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
Kids Will Eat Healthier School Lunches
Cypress Bay High School students have lunch in Weston, Fla., Wednesday, Sept. 26, 2007. (AP Photo/Alan Diaz)   (Associated Press)

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. (More healthy eating stories.)

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