What+are+opinions+on+school+meals?

Martin, A., (2007, September 5). The school cafeteria on a diet. Retrieved November 23, 2009 from http://www.nytimes.com/2007/09/05/business/05junkfood.html?pagewanted=1&_r=1&sq=the%20school%20cafeteria%20on%20a%20diet&st=cse&scp=1

This article explains that school districts across the nation have been taking steps to make the food in school cafeterias healthier. This is happening because there are an alarming number of overweight children. School cafeterias had to change the way they prepare the school lunches by baking the items now instead of deep frying them. Also the options of what is available in the school vending machines have changed too. Sodas and candy have been banned from being sold during school lunches and the size of sports drinks has been reduced. This article also talks about banning birthday and holiday celebrations with cupcakes and other holiday snacks, which is causing a huge controversy between parents and school officials. Schools are now required to develop a wellness plan to help students eat healthier foods. It’s surprising that there is such a high number of obese children across the country. Changing what is available for students to eat at school will hopefully decrease the number and help to educate students to make better food choices. I feel that schools that have a wellness program for students to follow will be successful with this task.

Blue, L., (2009, August 12). Ad for healthy school meals raises eyebrows at the white house. Retrieved November 30, 2009 from http://wellness.blogs.time.com/2009/08/12/ad-for-healthy-school-meals-raises-eyebrows-at-the-white-house/

This article talks about the ad that is posted in DC metro stations with an eight year old girl saying in a speech bubble “President Obama’s daughters get healthy school lunches. Why don’t I?” Even though it is not right to point out the president’s daughters in this article Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine is asking congress to give children in school healthier school lunch options by providing low-fat and vegetarian options in federally subsidized school meal programs. Some schools serve healthy school lunches while others still are not on track and serve the American favorites, hamburgers and hot dogs. The PCRM feels that the ads with President Obama’s daughters are an effective way to get the point across that schools need to make their lunches healthier for children. Is it right to involve the presidents daughters in a campaign for something? I do not think it is a good idea but the PCRM felt that it was the most productive way to get a point about changing school lunches across. The PCRM feels that students should have a choice everyday of a low-fat or vegetarian option. I feel that this article is true to its meaning. School lunches do need to be improved and made healthier to help stop obesity and unhealthy children in the U.S.

Nollen, Nicole L. et al., (2007). The school food environment and adolescent obesity: qualitative insights from high school principals and food service personnel. Retrieved November 30, 2009 from http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1892033/?tool=pmcentrez

Obesity is becoming a huge issue across the nation. Overweight children are more likely to experience low-self esteem, mood depressions, negative comments from other peers, and body dissatisfaction. Slowing down childhood obesity is becoming a national priority. Since more than 95% of America’s children attend school, much of their daily calorie intake is absorbed at school. A study was shown that schools that offer a la carte options and students being able have more access to vending machines, school stores, and snack bars, the students are getting a higher fat calorie and sugar intake. Although school offer healthy items they are less likely to be purchased then the other foods and beverages offered. When principals were interviewed about the food situation they responded by saying “obesity is a problem in general, but it is not happening at their school.” And it is not right that schools are targeted as the reason for children becoming obese. This article is interesting because I kind of agree with the principals that children becoming obese does not just happen at school, it starts at home. Parents should teach children the right way to eat and what is healthy from what is not healthy. If children are taught at a young age they will know what to choose when they are older and on their own. Schools should offer healthier options and less high fat and calorie options.

Adamick, K., (2007). In the clash over school lunches, who’s watching out for the kids?. Retrieved December 1, 2009 from [] In this essay a report was done that states 20 states get and “F” for their school food policies. Also the federal law is trying to limit the amount of junk food allow in schools but is facing many hurdles trying to do so and some school advocates are opposed. It is believed that children eat healthier at school, but is this really true? With the “a la carte” or “competitive” foods available why would children choose the main lunch when they can have high calorie and high sugar cookies and power drinks. If these types of foods were not allowed to be sold in schools students would eat healthier but also the schools would not make any profit. Although the schools would not make any profit the federal guidelines would work better and would allow children to learn the importance of eating a healthy balanced diet. If junk food was not allowed in schools I feel children would make healthier choices when choosing what to eat for lunch. Also the money spent on the junk food could be used to make the main school lunch food better. Limiting the amount of cookies, sports drinks, etc, would also help children to learn to pick the proper items when planning a healthy balanced meal.

Dulan, M., (2009, August 23). With childhood obesity on the rise, school lunches need a facelift. Retrieved December 1, 2009 from http://www.opposingviews.com/articles/opinion-with-child-obesity-on-the-rise-school-lunches-need-a-facelift

The Child Nutrition Act determines the type of food children are allowed to be served in school. With childhood obesity on the rise, many officials are thinking about coming together to come up with a plan that will improve school lunches. If they increased the funding for schools meals this would allow students to have healthier choices at school for lunch like grilled chicken breasts, seven-grain rolls, and fresh cups of fruit. Also if the funding was increased and spent on more nutritional food the Nutritional Act would be able to strengthen the nutrition standards to reflect the accurate dietary guidelines. Another idea was that schools should start t buy produce from local farmers. Schools would support the farmers and teach the students where the food they are eating actually comes from. If the amount of money spent on school lunches was increased this would benefit students greatly because they would be able to receive more nutritional lunches. This would hopefully help to decrease childhood obesity. Also if schools supported local farms students might want to buy the lunch more since they know where the food they are eating is coming from.