Encourage schools to serve healthier lunches
9/4/2015, 5:34 a.m.
With the new school year just around the corner, parents’ attention is focused on clothes, supplies and lunches. Yes, school lunches!
In past years, the U.S. Department of Agriculture used our nation’s schools as a dumping ground for surplus meat and dairy commodities. Not surprisingly, one-third of our children have become overweight or obese.
Their early dietary flaws become lifelong habits, raising their risk for diabetes, heart disease and stroke.
Gradually, the tide is turning. New guidelines mandated by President Obama’s Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act require doubling the servings of fruits and vegetables, more whole grains, less sodium and fat and no meat for breakfast. A survey released last week shows the guidelines are supported by 86 percent of Americans.
Sixty-four percent of U.S. school districts now offer vegetarian options. More than 120 schools, including the entire school districts of Baltimore, Boston, Buffalo, Detroit, Houston, Kansas City, Los Angeles, Oakland, Philadelphia and San Diego have implemented Meatless Mondays.
Some schools have dropped meat from their menu altogether.
As parents, we need to work with school cafeteria managers and our own children to encourage the availability and consumption of healthier, plant-based foods in schools. Creating vegetarian options in schools is the smart way to go for our children’s long-term health.
RICK TUSCADERO
Richmond
