Transcript Why Healthy Nutrition in Schools?

Why Healthy Nutrition in
Schools?
Jessica Donze Black RD, MPH
Director, Kids Safe and Healthful Foods Project
[email protected]
www.healthyschoolfoodsnow.org
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Schools have a lot on their plate….
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NUTRITION?
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Most students consume as many as half of their
calories at school.
Studies show that students who eat school lunches
eat healthier than those who do not – they get more
fruits, vegetables, and low fat dairy.
Nationally, 94% of elementary schools, 96% of
middle schools, and 73% of high schools have
closed campuses, which means that the food on
campus is the food available to them during the
day.
Healthy students have better attendance and do
better on standardized exams.
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First, we updated the school meal standards and got a few
questions….
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Are kids getting enough to eat?
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Meal intended to meet 1/3 of daily needs of average student.
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Up to 850 calories in High School.
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Previous average was 857 so not that different in total – just
coming from some healthier sources.
Why is the Federal Government setting nutrition guidelines for
meals?
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It’s a Federally funded program and USDA has been setting
standards for meals since 1946.
Will kids really eat foods that meet these standards?
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It may take some clever marketing and change management but
young people will absolutely eat healthier foods.
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Now, it’s been nearly 2 years and the evidence
shows the new standards are working…
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Some schools faced initial challenges, but both
KSHF and GAO reports showed that most districts
anticipated being able to overcome the challenges
they were facing.
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90% of districts are meeting updated standards
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A recent Harvard study demonstrates that children
are consuming more fruits and vegetables and
despite anecdotal reports…plate waste has NOT
increased.
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Next step: make sure the rest of the foods in school are
healthy, too.
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Sixty-two percent of public elementary students and nearly
all high school students can purchase “competitive” foods or
beverages on campus.
Less-healthy competitive products are commonly available:
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44 percent of public elementary school students can buy
foods such as potato chips, candy, cookies or french fries;
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17 percent could buy sugar-sweetened beverages
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38 percent could buy high-fat milks through vending
machines, à la carte lines or other competitive venues on
campus.
In states with strong snack food laws, children gained less
weight over a 3-year period compared to states without
strong laws.
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Parents want to know that their children
have healthy options during the school
day
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80% of the voters surveyed favor national
standards to limit the calories, fat content and
sodium in food served in U.S. schools, while
encouraging more fruits, vegetables and low-fat
dairy items
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Healthy Nutrition Standards are win-win for Parents and Schools
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What can you do?
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Get involved in your school, community,
and state!
What are your state/local snack and a la
carte standards and is it time to update
them?
Do parents know about and support
healthier nutrition standards?
Already doing great work? Share your story
and support other schools!
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Next steps?
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Watch your PTA updates and follow us at
www.healthyschoolfoodsnow.org
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Follow us on twitter @JDonzeBlack_Pew
[email protected]
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