by Linda Schoene
It is common knowledge that healthy food is better, but how does that translate in school cafeterias? Schools have come under fire for having vending machines stocked with fat and sugar-laden snacks that students choose over healthier choices like fruit and milk. In 1994, the USDA revamped the school lunch program and set a 30 percent limit on fat in foods offered. However, a 2001 USDA study revealed that 75 percent of schools fail to meet this standard. Critics of the study question the results because the study analyzed what children ate, not what they were offered. Children do not always choose a combination of healthy selections. There is also controversy over the types of food provided to school cafeterias by the government. Additionally, school lunches must generate revenue. If the students won't buy what is served, that revenue is lost.
Food is not the only issue surrounding the school lunch hour, which is a misnomer since the average school schedule allows 20-30 minutes for lunch. Karen Stout, associate professor of education at Lehigh University, studied over 2000 lunchrooms across the US and concluded that the atmosphere in the lunch area carried over into the classroom in the afternoon. Ms. Stout stated, "When it's chaotic and hurried, kids come back to the classroom wound up, not relaxed and ready to do meaningful work."
Schools are making changes. Appleton Central High School in Wisconsin switched food offerings to fruit, vegetables and whole grain breads. Round tables replaced the standard long ones, giving a more relaxed atmosphere. The biggest change noted after these two interventions was plummeting discipline problems. Teachers also noted increased attentiveness. In Tampa, Florida, the lunchroom at Melrose Elementary was renamed Melrose Diner. Tablecloths and flowers decorate the tables, murals cover the walls and a sound-activated stoplight was installed to help the students monitor their noise level. As in Appleton, discipline problems decreased.
Finally, the parental role cannot be overlooked. Are children exposed to healthy eating at home? Schools cannot solve the problem alone.
Good Morning America's parenting contributor Ann Pleshette Murphy offers these suggestions for parents: