Topic: School Food

''2 thumbs up for LBI food''

''While some students look down on food served in school cafeterias, Zoe Deakyne, a sixth-grader at Long Beach Island Elementary School, enjoys getting her lunch there.''

''Taste test: Parents to get sampling of RCSD cafeteria food''

"New items such as curried chicken with raisins and apples and broccoli alfredo are part of the City School District’s effort to upgrade its school meal offerings, focusing on foods that are fresh, local and healthy, rather than the old school method of quick and easy."

''Letter: Better School Meals''

As we approach the beginning of summer, it is important to realize that students in the Fargo area aren’t just consuming knowledge in the classroom during the school year – they’re also consuming calories from school meals and snacks. In fact, many students consume up to half of their daily calories at school. As summer sets in and meals become less structured, it is important to instill healthy eating habits that the students can carry with them long after the final bell rings.

“Randolph County Schools nutritional director receives honor”

"Randolph County's school nutrition director will be honored in July in Kansas City, Mo. for her extraordinary commitment to the school meal programs."

“County's Farm to School Yolo viewed as being a success”

"One year on, the Yolo County Department of Agriculture says it is happy with the results of its school lunch program, Farm to School Yolo."

“Deadline Looms for Rules About School Vending, Snack Fare”

"Make it a temporary rule, says Jessica Donze Black, director of the Pew Health Group's Kids' Safe & Healthful Foods Project, but just make it by June 30 and adjust it after schools have a chance to see how things work out."

“Boise School District announces grants for fresh fruits and veggies for elementary students”

The Boise School District announced that eleven schools within the district have been selected to receive grant money for fruit and vegetables from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).

“Don’t let new school junk food rules get derailed”

"Imagine this: You are a 15 year-old standing in front of a school vending machine, getting ready to satisfy the snack craving you've had since first period. But lo and behold, instead of cookies and chips, every one of the slots behind the glass contains the same healthy stuff your mom and dad fill the cabinets with at home."

''Pittsburgh Takes on the Food Revolution Challenge''

"All over the region, little pockets of activity are coalescing into a collaborative Food Revolution a la Jamie Oliver, the British chef who champions healthier food in schools and elsewhere. Last fall at the One Young World conference held here, he challenged Pittsburgh to revamp its eating habits -- and Pittsburgh's delegates took him seriously."

USDA Official Answers Questions about Healthy School Meals

"First lady Michelle Obama visited the U. S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) earlier this month and praised the Healthy Hunger-Free Kids Act, the 2010 law designed to make school lunches more nutritious. Audrey Rowe, the administrator of the USDA’s Food and Nutrition Service (FNS), oversees federal nutrition assistance and education programs, including the 2010 law. Rowe spoke with Tom Fox, a guest writer for On Leadership and vice president for leadership and innovation at the nonprofit Partnership for Public Service. He also heads the Partnership’s Center for Government Leadership."

''Providing Nutritious Meals a Focus in WJCC School System''

"With childhood obesity — and other health issues and nutrition requirements — increasing in schools, Williamsburg-James City County is focusing on providing nutritious meals to students."

''Algonac High School Students Enjoy Sample Menu Items''

"Representatives from National Food Group handed out samples of what could be on next year’s menu. Students sampled beef barbacoa with roasted vegetables, whole grain cheese ravioli with chunky marinara sauce and baked cod filet. Other items were cranberry oatmeal bars and breakfast items oatmeal chocolate vertical bars and berry apple crisp vertical bar."

''McIntyre Advocates for Healthier School Lunches''

"The Pew Charitable Trust recently issued a statement recognizing this as a significant step to help children nationwide. The School Food Modernization Act would help schools improve their meal programs in two ways. One part of the legislation would authorize a USDA competitive grant program through which schools could obtain training and technical assistance for foodservice employees."

''Pre-Ordering School Lunches Steer Kids To Healthier Meal Choices''

Jessica Donze Black, project director for Kids’ Safe and Healthful Foods Project, is featured in Time magazine article about healthy school lunches.

''Latham Renews Quest to Upgrade School Kitchens''

"Recent changes to the federal school lunch program require more fresh fruits and vegetables to be served, but many schools in Iowa and across the country lack the fridge space needed to store large quantities of fresh produce, the Republican lawmaker said."

Pew Applauds Reps. Latham and McIntyre for Leadership to Make School Foods Healthier

Jessica Donze Black, Pew’s expert on childhood nutrition, issued the following statement on the School Food Modernization Act.

''State Schools Set to Implement Updated USDA Guidelines''

"The USDA is updating the existing nutritional food standards set in 1979, which will require all snack foods sold in public schools to meet new health standards."

''Six Cent Increases Funding for School Nutrition''

"Marty Tatara has succeeded with 'Six Cent For Child' certification, which will increase federal funding for nutrition in Madison City Schools."

''Recipe for Success''

"Orange County Public Schools are continuing to offer up a host of different lunch options to students throughout the county, expanding their taste buds through different food choices."

''Groups Weigh in on Proposed School Snack, Vending Rules''

"High school students don't need to have access to caffeine on campus. Snacks sold at elementary and middle schools shouldn't have as many calories as those sold at high schools. And maybe schools shouldn't have vending machines or a la carte lunch lines at all."

Pew Expert Says School Food Standards Are ''All Over the Map''

In the absence of a national policy, school snack food standards vary by state. Jessica Donze Black, director of the Kids’ Safe and Healthful Foods Project, speaks with The Washington Post about this issue.

The Junk Food Loophole in USDA's Regulations

Jessica Donze Black, director of the Pew's kids' safe and Healthful foods project speaks with the Los Angeles Times about a loophole in the USDA's new competitive foods rules that would allow junk food to be served in school cafeterias.

Dishing Up Grants for School Kitchen Upgrades

New standards for school meals could mean new changes to the equipment in school kitchens. Jessica Donze Black, director of Pew's Kids’ Safe and Healthful Foods Project speaks to Education Week about the need for grant money for making these upgrades.

''Midlands Voices: Help students Choose Healthful Snacks''

John Skretta, superintendent of the Norris school district in Nebraska, writes an opinion editorial piece about the need for healthy snacks and beverages in schools.

''It’s Time for Healthier Snacks and Beverages in Our Schools''

An opinion editorial written by Rep. Kim Norton discussing the need for USDA regulations to ensure children making healthy choices at school.

''Viewpoints: Schools Need to Help Kids Eat Healthy''

''Whether we're relying on the school lunch or brown-bagging it, parents want to make sure our kids get a good, nutritious meal. Yet often the choices we make for kids can't compete against what the vending machines and à la carte lines have to offer.''

''Schools Recognized for Nutrition, Health Programs''

The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Healthier U.S. School Challenge honored eleven elementary schools for promoting a health learning environment through school nutrition and exercise.

''Schools Hungry to Improve Taste, Nutrition of Lunches''

School foods are put to the "taste test" during an annual food event in Prince William County. Find out how students rated these nutritious meals.

Do Healthier School Lunches Pass the Student Taste Test?

School meals may meet nutritional standards, but do they pass the student taste test?

''School Lunches: The New Battlefront in the War Against Obesity''

''With one in three American children considered overweight or obese — and the trend dangerously upward — the federal government has launched a new campaign this school year to strengthen nutritional requirements for school lunches."

''Idaho School Lunches to Include Chef-designed Selections''

"Kids in Idaho schools may soon be dining on chef-designed school lunches. New menu items, such as fish tacos, mozzarella-crusted Pollock and Mandarin chicken rice bowl may become selections on your child’s school lunch menu in the near future, according to Melissa McGrath, spokesperson for the Idaho State Department of Education."

''Children in U.S. Are Eating Fewer Calories, Study Finds''

"American children consumed fewer calories in 2010 than they did a decade before, a new federal analysis shows. Health experts said the findings offered an encouraging sign that the epidemic of obesity might be easing, but cautioned that the magnitude of the decline was too small to move the needle much."

