do school nutrition programs make the grade?

by Diane Lofshult

Food for Thought:

The American Dietetic Association (ADA) recently released a special supplement to its monthly journal, spotlighting an analysis of our nation’s school nutrition policies. This is important information for a new administration that is considering the reauthorization of current child nutrition programs. Key findings of the supplement, called The School Food Environment, Children’s Diets and Obesity: Findings from the Third School Nutrition Dietary Assessment Study (SNDA–III), show that schools are failing the test in these areas:

It is easy for kids on campus to buy unhealthy foods, especially candy, salty snacks and sweetened beverages.

Reimbursable school meals (for kids who get subsidized free breakfasts and lunches on-site) are still high in saturated fats and sodium.

Schools do not give students access to enough fruits, vegetables or whole grains.

For more information on the ADA’s SNDA-III supplement, go to www.eatright.org.