Schools have the right to participate in the federally funded National School Lunch Program, which creates guidelines regarding the nutritional value of the foods being served in both public and nonprofit private schools. These guidelines are based on the recommendations of the Dietary Guidelines of Americans. Schools that participate receive cash subsidies. The provided meals must either be free or served at a low cost to the students and must incorporate at least one-third of the recommended daily intake of Vitamin A, Vitamin C, protein, calcium, iron and calories. Students cannot receive more than 30 percent of these calories from fat, and no more than 10 percent from saturated fat.
Some schools offer fast food on their lunch menu as an option to their students. The purpose of such a program is to increase the revenue of the school lunchroom. According to Amy Hedrick, food service supervisor for the Scotts Valley Unified School District in California, lunchrooms need students to purchase meals, and offering brand-name fast foods is one way to pique their interest and keep them spending. The revenue generated from selling fast food items in schools allows the cafeteria staff to be paid.
The Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine sponsors the Healthy School Lunch Campaign, which attempts to improve the overall quality of the food being served to students. The campaign states that most school menus do not promote healthy eating, with products that are high in cholesterol and saturated fat. The campaign encourages school systems to create healthier menus that include more fruits, vegetables, and high fiber meals. The Healthy School Lunch Team travels to school districts and organizes meetings and presentations to promote healthier menus.These meetings and presentations can be delivered to school boards, student groups and PTAs.
Parents concerned about the nutritional value of the foods being served within their child's school can pack a lunch. To prevent the child from simply buying less healthy items from the cafeteria, parents can withhold lunch money. Parents can also talk to school board officials or at PTA meetings to encourage schools to implement healthier choices within schools, such as fresh vegetables and a salad bar. Once a child is out of view, only he can control what he eats. Serving a balanced diet at home can educate your child about the benefits of healthy eating.