''USDA Wants Healthy Fare in School Vending Machines''

"The USDA proposal, authorized by the 2010 Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act, will require changes everywhere, said Jessica Donze Black, the director of the Kids' Safe and Healthful Foods Project at the Pew Charitable Trusts, in Washington."

Calculating the Cost: A look into your child's school meal

Where does your middle school student's lunch money go? View the interactive to find out the cost of your child's school meal options under the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) nutritional guidelines.

Is That Sandwich Safe?

No matter how careful you are, foodborne bacteria can find a way into your child’s lunch and make him or her sick. Symptoms can include diarrhea, vomiting, stomach cramps and fever. Children are often among the most vulnerable, and in some cases, illnesses can lead to hospitalization, long-term health complications and even death.

Jessica Donze Black Participates in Twitter Chat on Healthy School Foods

Kids’ Safe and Healthful Foods Project joins MomsRising.org for their #FoodFri tweetchat this Friday, February at 1 p.m. ET to discuss childhood obesity and the impact of snacks and beverages sold in schools.

School Meals Get Healthier: Students and Experts React

Nutrition standards for school meals were last updated in January 2012—the first update since 1995. As a result, students are seeing more fruits, vegetables and whole grains on the menu, as well as less saturated fat and sodium.

Today's Menu: A high school's hearty and healthy lunch

Students at Sherwood High School in Montgomery County, MD enjoy a variety of filling lunch options every day.

More Food for Hungry Students: USDA Tweaks School Meals

''Long before school-meal standards were revamped, the Georgia district made improving nutrition a priority. Over the past 10 years, officials slowly introduced more whole-grain foods and fresh produce.''

''Study finds healthy snacks still limited in some U.S. schools''

''Students in states such as Connecticut and West Virginia have limited access to junk food like candy and chocolate on school grounds while those in Louisiana and Idaho can buy it in abundance, according to an analysis by the Pew Charitable Trusts and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation.''

Snacks Sold in School Include Many Fried, Sweet, Salty Options

"In the war on unhealthy snacks sold in schools, the opposition just launched another missile. In a new report, researchers at the Kids' Safe & Healthful Foods Project find that the majority of American children live in states where less-than-healthy snacks are readily available. And more nutritious options, such as fruits and vegetables, are harder to come by for those same kids."

When It Comes to Healthy Snacks, Many Schools Do Not Make the Grade

A new report finds that in all but one state, fewer than half of secondary schools sold fruit or vegetables as snacks in 2010.

Out of Balance: A Look at Snack Foods in Secondary Schools across the States

How healthy are the snack foods sold in secondary schools via vending machines, school stores and snack bars? A recent report on unhealthy snack foods published by the Kids’ Safe and Healthful Foods Project—a collaboration between The Pew Charitable Trusts and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation—suggests the issue could be more than bite-sized.

PTA President to Parents: Support the New School Meals

In a new opinion editorial in Education Week, Betsy Landers, National PTA President, comments on the importance of parental support for the new school lunches.

''Let Them Eat Veggies: School Lunch Gets a Makeover''

''School lunches are getting an extreme makeover. Gone are fried tater tots, chicken nuggets, chocolate milk, and pepperoni pizza. In their place are heaps of whole grains, veggies, fruits, and low-fat dairy products, along with baked versions of formerly fried favorites such as chicken nuggets or fish sticks."

New Federal Guidelines Impact School Cafeterias

"In school cafeterias across the country, students are seeing big changes on their lunch trays. Responding to the growing childhood obesity epidemic, the USDA approved new rules for the federal school lunch program, the first such changes to student lunches in more than a decade."

Expert Discusses Changes to School Lunch Programs

Jessica Donze Black of the Kids' Safe and Healthful Foods Project recently appeared on C-SPAN to talk about recent changes to the operating costs of school lunch programs. Topics included the history of the program, the role of the Agriculture Department, qualifications for participants, and nutritional requirements.

