Is Your Child A Fan Of Hot School Lunches Or Is He A Fan Of Cold Junk?

The Child Nutrition and WIC Reauthorization Act of 2004 requires that high schools implement a local wellness policy and program by July 1, 2006, in order to encourage students to make healthier food choices.

However, a recent study by Penn State researchers of 271 public high schools, published in the February issue of the "Journal of the American Dietetic Association," identifies three reasons why existing high school wellness programs are failing.

How many wellness program directors report that their lunch periods begin before 10 30 a.m?

1. Twenty-five percent of wellness program directors report that their lunch periods begin before 10:30 a.m. Early lunch periods result in an increase in a la carte sales.

How much does a la carte sales generate?

2. Among the schools surveyed, a la carte sales generate nearly $700 per day, with $450 of that revenue coming from a la carte items that do not meet federal school meal requirements.

What was associated with a higher per student vending machine count?

3. The presence of vending machines owned by soft drink companies was associated with a higher per-student vending machine count.

What was the result of a higher per student vending machine count?

The study discovered that increasing the number of vending machines in schools decreased participation in the school hot lunch program.

How many sodas and snacks are sold in vending machines at schools?

75% of sodas and 85% of snacks sold in vending machines at schools are junk foods. 

What have schools found that substituting healthier foods and beverages has had no adverse effect on school revenue?

Numerous schools have discovered that substituting healthier foods and beverages such as bottled water, yogurt, fruit, and juice has had no adverse effect on school revenue, and in some cases has increased revenue.

What are parents' options?

Ascertain the health of your local school environment and identify areas for improvement. 

How many questions are asked about how many children eat at school?

Consult with directors of food services and ask the following four questions: 1) What do children eat at school, and 2) Is fast food readily available? 3) What amount of time is allocated to physical activity? And 4) What can be done to improve the school's health environment?

What are not all current school wellness programs that prohibit the sale of during the school day?

Not all current school wellness programs prohibit the sale of snacks and sodas high in fat and sugar during the school day. 

What does proper nutrition have a significant impact on?

Understand what your local school's policy is or will be, as proper nutrition has a significant impact on a student's ability to learn. Which of the Penn State study's three reasons could you improve at your student's high school?