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Wednesday, November 5, 2008
Concerns about school nutrition
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
With all the focus on the election, I almost missed that Clayton County could lose $14.8 million in federal money unless the district’s schools get rid of junk food.
The USDA threatened to withhold the money when officials discovered Chick-fil-A sandwiches being sold during lunch at two high schools.
The National School Lunch Program has strict rules. Meals must include a meat (or substitute), milk, grain and two vegetables or fruits.
Clayton is now saying that sports teams and band boosters can’t sell Chick-fil-A sandwiches or pizza during school. Candy fund-raisers between classes also are out.
In the past few years there has been more focus on kids’ health in schools. Schools have been encouraged to offer more fruits and vegetables and fewer high calorie drinks as part of efforts to curb childhood obesity.
Some schools have tried to reduce their reliance on frozen items by buying their food from local or regional farmers.
How worried are you about the food kids eat in schools? Should there be limits on what schools and students can sell and buy?
