School Lunches: About to Change?
Schools started out with the mission to teach the "3 R's." But it didn't stay that way for long. In its role as the major agency for children, each decade brings new assignments that it must fulfill--from teaching driving education to learning methods of negotiating aggression.
One of these expanded functions has included nutrition as millions of children each day consume "the school lunch." The original aim was the noble one of decreasing hunger. But now, the constituents of that lunch have seem to have contributed significantly to the rise of obesity in the nation.
As a result, Congress is now considering a bill to make certain that whatever lands on those cafeteria trays is nutritious and safe to eat.
A reauthorization of the Child Nutrition Act is now before the Senate with the main sponsors being Blanche Lincoln, an Arkansas Democrat, and Saxby Chambliss, a Georgia Republican. The House must produce its own version if Congress can act by late spring--so that next year’s school cafeteria crowd can be more confident that the food is healthier and safer to eat.
There are several components in the Senate, but a chief one would give the Agriculture Department new powers to set nutritional standards for any food sold on school grounds, particularly junk foods that contribute to obesity. It would expand the use of local farm products, organic food and school gardens, and require the government to notify schools more quickly about tainted foods.
The driving force behind the House bill is Representative George Miller, a California Democrat, who is expected to ask for stronger food safety regulations. He also seeks more money for fighting childhood hunger and obesity, especially in the schools.
Though its focus is on the school, this bill has major health care implications. Better childhood nutrition is essential to one's long term health. A wise bill could improve what millions of young Americans eat every day — and improve their chances of a healthy life.
