The Buck Stops Here

School lunch. That phrase brings back unpleasant memories of rectangular "pizza" covered with a pale, oozing substance that was allegedly cheese, and small, greasy dots of "meat." And of grey, gristly hamburger patties piled in a tray under a heat lamp. Yummy!


Now, thanks to a 2010 federal bill that received bipartisan support, school lunches will provide more healthy alternatives to school children.


As Donna Martin, EdS, RD, LD, SNS reports recently in "Nutrition Close-Up", some of the changes include:

• At least 50% of grains served must be "whole-grain rich" ( at least 51% whole grain)
• Milk must be fat-free or low-fat
• Breakfast must include 1 cup of fruit
• Lunch must include a fruit and vegetable serving daily
• Sodium levels must be reduced, on average, by 25-50% and
• Calories for much must be within a specific minimum and maximum range

Harry Truman signed the first National School Lunch Act in 1946 in order to provide an outlet for U.S. farmers and to protect national security by safeguarding the health and well-being of the nation's children.

The 2010 bill is an initial, modest attempt to provide a safety net for the country's children, nearly one in three of whom are at risk for preventable diseases due to obesity.