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Kids Will Eat Healthier School Lunches

Posted Nov 26, 07 8:32 PM CST in US,  Science & Health 

(Newser) – Low-fat turkey hot dogs, fruits, and veggies aren't the lunchtime turn-off many assume, a study of Minnesota school districts finds. Sure, students prefer fattier lunches, but demand doesn't drop and cost doesn't rise when they're dished up healthier meals. Although labor expenses typically increase, the savings from abandoning processed foods compensates.

The 5-year study, crunched data from 330 Minnesota public school districts, also found rules allowing schools to charge expenses like cafeteria janitorial services or electricity to the lunch program can lead to abuse. The economists who did the research recommended tightening restrictions on such charges, upgrading kitchens, and training workers to prepare healthier meals.
Source: Associated Press

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Cypress Bay High School students have lunch in Weston, Fla., Wednesday, Sept. 26, 2007. (AP Photo/Alan Diaz)   (Associated Press)
Students at Piedmont Elementary eat lunch at school Tuesday, May 1, 2007, in Charleston, W.Va. (AP Photo/Jeff Gentner)   (Associated Press)
A student puts apple slices on his tray during lunch Monday, Nov. 19, 2007 at Central High School in St. Paul, Minn. A University of Minnesota study has found that school lunch sales don't decline when...   (Associated Press)
Students line up for lunch Monday, Nov. 19, 2007 at Central High School in St. Paul, Minn. A University of Minnesota study has found that school lunch sales don't decline when schools serve healthier...   (Associated Press)
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