School Lunches and Nutrition

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This narrative is reflective of observations in charter, private, public, Bureau of Indian Education and homeschool group settings. The author presents views, based on what was available the time of employment or service to the site. It does not offer a data-based or literature reviewed writing. Instead, based on first-hand experience, critical questions for review results.

When it comes to school lunch, nearly all institutions provide lunch or a time to eat lunch. Learning, thinking, moving about from recess, class to class and the regular hustle and bustle of the day, those in school need a break and nourishment. There are students who bring their own lunch and those who buy school lunch. Some schools cater or have an outside company deliver for those who order a lunch, such as pizza. With the later, many have enough money to buy their own lunch. The following discussion will focus primarily on those who are from a low-income family and qualify for free and reduced lunch.

The important issue of what is offered for students and staff and who decides must be addressed. There has been movement over the years to provide more healthy options, including fresh fruit and vegetables. Some schools grow their own, with the help of student involvement, as a backdrop using the appropriate state standards. A Michigan (MI) charter school was seen growing, caring for and selling produce at a local farmer's market. In another case, a MI public school was known for student-focused urban gardening and serving the produce at the school lunch counter. Eggs (from the school chickens) were sold, as a fundraising option.

But what if either there is no interest in growing and serving fresh produce or having fresh fruits and vegetables simply are not an option? What does the school do? They serve dried, frozen or canned produce and food. Those options are either processed with sugar or excess salt, a known preservation methodology, in most cases. Then there is the question of use of organic or no organic food options. This writer has worked firsthand in childcare in a variety of settings. Most dictate specifically, when buying food and snacks for the program purchasing organic is disallowed. Some might argue that the use of organic might be more desirable for those who would otherwise totally not qualify. With use of organic food, potentially limiting harmful chemicals ...