MuskogeePhoenix.com, Muskogee, OK

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October 29, 2009

THE PEOPLE SPEAK: Improve lunches schoolchildren eat

A new report just might change what ends up on your child’s lunch tray. As a dietitian, I’m thrilled that the Institute of Medicine just issued an extensive report recommending that schools load lunch lines with a variety of fruits, vegetables, beans, and whole grains.

Right now, most lunch lines are full of processed meats and cheese products — and more than 80 percent of schools serve too much high-fat food to comply with federal guidelines. But this new report could really turn the tables in cafeterias. It recommends cutting processed meats and joining the American Public Health Association and the American Medical Association in calling for vegetarian meal options.

We need to ask Congress to revise the Child Nutrition Act to help all schools make these healthy changes in their cafeterias. Sign the petition today at HealthySchoolLunches.org.

Kathryn Strong, staff dietitian,

Physicians

Committee

for Responsible

Medicine,

Washington, DC

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