on Sep 5th, 2007Healthier school food
Some public schools in my area got rid of their soda vending machines last year, but they — along with schools in nearly half the states — have a long way to go for better nutrition, and cafeterias nationwide are making changes this school year, although some are criticized as lax and outdated.
The Center for Science in the Public Interest graded states on their school nutritional polices. Twenty-three states flunked. Every New England state except Connecticut got an F; the Nutmeg State earned a B-. Even Maryland, now officially the richest state, managed only a D+ along with New York. The best grade, an A-, went to Kentucky, largely for strict rules about what can be sold from vending machines and when.
School districts everywhere are now being forced to make changes because of new federal guidelines. A New York Times story today shows in some states, deep-fried foods are being swapped for baked and sports drinks are being downsized. Cupcakes are out in some places and not every parent is happy about that. One New Jersey mom complains that it was a big deal, when she was in school, to take treats to the classroom and that it’s up to parents to monitor what kids eat.
But the federal government is requiring states to develop wellness plans for schools and this is where it get sticky.
Popsicles are banned because they have “minimal nutritional value” and so are jelly beans. But allowed, with some nutritional value, are Dove ice cream bars and Snickers candy bars. That’s why about half the states have developed plans tougher than federal guidelines. The CSPI’s Director of Nutrition Policy told the Times, “The national policy is so pathetic that states who follow them should be ashamed of themselves.”
Senator Tom Harkin (D-Iowa) has introduced a bill — again — to give the USDA the authorization to update rules regarding foods that can be sold in schools. The food and beverage industries opposed him in the past but this time, the group representing soft drink makers would like to work with him to smooth out differences. The snack food industry prefers guidelines over any mandate.
Some of the changes are in response to concerns about childhood obesity. The CDC’s most recent survey, which is four years old, finds 19% of children ages 6-11 are overweight and the number is only slightly better for the older kids. Its trend report predicted those numbers would rise. That link provides an entire sidebar of related CDC links, including tips for parents.
The CSPI nutrition report card, in PDF format, can be found here.
Royal icing & decorating
The school dinners programme faces some problems here in the UK, too.
Following a very successful and high-profile national campaign and TV series arguing for improvements in children’s nutrition, led by celebrity chef Jamie Oliver, Local Education Authorities have belatedly agreed to cut unhealthy fast food items (pizza, chips, burgers) from the menu.
Salads, noodles and fresh vegetables are the order of the day - and that’s marvellous for the health and future brainpower of our children, and should lead to a big reduction in morbid obesity which has been steadily climbing here as well.
The programme is now rolling forwards into its second year.
Problem is, though, that a recent study showed that national take-up of school dinners has fallen by one eighth over the past year.
Teething problems, maybe. Or basic human nature ? It’s hard to tell at this stage, but Mr Oliver and the government will certainly be watching very closely as the next academic year unfolds.
Thanks for the information from your side of the pond. This issue gets so much attention here I think we, as a nation, sometimes think we’re alone.
I am so glad you reminded me about Jamie Oliver’s involvement; this, coupled with his restaurant to give disadvantaged young people a chance to work their way up the ladder, showed me what a humanitarian he is.
Anyone who’d like to learn about Oliver’s School Dinners program can follow this link:
http://www.channel4.com/life/microsites/J/jamies_school_dinners/index.html
On a related but slightly different note, I think it is interesting and laudable that Mayor Bloomberg banned trans fats in public restaurants in NYC: this progressive position may be a bit more aggressive than the slow momentum we see in the schools.
Ironically, at least in my opinion, many people think this is politically liability. We are more than happy to see movement occurring in the public schools, but then we apply a double standard to adult health and food consumption.
I am appalled at what passes for “food” in the public schools–to think that children are digesting this stuff and expected not to have health issues at some point in the future is seriously misguided.
Similarly, I think the banning of trans fats was probably one of the smartest politically incorrect moves we’ve seen in a long time. Just wish we could dump political correctness quicker and make real changes for the health and well-being of our future generation.
Thanks for the post.
In some ways Bloomberg is paradoxical, at least fo me. He eased up on what was the nation’s toughest recycling law –some called it draconian, but I had no trouble complying — then takes the lead in trans fats and nutrition.
This past summer, for the first time, NYC schools provided breakfast for needy children too. Good for him there.
I wish the government would tighten the labeling law and get rid of the loophole that allows anything under 1/2g trans fat per serving to be listed as 0 grams. I doubt that will happen. I was somewhat bemused to see a picture from some state fair, in the midwest I think, of a food booth touting Oreos deep-fried in 0 g trans fat oil. But what’s in Oreos? Trans fats!
Thanks for raising this issue.
Here’s a disturbing postscript about the School Dinners program in the UK mentioned uptopic by roads. Nearly half a million kids are refusing to eat the healthier lunches. The story’s here:
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/main.jhtml?xml=/news/2007/09/03/ndinner103.xml