It is National School Lunch Week, an occasion that could imply a celebration of, say, grilled cheese sandwiches and chocolate milk. That is not the case, however, as the nation’s schools try to address new federal standards that call for healthier fare.
“We must address the visible realities of complying with school nutrition requirements,” says National School Boards Association executive director Thomas J. Gentzel, who has released a damning new survey that finds eight out of 10 American schools now reporting increased food waste, and increased costs. Three fourths also report “lesser participation” from the kids themselves.
“Our poll shows that school leaders are in favor of good nutrition for children but concerned with the unintended consequences of the current federal regulations. Trays of uneaten cafeteria food thrown in the trash, hungry kids, and struggling school food-service programs are the practical realities many school districts and students face,” Mr. Gentzel explains.
“Overly rigid and unrealistic federal mandates undermine the ability of school districts to do what the law intends: prepare and serve nutritious food that enables America’s public schoolchildren to grow, learn, and thrive,” he says.
President Obama, meanwhile, has issued an official proclamation about National School Lunch Week.
“In 2010, I signed the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act in order to raise nutritional standards and expand access to healthy meals. This year - in many of the more than 22,000 eligible schools across our country - educators and food service professionals are able to serve all their students free, nutritious breakfasts and lunches,” Mr. Obama stated.
“Students now have more opportunities to eat healthy foods than ever before, including new options in vending machines and a la carte lines. And First Lady Michelle Obama’s Let’s Move! initiative has brought communities, schools, and elected officials together to promote nutrition and healthy lifestyles and empower children to make healthy choices in school and at home.”
Which sounds very promising. But the reality is something else again.
“Since that law went into effect, 83.7 percent of school districts saw an increase in plate waste, 81.8 percent had an increase in cost, and 76.5 percent saw a decrease in participation by students,” Mr. Gentzel says, citing the organization’s new survey.
“To address the issues, 75 percent of school leaders encourage an increase in federal funding for school districts to comply with the new standards and 60.3 percent support additional flexibility for school districts to improve their ability to provide good nutrition without harm to instruction, personnel, and other school district operations,” he adds.
• Jennifer Harper can be reached at jharper@washingtontimes.com.
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