We have written extensively about the importance of making the school lunch program a model of healthy eating. It is not about the secret sauce, but about how we are setting up a paradigm for disaster. High-caloric meals with multiple carbs contribute to overweight youngsters, a very negative picture of future generations. We can do better and have been waiting for direct legislative action. The National School Lunch Program and School Breakfast Program are due for such an overhaul. Today Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced the proposed changes.
Note that this is the first time in 15 years these standards will be upgraded. That in itself is shameful. Enough has been written about the growing national waistline. It is not possible for everyone to find foods that are healthy as budgetary constraints often make such purchases prohibitive. Not everyone has the natural, organic, local dollar budget, but we expect our schools to feed those in these programs foods that are healthy and safe.
Proposed changes include the reduction of sodium. Salt does not have to be the only taste-inducer. Under the proposal, salt will need to be reduced by half. Likewise, reduced-fat milk will be the drink of choice, calorie counts will be lowered, and whole grains will be required. As for the potato chip toppings, they are limited to one meal a week as starchy vegetables are so defined.
Currently over 32 million youngsters participate in these programs. We are not talking about a small percentage of our population. The affect on the future can easily be seen mathematically. Change will not occur overnight, but we must remain optimistic that such improvements will be beneficial for the entire society. Remember that for many of these youngsters, the school meal program provides over half of their daily food intake. Money will be increased for the districts as part of the Healthy Hunger-Free Kids Act which provides for the improvement of the nutritional quality of the foods that schools get from the USDA for their breakfast and lunch programs. On the website, you can view a sample school lunch menu and readily grasp the nutritional changes.
We can do better for our children. It’s time for the proposed rules to become reality.
