2008 School Lunch Report Cards
Submitted on Aug 31, 2009 (Original item from 2008)
Diet and Nutrition | Vegetarianism and Veganism | Food Trends | Meat, Dairy, Egg Consumption | Vegetarian Food Products or Substitutes
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Short Description:
Poor nutrition is a leading contributor to childhood obesity, which prompted the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine to analyze elementary school lunches served by 20 school districts. The group surveyed healthy food options and found that more schools are now serving healthy items, including vegetarian dishes, on a daily basis.
Abstract:
Three-fourths (75%) of the schools studied serve at least one vegetarian option each day. Of these schools, 65% offer a vegan entree. All of the school districts studied offer an alternative to dairy (i.e., cow's milk), compared with 73% of districts in 2007 and only 67% in 2006. Of the schools offering a dairy alternative, 45% served these at no charge, and 55% made them available a la carte.
School budgets are tightening, which may be a barrier to the introduction of more healthful foods. However, many healthy vegetarian items are also relatively inexpensive and school districts are integrating more fruits, vegetables, and low-fat meatless meals into their menus.
Nearly two-thirds (65%) of school food service departments offer nutrition education and 75% of districts offer additional inventive nutrition programs.
Spot Check Number:
1150
Sponsor:
Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine (PCRM)
Animal Type:
Unknown
Record Type:
Research Study
Research Method:
Experimental/Modeling/Applications
Geographic Region:
United States National
Number of Participants:
20
Population Descriptors:
Elementary school districts
Year Conducted:
2008
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