Healthy School Lunches

Jeannine S. SmithWalden University

PUBH 6165-2Environmental Health

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

School Boards Teachers Parents Students

Stakeholders

Childhood Obesity rates in the US have increased. ◦ In 2007-2008 19.6% of children among 6-11 year

olds and 18.1% adolescents aged 12-19 were obese (CDC, 2011).

Obese children and adolescents are more likely to become obese as adults (CDC, 2011).

Introduction

A serious medical condition that affects children and adolescents

A child is well above the normal weight for his or her age and height

Can lead to health problems as an adult◦ Diabetes◦ High Blood Pressure◦ High Cholesterol (Mayo Clinic, 2010).

Childhood Obesity Defined

Genetics◦ Genetic characteristics

for being overweight/obese.

Behavioral Factors◦ Energy Intake

Large Portions Sweets/Junk Food

◦ Physical Activity Less physical activity

◦ Sedentary Behavior 3 hours plus per day on TV

and video games

Environmental Factors◦ Within the home

Parent-child interaction◦ Within childcare

Eating and physical activities can be developed

◦ Within schools◦ Within the community

(CDC, 2011).

Causes of Childhood Obesity

Healthier eating habits for children and adolescents need to be achieved. ◦ School board, teachers and parents could all

contribute to this issue.◦ Many children consume at least half of their daily

calories at school, and for many children, food served at school may be the only food they regularly eat (Lets Move, 2011).

What Does this Mean?

Healthy School Lunch Programs◦ Smaller portions◦ Healthier lunch

options◦ Healthier snacks in

vending machines

What the Schools Can Do

The Healthy School Lunch Campaign◦ Sponsored by the Physicians

Committee for Responsible Medicine (PCRM)

◦ Improving the food served to children in schools by educating government and school officials, food service workers, parents, and others about the food choices best able to promote children’s current and long-term health.

◦ encourages schools to offer more healthy low-fat, cholesterol-free options, including reimbursable meals and beverages, a la carte items, and vending machine items

The campaign’s key message: ◦ Foods served in

schools should promote the health of all children (PCRM, 2011).

Healthy School Lunch Program

Cost◦ Healthy food costs a lot more than junk food.

Kids Not Willing to Eat Healthy◦ Kids will choose ice cream over fresh fruit◦ Think they’re “uncool” by eating healthy

Cafeteria Workers Don’t Know How to Create Healthy Items◦ School lunches are prepared by microwave or

deep fryer◦ Broader set of skills needed for healthier foods

(FSW, 2011).

Healthy School Lunch Challenges

Parents and Students can also contribute to healthy school lunches:◦ Pack healthy lunches at

home. • Colorful foods

• A variety of foods from all groups (proteins, fruits & vegetables, and whole grains)• Nutrient-dense• Delicious (Healthy Child, 2011).

What Parents and Students Can Do

Benefits◦ Prevents Weight

Gain and Obesity◦ Feeds the Brain◦ Teaches the

Importance of Healthy Eating (LiveStrong, 2011)

Risks ◦ None!

Benefits and Risks of Healthier Lunches

Healthier habits now will have an impact on adult life◦ Healthy Fuel

fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean meats

vitamins, minerals and nutrients ◦ Weight Management

eating fatty fried foods and foods made of sugar and refined grains can lead a child on the road to obesity

When offered healthier alternatives and more balanced meals at school, children can make better choices, conserve calories and eat food that will benefit their bodies

◦ Healthy Habits can help your child learn habits that

will stay with them well into adulthood

children who had unhealthy habits and risk factors for high cholesterol in childhood were more likely to maintain those problems into adulthood

◦ Low Income Benefits Lower income households purchase

fewer fruits and vegetables than those of higher incomes

Offering fruits, vegetables, whole grains and protein in school lunches, gives lower income children the chance to learn about and eat a healthier diet. (LiveStrong, 2011).

Public Health Impact on Healthy Lunches

In conclusion, schools, parents, and student can all contribute to healthier school lunches. In the long run, the benefits of healthier lunches outweigh the risks.

Healthier lunches will help lower the risk of childhood obesity and will promote healthier living into adulthood.

Conclusion

Remember…Healthy Lunches Can Be Fun!!!

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (2011). Overweight and Obesity. Retrieved from http://www.cdc.gov/obesity/childhood/index.html

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (2011). Overweight and Obesity. Retrieved from http://www.cdc.gov/obesity/childhood/causes.html

Healthy Child (2011). Healthy School Lunch Ideas for Kids. Retrieved from http://www.healthychild.com/healthy-school-lunches/healthy-school-lunch-ideas-for-kids/

Food Service Warehouse (FSW). (2011). The Challenges of Serving Healthy School Lunches. Retrieved from http://blog.foodservicewarehouse.com/blog/2011/03/18/the-challenges-of-serving-healthy-school-lunches/

References

Mayo Clinic (2010). Childhood Obesity. Retrieved from http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/childhood-obesity/DS00698

Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine (PCRM). (2011). Healthy School Lunches. Retrieved from http://www.healthyschoollunches.org/

LiveStrong (2011). The Effect of Healthy School Lunches on Kids. Retrieved from http://www.livestrong.com/article/401318-the-effect-of-healthy-school-lunches-on-kids/

Lets Move (2011). Healthy Schools. Retrieved from http://www.letsmove.gov/healthy-schools

References