''Don’t Forget Your (Kid’s!) Lunch''

"It’s back-to-school time! School supplies? Check! Medical forms completed? Check! Clothes for the first day? Check! School lunch?. . ."

Virtual Back to School Night: The School Day Just Got Healthier!

The Kids’ Safe and Healthful Foods Project along with the National PTA will host a live webcast dialogue on September 13 at 8 p.m. EST examining changes to school lunches this year as part of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) updated nutrition standards for schools.

''Report: Cutting School Junk Food Boosts Kids’ Health, Doesn’t Hurt School Budgets''

"A new report from the Pew Charitable Trusts and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation concludes that getting rid of junk food at school boosts kids’ health and doesn’t hurt schools financially. Even many snack food companies are on board."

''Group recommends raising nutrition standards in schools''

"'The evidence is clear and compelling,' said Jessica Donze Black, director of the Kids’ Safe & Healthful Foods Project in a press release. 'Implementing strong national nutrition standards to make the snacks and beverages our children consume healthier is something that schools and districts can afford. The USDA should do all it can to finalize and help implement strong standards.'"

Obama needs to release draft food safety rules, say victims and advocacy groups

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimate that one in six Americans (48 million people) suffer from a foodborne illness each year, resulting in 128,000 hospitalizations and 3,000 deaths. Americans will continue to get sick and even die from foodborne disease as your Administration continues to hold up the food safety rules. In fact, the U.S Food and Drug Administration (FDA) essentially ensured such an outcome last week in a letter to food industry representatives. In it, the FDA said that until final rules are issued, the agency would not enforce the FSMA requirements that food processors adopt prevention-based protections, and that importers assure the safety of the food products they send to the United States.

''School lunches healthier, Administrators work to balance nutrition with appeal to students''

"A study released late last month delivers the message: Make competitive foods offered in schools healthier, too. The study was a collaboration between the Pew Charitable Trusts and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and came from two projects, the Kids’ Safe and Healthful Foods Project – the director, Jessica Donze Black, is a University of Delaware graduate – and the Health Impact Project."

Collaboration Examines Impact of Updated USDA Standards

Pew and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation collaborate to examine impact of updated USDA standards for snack and a la carte foods and beverages sold in schools.

''New school nutrition standards on horizon''

"A recent study has reaffirmed what local school officials already knew: Student health and school budgets can both benefit from higher nutrition standards."

''Health assessment calls for USDA nutrition standards in schools''

"The Health Impact Project, released Tuesday by the Kids’ Safe & Healthful Foods Project, was conducted to examine how the agency’s new policies will affect student nutrition and how new dietary standards would affect school revenues."

''Better School Nutrition Good for Students and Budgets''

"The Health Impact Project released an assessment making the case that “strong nutrition standards could have a significant positive impact on the health of students” and that such standards implemented by the Agriculture Department 'can be made with little to no negative financial impact and in fact may even result in improved financial outcomes for schools and districts.'"

''Report: School Nutrition Standards Could Improve Health and Finances''

"Stronger school nutrition standards from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) could improve student health and provide a financial boon for school districts, according to a new health impact assessment (HIA) released Tuesday by the Health Impact Project and the Kids' Safe and Healthful Food Project."

''Study: Higher nutrition standard for snacks a win-win for schools''

"Replacing a candy bar with an apple could have a big effect, according to the 172-page health assessment released by the Kids’ Safe & Healthful Foods Project and the Health Impact Project"

''Nutrition, finances win with healthful school snacks, report says''

"An assessment of what those new rules might do for kids’ health and the schools’ bottom line was released Tuesday by two projects from the Pew Charitable Trusts and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation."

''Report: Healthy Vending, A La Carte Foods Won't Hurt School Revenue''

"The Kids' Safe & Healthful Foods Project and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation teamed up to analyze the effects of changing the makeup of so-called 'competitive foods' sold at school."

