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Comprehension Quiz

Teacher's Guide and Worksheets

A New Deal on School Meals

TFK Kid Report
Six months ago, Texas adopted a school nutrition policy to crack down on junk food. TFK Kid Reporter Aminah Sallam, 10, takes a look at the policy's effect in her school.

Do you bring in sweet treats from home to share with friends at lunchtime? Has your teacher rewarded you with candy this year? If you answered yes, then you probably don't live in Texas.

According to the Texas Department of Agriculture, 35% of the state's elementary school students are overweight or obese. That is one reason Texas has a new policy to promote healthful eating in schools. The rules encourage balanced meals and restrict foods low in nutrients. Soft drinks, popsicles, gum and most candies are off-limits during the school day. Cafeterias can offer french fries at only one meal a week. Portion sizes for many items are strictly controlled.

At Odessa Kilpatrick Elementary, reaction to the policy has been mixed. "The feedback from the parents has been relatively negative," says Principal Carra Flemming. "They want to be able to provide treats for the kids. Some feel the policy has taken the fun out of school."

But many teachers support the policy. "I think it helps kids be more aware of what they're eating. If they eat (junk food) at home and at school, it's a double whammy," says fourth-grade teacher Cathy Maalouf.

Some kids say the changes aren't enough. "I don't think they are really solving things, because we can still buy ice cream every Friday," says Myriam Robledo, 9.

Susan Combs, the Texas agriculture commissioner, came up with the new policy. She says that the rules are a good start. "If kids eat healthy, then they will live a long healthy life," she told TFK. Who can disagree with that?

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