Iowa schoolchildren will soon see more fruit and vegetables and less fat in their school lunches, thanks to new U.S. Department of Agriculture standards to improve nutrition and reduce childhood obesity.
This is the first overhaul of the school lunch program in more than 15 years. The result will be healthier breakfasts, lunches and after-school snacks in Iowa schools. In the 2010-2011 school year, Iowa schools served almost 83 million meals.
The new regulations will be phased in over the next three years. Schools will be required to offer fruits and vegetables every day, increase the amount of whole-grain foods, and reduce sodium and fats.
To help pay for the changes, schools will receive 6 cents more per meal in federal funding. To reduce waste, students will pick and choose more items rather than simply being handed a plate.
Statistics show that 40 percent of Iowa kids are overweight, and that 20 percent approach or are morbidly obese. Being overweight puts Iowa kids at risk for a variety of lifelong health problems.
Iowa is a national leader in ensuring that local schools are a healthy part of a child’s day. The 2008 Iowa Healthy Kids Act made food sold in schools healthier and made parents more informed about the food offered at schools.
What does this have to do with learning? A healthy, active approach to life—including good eating habits—is proven to increase student achievement and contribute to lifelong success.
For more information, visit this website: www.fns.usda.gov/cnd.