More vegetables are being offered to students to help improve healthy eating and to tackle child obesity issues. Eastern Pulaski School Superintendent Dr. Robert Klitzman noted that changes were made last school year and more changes are expected on plates this coming school year.
The USDA is now proposing fat, calorie, sugar and sodium limits on almost all foods offered at school. In addition, the agency wants to provide healthier snack foods consisting of whole grains, low fat dairy, fruits, vegetables or proteins. Beverage portion size and caffeine content will also be controlled according to age group.
Most snacks sold in school would have to contain less than 200 calories, and elementary and middle schools would have to only sell water, low-fat milk or 100 percent fruit or vegetable juice. High schools could sell some sports drinks, but the calories would be limited.
Klitzman stated that students at Eastern Pulaski are not allowed to utilize vending machines during lunch hours. There a few vending machines that do offer soda for students but they are few and far between.
Those changes are expected to take effect in the 2013-2014 school year.
