Conclusion and Recommendations

from: http://beinglatino.wordpress.com/2011/03/25/the-salad-bar-cheerleader/

Based on my investigation I will answer my initial questions in my first post about school lunch reform. Here is what I have discovered based on my research.

How can we change school lunch programs?

We can start by converting school lunches to healthier menus, using locally grown and/or organic ingredients free of pesticides, antibiotics, and genetically modified food. We can teach kids about healthy food choices through cooking classes, curriculum, and garden projects. Healthy eating in childhood promotes optimal growth, intellectual development and helps promote healthy lifelong behaviors.

Why are school lunches so difficult to change?

Changing school food is a daunting task that requires interacting with the government, USDA, and the food industry. Government policies make it difficult to change school lunches because they are often supplied by large businesses. It is difficult to change these large cooperation’s products and contracts to support healthier food choices. It is also a challenge to change peoples’ attitudes and perceptions about food. Many schools do not have proper kitchens for cooking and these schools rely on bulk food that can easily be re-heated. Finally, good food costs more money.

How can parents, students, teachers, schools and the community get involved to make healthy changes to school lunches?

· Look for small menu changes with a big health impact such as salad bars. Stock the salad bar with green lettuces, veggies, legumes, and fruit.

· Serve fresh fruit instead of canned fruit.

· Offer greens, such as broccoli, kale, and salad greens on the menu every day.

· Remove deep-fried or highly processed food items such as pizza and chicken nuggets.

· Eliminate vending machines or at least make sure they contain healthy foods.

· Get involved with a farm to school program that can introduce fresh foods to your school. Farm to school programs help support farmers, serve healthy meals, and help educate children on health and nutrition.

· Integrate recycling and composting programs. Many schools are unaware of the real costs of waste disposal. Getting rid of food scraps and packaging costs money, and lots of it! You can reduce your school lunch waste through various practices such as recycling and composting. Not only will this reduce your school waste, but students will understand the need to conserve natural resources.

· Provide hands on learning opportunities for students to deepen their knowledge and attitudes about food, culture, cooking, and health.

· Celebrate each successful change, and look ahead to the next.