''National Nutrition Standards Will Benefit Student Health, School Budgets: Study''

"The report, by the Kids’ Safe & Healthful Foods Project and the Health Impact Project, found that improved nutritional standards for snack foods and beverages would reduce consumption of these products during the school day."

Health Impact Assessment: National Nutrition Standards for Snack and a la Carte Foods and Beverages Sold in Schools

Updating national nutrition standards for snack foods and beverages sold in schools could help students maintain a healthy weight and increase food service revenue, according to a health impact assessment by the Kids’ Safe & Healthful Foods Project and the Health Impact Project.

Watch a video examining the impact of updated USDA standards for snack and a la carte foods and beverages.

School Budgets, Student Health to Benefit From Higher Nutrition Standards

Updating national nutrition standards for snack foods and beverages sold in schools could help students maintain a healthy weight and increase food service revenue, according to a health impact assessment (HIA) released today by the Kids’ Safe & Healthful Foods Project and the Health Impact Project.

Cooking Up Change: Student Chefs Creating a Healthy Future for School Food

On May 21, the Healthy Schools Campaign and the U.S. Department of Education hosted the finals of "Cooking Up Change" in Washington, D.C. Student teams from six American cities took part in the contest to see who could create a great-tasting lunch that met nutrition standards on a tight budget.

Voters Want Healthy Snacks in Schools

"Eighty percent of American voters favor national nutrition standards that would limit calories, fat and sodium in snack and à la carte foods sold in U.S. schools and encourage the consumption of fruits, vegetables and low-fat dairy items, according to a new poll."

Snack Foods and Beverages in Schools

Eighty percent of American voters favor national nutrition standards that would limit calories, fat, and sodium in snack and à la carte foods sold in U.S. schools.

''Think carrots, not candy as school snack, group suggests''

"Junk food may soon be hard to buy at American public schools as the U.S. government readies new rules requiring healthier foods to be sold beyond the cafeteria - a move most parents support, according to a poll released on Thursday."

A Step Forward for Food Safety in School Meals

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) took a step toward improving school food safety and reducing students’ risk of foodborne illness when top officials signed a new agreement with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

''Junk foods still plentiful at elementary schools''

"Study finds that over a four-year period, little change was made in improving kids' diets at school."

''Many U.S. kids still buy unhealthy snacks at school''

"Despite efforts to serve healthier meals to school children, roughly half of U.S. elementary school kids can buy junk food at school, a new study finds."

Expert Profile: Jessica Donze Black

Jessica Donze Black, Project Director, Kids' Safe and Healthful Foods Project

Serving Up Safe and Healthy Lunch

Each school day, cafeteria staff in the West New York, NJ, School District prepare safe and healthy meals that meet high nutrition standards for thousands of students.

''LA schools struggle to make healthy meals popular''

"Students at Roosevelt High School have declared a food fight to win back peanut butter and jelly sandwiches."

''School lunches to have more veggies, whole grains''

"Millions of students across the country should have similar healthy options in the years to come under the first major nutritional overhaul of school meals in more than 15 years."

USDA Finalizes Healthy School Meal Standards

“We applaud the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) for issuing final guidance to help schools across the country serve healthier meals to students. The updated nutrition standards for school meals are now in line with the most recent Dietary Guidelines for Americans, the federal government’s evidence-based guidance to promote health, reduce the risk of chronic diseases and decrease the prevalence of obesity."

''New Rules for School Meals Aim at Reducing Obesity''

"'We applaud the U.S. Department of Agriculture for issuing final guidance to help schools across the country serve healthier meals to students,' said Jessica Donze Black, project director for the Kids’ Safe and Healthful Foods Project, a joint project of the Pew Charitable Trusts and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. 'The updated nutrition standards for school meals are now in line with the most recent Dietary Guidelines for Americans.'"

''First lady unveils tougher nutrition standards for school meals''

"First lady Michelle Obama on Wednesday unveiled tougher nutrition standards that school meals will have to meet starting this year."

