When the clock strikes 11 a.m., the fifth graders at Melrose Elementary School in St. Petersburg, Florida, pile into the cafeteria. They can't wait to see what their lunch lady, Ernestine Foster, is serving up. Linda Nhon, 11, smiles excitedly when she sees the baked pasta made with tomatoes. "I like eating at school," she says as she grabs a slice of bread baked fresh at school that morning. "It's like home cooking."
That's right. Reheated Salisbury steak and runny macaroni and cheese are strictly prohibited in Melrose's kitchen! Last year, the school started fresh in its cafeteria, making the menu more healthful and tasty. The drab walls were painted with colorful murals. "It's important that kids start eating the right way," says cafeteria manager Lisa Buis.
Across the country, educators, parents and even government officials are focusing on just that--getting kids to eat right. In the next few months, Congress will take a close look at what the nation's 53 million schoolchildren are eating. "This is an opportunity for the nation to make changes that will improve the long-term health of our kids," said Gaye Lynn MacDonald, president of the American School Food Service Association.
WE ARE WHAT WE EAT
Thirteen percent of American children are obese, or severely overweight, according to a 2001 report. This will lead to serious health problems. School lunches aren't entirely to blame, but they are a good place to start making changes: 27 million school lunches are served to kids every day!
Jen Keller, a dietitian with the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine, says many school lunches offer poor choices that can lead to lifelong bad eating habits. At school, "you see chicken nuggets and sausage pizza," she says. "We all know those foods aren't healthy, but kids get used to eating them every day."
Last week, Secretary of Agriculture Ann Veneman announced the department's nutrition goals. She said the government is committed to kids' health: "Everyone has a role to play in making healthier choices, from parents and educators to the government." She thinks schools should set a better example.
AVOIDING THE JUNK FOOD TRAP
All school cafeterias currently offer a choice of fruits and vegetables, but most kids don't touch the stuff. MacDonald admits that it's not easy for kids to turn down hamburgers or greasy fries if the only other choices are a wilted salad or mushy canned beans.
Fresh fruits and vegetables, instead of canned ones, would be more appealing. But those cost more. One proposal that Congress is considering would increase funding for school lunch programs in order to buy fresh produce.
Vending machines are another source of unhealthy temptation at school. Most are filled with high-fat foods like chips, cookies and ice cream. Schools use the machines to raise money. However, many schools are starting to replace the junk food with more healthful snacks and drinks. In Los Angeles, California, soda was banned in schools last year. Vending machines offer juice and water only.
LESSONS THAT LAST A LIFETIME
Some kids are so used to eating junk, they don't know what nutritious foods look like! Lisa Kingery developed a program in New York City in which kids learn to cook good foods in class with their teacher. Tirikia Townes, 8, of P.S. 38 learned to make a sweet snack: Dip apples in peanut butter and add raisins on top. She liked it so much, she served it, instead of candy, at a party at home. Says Kingery: "That's planting the seed for healthy living!"
THE RIGHT STUFF Nutritionist Jeffrey S. Hampl of Arizona State University has these tips for eating smart
Encourage your family to keep fresh vegetables and dried fruits on hand. Baby carrots, dried apricots and apples make great snacks, and they're loaded with vitamins.
Go nuts! Peanuts and almonds are easy to eat on the run. They are high in fat, but some of the kind of fat they have is actually good for you!
Got calcium? Milk is a great source of calcium. Cheese, yogurt and orange juice with calcium added are also good choices.
Most fast food is fattening. If you eat at a fast-food place, don't load up on greasy stuff. Include a salad or some frozen yogurt instead of fries. Order the smallest burger. Don't supersize!
Watch how much soda you drink. It's full of sugar and has no calcium or vitamins. If you drink more than a can a day, try bubbly or flavored water instead.