Bob Nichols
With vague USDA regulations, “healthy” school food given to young Americans is cheaper and quicker to serve. For years, the meals were said to be nutritious, but is that true?
It sits in the cafeterias day after day, served to children aged 5 up to 18. School food has its benefits, but do they outweigh its negatives? Around 1 in 5 American children are suffering from food insecurity. This is an understandably concerning trend present in the United States for years, but the ways that schools have combated this problem are debated. The National School Lunch and the School Breakfast Program are two of many federally-funded projects, serving meals to more than 30 million children. Although this is effective in the short-term, the quality of the food provided can cause detrimental effects on the health of American students. According to the National Institutes of Health, meals served at educational institutions are often ultra-processed and contain many additives. Many are concerned, like this parent, saying “It needs to be healthier, organic, and should include more fruits and vegetables (less sugar). Ice cream and sugary drinks should not be served on the menu”. Yet, despite the backlash, they are still present in school food. Why? Due to various reasons, with one being quite notable: The USDA “’sets school meal nutrition standards to ensure that schools offer students the right balance of fruits, vegetables, low-fat or fat-free milk, whole grains, and protein foods’. This statement, however, does not explicitly prohibit ultra-processed food” (The Lancet Regional Health – Americas 5). The threat of hunger might be deterred, but the obesity pandemic could prevail. While this is a nationwide concern, some are making a change, right here in our local community. Sixty-nine schools in Frederick County have connected with the Farm to School Program, partnering with local farmers, community organizations, and other schools to bring organic, fresh food to the cafeteria table. Participants take part in workshops, allowing them to get hands-on experience working with whole, fresh foods. The future of school food is far from trivial, yet proposals are being made to increase awareness to students about the quality of their food. The “announcements at school could help students be more aware of what they are eating and what their needs are for a healthy life. Maybe calling your school representatives to make changes to the current menu would be effective” a parent said.
Other local programs and events have taken place in the state, as well. Schools will now participate in the Maryland Homegrown School Lunch Week (September 29 – October 3), where they will be encouraged to support their local farmers by purchasing their fresh produce.