''New USDA school meal rules cut calories, salt; not potatoes''

"Long-awaited rules about what school breakfasts and lunches that cut salt and fat, limit calories, and increase servings of fruits and vegetables became final Wednesday, about a year after they were proposed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture."

''Would you eat this school lunch? We did - and it was good''

"It's tough to balance kids' tastes and adults' nutrition standards, but schools are finding surprising ways to make it happen."

''Greasy to gourmet: Seattle chefs help schools trade corn dogs for couscous''

"For most of public-school history, cafeteria food was something to be endured and then forgotten immediately upon graduating. But in recent years, many parents, health advocates, and doctors have targeted school lunch as one of the aspects of our food system most in need of scrutiny and reform."

''Is pizza a vegetable? Lessons from the fight to change the way America's school kids eat lunch''

"New regulations for school lunches, which are funded by the federal government, were proposed by the United States Department of Agriculture last month and will be officially announced in January. The new rules are based on recommendations from the National Academies' Institute of Medicine, and may take effect as early as July."

''Asking the right questions about school food 'miracles' of 2011''

"Every now and then, a story appears in the media gushing about a “school food miracle worker” apparently serving healthier, higher quality food than usually found in school lunch programs, and costing no more than what a typical school district spends on a less healthy meal. The reader is left wondering why all schools don't just do what the “miracle worker” does."

''Salad bars are a hit at Hurst-Euless-Bedford elementary schools''

"As part of a plan to promote health, introduce children to fresh fruits and vegetables and wean them off junk food, the Hurst-Euless-Bedford district is adding salad bars to elementary schools."

''A Real Choice for Parents on Their Kids’ Health''

“At a time when 21 million students across the U.S. are receiving free or low-cost school lunches, Congress has voted to block new guidelines that would have limited the use of potatoes and sodium in the National School Lunch Program.”

Erik Olson

Erik Olson is director of food programs, overseeing work aimed at food safety, the quality of school food, and the food additives policy.

Jessica Donze Black

Jessica Donze Black is project director for the Kids’ Safe and Healthful Foods Project, leading research and policy efforts aimed at improving school nutrition.

''We’re Not Laughing''

“If they weren’t so damaging to children, congressional leaders’ explanations for their policy decisions that cater to big money interests at those children’s expense would be downright funny.”

''Kids putting down the tater tots in Cheney school meal program''

“They say it takes 21 days to break a bad habit, so how long do you think it took the Cheney School District to get kids to pass on the tater tots and pick up carrot sticks instead?"

''Schools put focus on healthy choices''

“As Congress fights over the legitimacy of tomato paste and pizza sauce as a serving of vegetables in school lunches, area private schools are taking the matter of children’s nutrition into their own hands.”

''School Lunches: How The Food Industry Controls Student Meals''

“In a biting piece in The New York Times Sunday, investigative reporter Lucy Komisar offers an in-depth look at how the food in-depth look at how the food industry — and its complex web of internal alliances — is taking over school meals."

''Pizza’s veggie status causes controversy in school lunchroom''

“Although Congress recently passed an agriculture appropriations bill that continues to recognize pizza sauce and French fries as vegetable servings in school lunches, local dietitians and nutrition experts say Congress missed an opportunity to improve the nutrition of school lunches.”

''Food for thought: Area school districts boost nutrition menu plans''

“Gone from many school lunchrooms are the fried pork tenderloins and corn dogs. Today’s young people twirl forkfuls of whole grain noodles and pluck romaine lettuce and roma tomatoes from the salad bar.”

''To Capitol Hill: End the Food Fight''

“The legislative events of last week had to surprise parents and educators who struggle to provide children with sound nutritional choices in a world often inhospitable to healthy behavior.”

''Doesn’t Congress know we are what we eat?''

“Congress was wrong to block new rules proposed by the Agriculture Department that would have overhauled the nation’s school lunch program."

