Originally published September 14 2005
School lunches slowly gaining nutritional value
by Mike Adams, the Health Ranger, NaturalNews Editor
Many school districts have removed soda and sugary drink machines, started baking instead of frying chicken, opened salad bars with fresh fruit and vegetables and offer low-fat options to most greasy meals.
Bethann Mitton, an eighth-grader at Ophir School, had to choose between a banana and a bag of Cheetos.
She had just moments to eat before the bell rang to signal the beginning of lunch recess.
"It helps your nutrition," she said, adding that she likes the healthy lunches her dad tries to pack her each day.
While some kids are clued into their nutritional needs, local parents may say that hitting the right balance between good foods and lunches students will actually eat is difficult at best.
Carter recommends parents spread some refried beans and cheese in a whole-wheat tortilla - giving students a good dose of whole grains, dairy and protein.
Or spread low-fat cream cheese on the same tortilla, add some deli-sliced turkey, shredded carrots, cabbage and lettuce, for "something more fun than just a sandwich."
"Things they can manipulate, they have more fun with," she said.
Ken Llewellyn, food service director for the Loomis Union School District, said it's important to keep a child's allotted lunch time in mind.
Even if a child eats half a turkey sandwich, a couple of carrot sticks and a handful of cantaloupe, nutritionally, he or she will be fine.
"That child will be set for the rest of the day," Llewellyn said.
But homemade lunches aren't the only option, said Lila McAllister, Placer Union High School District's director of child nutrition services.
Steps taken at the high school level include removing soda machines - which were never even introduced at the new Foresthill High School - and replacing the sugary beverages with water, juice and sports drinks like Gatorade.
"The big football player boys, it's surprising how many of them will go through, because they think they're getting more," she said, noting that the district offers a selection of low-fat dressings.
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