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Kids Will Eat Healthier School Lunches

Study of Minn. schools shows they don't have to cost more, either

By Colleen Barry,  Newser Staff

Posted Nov 26, 2007 8:32 PM CST
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(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.

Cypress Bay High School students have lunch in Weston, Fla., Wednesday, Sept. 26, 2007. (AP Photo/Alan Diaz)
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)
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 schools serve healthier meals and that more nutritious lunches don't necessarily cost schools more...
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 meals and that more nutritious lunches don't necessarily cost schools more to produce. (AP Photo/Jim Mone)
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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Study abstract
Review of Agricultural Economics

Nutritionists call for revised farm bill to promote healthier school lunches
Los Angeles Times

National School Lunch Program
National School Lunch Program

Healthy school food advocacy group
School Nutrition Association

Health • US

 
childhood obesity • obesity epidemic • healthy eating • school lunch • healthy living

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