Tag: School nutrition policy

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), poor nutrition is linked to lower grades, decreased concentration, and higher rates of absenteeism among students. This undeniable link is at the core of the debate over why should schools only sell healthy food and what the potential benefits are for the entire student body.

Over one-third of U.S. children and adolescents consumed fast food on any given day between 2015 and 2018, highlighting a pervasive issue in youth nutrition. This alarming statistic underscores the critical reasons why we should not have junk food in school settings, where daily habits are formed and health is foundational for learning.

According to a study published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, a healthy school environment can significantly influence students' dietary choices and lead to better health outcomes. This article explores actionable strategies for how schools can promote healthy eating, fostering lifelong habits and improving academic performance.

Since 2012, whole and reduced-fat (2%) milk have not been permitted in school meals under federal guidelines. These regulations, spurred by the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act, shifted the standard milk served in cafeterias from whole milk to lower-fat alternatives.

In the early 2010s, studies found that millions of American children were consuming excess sodium, saturated fat, and sugar in their school meals. This alarming data provided a critical impetus to answer the question: when did school lunches become healthier? The answer lies in a decades-long effort culminating in key legislative changes and shifting societal attitudes toward child nutrition.