Healthy School Lunches

It's noon. Do you know what your child is eating?

Recent awareness in the media has prompted the public to reevaluate nutrition in school lunches.

Statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention show that childhood obesity rates have tripled in the last 30 years. Because of these startling numbers, reducing obesity has become a focus of public health.

As part of the "Let's Move" initiative, First Lady Michelle Obama has pushed for reform of school lunch menus, and changes are being made in local cafeterias.

The San Mateo-Foster City School District has worked with Irvine-based food service group A Higher Level to provide healthy lunches. 

Meals follow state and federal requirements as well as the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, which stipulate that no more than 30 percent of calories should come from fat, and less than 10 percent from saturated fat. 

"All of our foods are trans-fat free, unless it occurs naturally in the product such as in meats," said Coordinator of Community Services for SMFC School District, Amber Farinha. "Whole wheat and whole grains frequent our menu."

Bay Area nutrition therapist Stephanie Brooks agreed that having supportive food at school and before school for breakfast is very important for children.  

"I typically recommend a main course with some protein, a fruit, a vegetable, milk and something on the side, like a fun food or crackers," she said. 

The SMFC lunch menus are designed with a similar mentality. The meals typically feature a main protein-rich dish and a side of veggies and fruit. 

"Fresh fruit or vegetable is offered daily," said Farinha. "Fruits and produce are sourced locally when in season."

As an example of what a lunch meal may look like, on Thursday Foster City elementary students were offered barbeque pork dunkers with steamed brown rice, mixed vegetables, chilled applesauce and milk.  On Friday they were given French bread pizza, baby carrots, chilled pears and milk. 

Brooks emphasized the importance of milk. "The reason for this recommendation is that milk will deliver some Vitamin D, Calcium and protein, which is far superior than juice or any other type of drink," she said. 

According to Farinha, only 1% white and non-fat chocolate milk, without high fructose corn syrup, are offered in Foster City schools.

Although the lunches appear to be heading in the right direction nutritionally, not all students and parents are sold.

"Personally I do not like the current school lunches at all," said Foster City Elementary parent and pediatrician Subha Aahlad. "Vegetarian options are few and far between and salads choices are non-existant."

"My daughter won't eat them," said David McIntyre, parent and Executive Vice President of Brewers Island PTA.

Still, the improved nutrition is in line with expert recommendations.

"Nutrition is important lifelong and especially for growing bodies," Brooks said.

School lunch menus and nutrition information can be viewed through the San Mateo-Foster City School District Food and Nutrition Health-e Living Website or weekly on Foster City Patch.

For general information on nutrition go to: Bay Area Nutrition.