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Students Nationwide Vote for Favorite School Lunch

School lunches have come a long way since the mystery meat of past generations. Fresh salads, low-fat cheese pizza with wheat crust and turkey burgers fill student lunch trays. And now, today’s favorite meals are up for election on www.VoteForSchoolLunch.org.

The nonprofit School Nutrition Association (SNA) invites students to vote online and learn more about their favorite candidates-Pete Pizza, Sally Salad, Ricky Chicken, Heddi Spaghetti and Rocco Taco. During August and September, schools across the country will host contests and hold cafeteria elections to encourage participation. SNA is a professional organization of more than 55,000 members who provide high-quality, low-cost meals to students and are dedicated to feeding children safe and nutritious meals.

With an estimated 17 percent of children and adolescents ages two to 19 overweight, nutrition education and proactive awareness programs are vital. The ‘Vote’ campaign will help inform parents and students on the importance of balanced, nutritious meals and show how healthy lunch options have evolved. Federal Dietary Guidelines for Americans set standards for essential protein, vitamins and minerals and limit calories from fat for meals within the federally funded National School Lunch Program (NSLP) which serves 29 million children daily.

In recent years, school nutrition programs have introduced healthy cooking techniques with the integration of more fresh fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Today’s lunch trays reflect nutritious, balanced meals in age-appropriate portions that appeal to students’ tastes.

Election results will be revealed during National School Lunch Week on Oct. 11. Visit VoteForSchoolLunch.org  to cast a vote or www.SchoolNutrition.org  for more information on school programs. 

Courtesy of Metro Editorial Services