was found that while healthier items do have a higher labor cost, fruits and vegetables cost less than processed food. In the Appleton study, Principal Dr. Scullen says "if it results in a happier kid, improved learning, and ultimately a better community then it's a cost we cannot avoid. It's something we must do." In both the Appleton study and the Minnesota study there was an increase in kids eating lunches at school so schools will not be losing money there either. 

With the switch to healthier food in school lunches there will be improvement in student performances on an academic level but also later on in life from reducing the risk of diseases.