''Food Fight: Pizza and Spuds Win, School Kids Lose''

“French fries and pizza don’t make a healthy meal, especially not for America’s school children, one out of three of whom are overweight or obese. Yet Congress chose to save these junk foods on school lunch menus — in effect, putting profits of a narrow part of the food industry ahead of our country’s future health.”

Pew School Foods Project Statement on Department of Agriculture Funding Bill

“We are disappointed that the final Agriculture Appropriations bill now includes provisions that could undermine the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) proposal to establish science-based nutrition standards for school meals," said Jessica Donze Black, project director for the Pew Health Group’s School Foods Project, in a statement.

''School Food Politics: What’s Missing from the Pizza-as-Vegetable Reporting''

“Over the last couple of days, news outlets have been having a field day with a proposal from Congress that pizza sauce be considered a vegetable to qualify for the National School Lunch program."

''Congress pushes back on healthier school lunches''

"In an effort many 9-year-olds will cheer, Congress wants pizza and french fries to stay on school lunch lines and is fighting the Obama administration's efforts to take unhealthy foods out of schools.The final version of a spending bill released late Monday would unravel school lunch standards the Agriculture Department proposed earlier this year. These include limiting the use of potatoes on the lunch line, putting new restrictions on sodium and boosting the use of whole grains. The legislation would block or delay all of those efforts."

''Yes, More on Those Cheetos (And the News May Not Be Good)''

"I chose to lead off with this topic because I’ve long been concerned about the nutritional quality of the foods HISD offers to students for profit, in competition with the federally subsidized school meal, on the district’s a la carte lines."

''COMMENTARY: Change is on the menu at schools across the country''

"On average, two of every three school children eat a National School Lunch Program lunch and consume about one-third of their total calories from that meal each weekday."

''Birmingham, Jefferson County school lunches get more healthy''

"In their ongoing efforts to make lunchroom meals more nutritious, Birmingham and Jefferson County schools have adopted new and creative ways to get students to eat their vegetables."

''Schools track safety of food from farm to plate''

“Ecker’s Apple Farm apples are cooled, soaked and polished before being shipped off to Coulee Region schools.”

''FDA: Moldy applesauce repackaged by school lunch supplier''

"A Washington state fruit processor that supplies the nation’s schools and a baby food maker is under scrutiny by federal health regulators for repackaging applesauce contaminated with several kinds of potentially dangerous, multi-colored molds, msnbc.com has learned."

''Grant brings Ga. produce to school lunch trays''

"Agriculture has been a top business in Hall County for decades. Now, the Hall County school system is capitalizing on that and bringing local food into local schools, with the help of a grant from the state Department of Agriculture and Department of Education."

''Healthier chicken served in Chicago schools''

"Students dining in 473 Chicago schools Tuesday were served local chicken raised without antibiotics. Chicago Public Schools started a new chicken program with fresh chicken purchased from Miller Amish Country Poultry in Indiana."

Celebrating School Success

Consider this: school meals can be healthy, affordable and appealing to kids. Hard to believe? Districts across the United States are proving it can be done...

Schools face many challenges in their mission to serve healthy food to students, including budget constraints, equipment and training limitations, and notoriously picky consumers. However, considering that nearly one in three American children and adolescents is overweight or obese and at increased risk for long-term health problems, it is vital that schools overcome those challenges. Because our nation’s schools provide meals to more than 31 million children each day, they can play a crucial role in supporting children’s health.

Celebrating School Success

Consider this: school meals can be healthy, affordable and appealing to kids. Hard to believe? Districts across the United States are proving it can be done.

Helping School Meals Make the Grade

The National School Lunch and School Breakfast Programs provide meals to tens of millions of children each day, accounting for up to one-half of those students’ daily calories. However, more than 90 percent of schools serve meals that do not even meet the minimum national school meal standards.

Replacing Deep Fat Fryers

The Kids’ Safe and Healthful Foods Project conducted a pilot survey among food service directors in three states (Georgia, Kentucky and Wisconsin), finding that schools lack the resources and equipment to provide healthy school food to students.

