At least 1/3 of kids’ diets come from cafeteria lunches, ones that can cause obesity, heart disease and high blood pressure later in life.
A new study from the University of Michigan Health System found that middle-school kids who regularly eat school-provided lunches, compared with those who bring lunch from home, are more likely to be overweight, develop poor eating habits, and have high levels of “bad” cholesterol.
What is on the menu for change?
The Child Nutrition Program – the major legislation that determines U.S. school food policy – is up for reauthorization this year.
The Senate may also vote on the Healthy Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010, which seeks to upgrade the current nutrition requirements of the National School Lunch program.
But don’t wait for them.
School lunches are ultimately up to the school district. So write to your principal, PTA or superintendent. Tell them what the kids in your area need in their lunches.