South Beach diet getting mixed reviews in South Florida school cafeterias

• This year, instead, she is served whole-wheat bread, lowfat cheese and fruit.
• Kelly's is one of six schools in this Orlando suburb taking part in a study by a research center founded by Dr. Arthur Agatston, the author of "The South Beach Diet."
• The goal of the study is to figure out whether school cafeterias are capable of serving more nutritious food, whether kids will eat it and whether their health will improve.
• The program underscores growing concerns across the nation about childhood obesity.
• Government data suggest about 15 percent of U.S. youngsters are severely overweight or obese, a problem that may lead to diabetes, high blood pressure and heart disease.
• "We're trying to provide healthier options for these children, and in the long run we hope they learn to eat healthier and incorporate that into their daily living."
• Although the 3,000 students in the study haven't been put on the low-carb diet per se, many of the diet's guiding principles have been incorporated into school menus.
• The new menus were "a little bit slow catching on, but now the students seem to be enjoying the meals," said Jean Palmore, food service director for the Osceola County School District.
• While Pleasant Hill Elementary School, a control school, served onion rings as a side dish with its choice of chicken or egg salad, Mill Creek Elementary School served veggie sticks with dip.
• Most schools, for example, aren't ordering whole-wheat pasta.
• In addition, the shelf life of fresh fruits and vegetables is shorter than frozen or canned items, making it difficult sometimes to buy in bulk.
• Food distributors should respond to demand for fruits, vegetables and whole grains in school diets, said Lynn Parker, director of child nutrition programs at the Food Resource Action Center, a Washington-based public interest group.