Replacing Deep-Fat Fryers

Take an inside look at how kitchen equipment can impact a school’s ability to serve healthy meals as we take a tour of a school in Clay County, Kentucky.

Replacing Deep-Fat Fryers

The Kids’ Safe and Healthful Foods Project conducted a pilot survey among food service directors in three states (Georgia, Kentucky and Wisconsin).

Changing the Menu in Chicago

In an effort to improve the quality of foods served in its schools, CPS debuted new breakfast and lunch menus in the 2010-2011 school year which are now among the healthiest in the country.

Changing the Menu in Chicago

Chicago Public Schools (CPS) represents the third-largest school district in the country, serving 400,000 students in more than 600 schools. In an effort to improve the quality of foods served in its schools, CPS debuted new breakfast and lunch menus in the 2010-2011 school year that exceed the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) HealthierUS School Challenge Gold standards, distinguishing them as being among the healthiest in the country.

Tremendous Support for USDA School Meal Changes

When it comes to school meals, adults and kids alike are ready for a change. An extraordinary number of people sent messages to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) in support of the agency’s proposed standards to improve school meals. More than 115,000 people took action on this Web site and others, sending the message that it’s time to serve healthier foods and beverages to all students! The huge number of supportive comments clearly demonstrates that Americans urgently want to improve school meals.

''Voters’ Attitudes On School Nutrition''

“More than 75 percent of American voters believe schools should have to meet higher nutrition standards for all foods they sell or serve students, according to a poll commissioned by the Kids’ Safe and Healthful Foods Project."

''New poll shows almost two-thirds of voters want better food in schools and are willing to pay up''

“Polls show that almost two thirds of American voters say the government should increase nutrition requirements for school lunches. And they’re willing to pay for it."

Voters Want Healthy School Meals

More than three out of four American voters—78 percent—believe that schools should be required to meet higher nutrition standards for all foods they serve or sell to students, and 61 percent support providing schools with more funding to meet those standards, according to a new poll commissioned by the Kids’ Safe and Healthful Foods Project.

Voters’ Attitudes On School Nutrition

Americans express broad and deep support for increasing federal requirements for the nutrition of meals served in schools and for increasing funding for the national school meals program by one percent.

Voters Overwhelmingly Support Stronger School Food Standards, New Poll Finds

More than three out of four American voters—78 percent—believe that schools should be required to meet higher nutrition standards for all foods they serve or sell to students, and 61 percent support providing schools with more funding to meet those standards, according to a new poll conducted by the bipartisan team of Hart Research and American Viewpoint and commissioned by the Kids’ Safe and Healthful Foods Project.

''Poll: voters support improving school food standards''

“According to a poll of more than 1,000 registered voters, 78 percent believe schools should be required to meet higher nutrition standards for food they serve or sell to students and 61 percent support providing schools with more funding in order to do so."

''Kids’ Safe and Healthful Foods Project Aims to Revolutionize School Cafeteria''

''America’s children are caught in a growing problem — literally. One out of every three kids and teens now weigh in as overweight or obese. In fact, the obesity rates among children aged six to 11 have more than quadrupled over the past four decades. Childhood obesity has truly become a public health crisis of epidemic proportions.''

Why School Meals Matter

Access to safe and healthy foods is essential to protecting and promoting health. Consider that, over the past four decades, childhood obesity rates in the United States have risen rapidly, more than quadrupling among children ages 6 to 11 and more than tripling among teens.

Tools to Improve School Meals

The meals schools serve to students are an important source of nutrients kids need to grow, learn and succeed. Yet many schools don’t have the necessary tools to prepare safe and healthy meals.

Serving Up School Meals that Make the Grade

The nutrition standards for school meals have not been updated for more than 15 years. In 2009, the Institute of Medicine, the health arm of the National Academy of Sciences set forth recommendations for making school meals healthier.

''What's Next?''

"The Pew Health Group's Campaign for Food Safety released this ad in support of the DeLauro Food Safety Modernization Act (H.R. 875)."