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A common complaint from every school I have ever been in has been the school lunch program. This year it is going to get a bit more complicated for schools across the country as they begin to comply with the changes to National School Lunch Program. There has been good discussion on our state's email system between administrators regarding this subject recently. I tend to agree with many of them regarding the limits on seconds and reduced portions. Rule changes to NLSP eliminates "free" seconds for students and greatly reduces portion size. If the school provides seconds the student must pay full price regardless if they are free or reduced students.
I understand the idea behind the changes with the obesity epidemic in our country. I just feel that there needs to be more education for parents and students. We can't just deny extra food to students and expect it to impact them outside of school. Students need to understand the importance of eating right and it needs to happen within the home as well.
Many of our students get one good meal a day and it occurs at school. I have a hard time turning away these students when they go home to an empty fridge. I am very concerned that our students on free and reduced lunches will suffer.
What are your thoughts??
Hi Mike,
ReplyDeleteInteresting post, school lunch is a key component of our day, yet most of our time is spent talking curriculum, assessment, instruction, or finance.
I share your concern for students who go home to an empty refrigerator, we offer free breakfast, which helps, but some kids only eat when they are with us. I'd be open to restrictions on desserts or sugary drinks, but I think that if a student is hungry and wants more fruits and vegetables, then more fruits and vegetables are what they should receive!
Interestingly, this is similar to what we try to do at our school. You can only get one dessert item, but can have as many carrots as you like.
As always, thanks for your contribution to the conversation.
John