School+Meals

= = =EDC 102 Issue: School Meals=

I. Description of Problem or Issue
School meals are a controversial issue in schools today; parents, staff and students have opinions on what is - and should be - served in schools today. Federal subsidies provide funds for students from low-income families to receive free or reduced breakfast and lunch, which enables the government to mandate the implementation of specific food guidelines. Research shows that nutrition is a critical component of students' social and academic performance, and yet many school lunches consist of low quality or unhealthy foods.

II. Research Summary
Kylee's research focused on what a healthy school lunch entails. Schools are responsible for feeding children healthy food that complements what they eat at home. Currently, school lunches tend to be full of foods that are over-processed, high in fat, and low in fiber and essential nutrients. A healthy school lunch should be low fat, high in fiber, and should include fruits, vegetables and a lean protein source.

Katelyn's research focused on opinions from school officials and parents about the food at school. Her research answered questions such as: "What foods should still be allowed at school and what foods should not be allowed?" and "Do schools really relate to children being obese because of food choices that are offered?" Learning how to eat healthily and make the right food choices begins are home and at a young age. Schools are now required to develop a wellness plan to help students choose to eat healthier foods.

Kelly's research focused on the laws and regulations surrounding food in the school system. Federal school programs such as the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) allow US schools to provide nutritious lunches every day. The child nutrition act of 1966 (School breakfast program) helps schools provide free or reduced breakfast to students. Her research also focuses on the policies that are in effect today. In the past, set backs and hurdles have been over come, and today most - not all - are on their way to becoming successful in their attempt to better school meal plans.

Alissa's research focused on the effect nutrition has on students. Research shows that academic performance is affected by a child's nutrition – skipping breakfast or lunch can have drastic effects on brain function and the ability to learn. Low quality diets also interfere with attention, concentration and may increase anxiety. Study after study has demonstrated that providing healthy breakfast and lunch to students as well as teaching students about proper nutrition and lifestyle habits increases their performance in school.

III. Group Product Overview
We will discuss what unhealthy foods are currently being served in schools, and what changes ought to be made. We will present an example of a healthy lunch is, and what districts are trying to improve the quality of their students' lunches. Furthermore, we'll share some opinions from parents and staff about current food policies. We'll also present some of the government legislations and acts concerning school meals, and finally, the current scientific findings on food and brain function will be introduced.

V. Research Questions and Reference Summaries

 * || **Research Question** || **Researcher** ||
 * 1. || What are opinions on school meals? || //Katelyn// ||
 * 2. || How do school lunches today differ from what a healthy lunch should be? || //Kylee// ||
 * 3. || What laws or regulations have been made and are being made about school food programs? || //Kelly// ||
 * 4. || What impact do school meals have on student performance? || //Alissa// ||  ||