03/06/01 Improving School Meals Should Be Main Objective

Improving School Meals Should Be Main Objective

American Dietetic Association Thinks Even More Can Be Done

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

March 6, 2001

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CHICAGO - The American Dietetic Association applauds the U.S. Senate’s Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry in hosting a hearing today (March 6) on school lunch and nutrition programs. While great progress has been made to improve the nutritional value of school meals, the nutritional status of children still remains an area of concern. In comments to Committee Chairman Senator Richard Lugar, ADA expressed its support for a coordinated, comprehensive approach to child health in schools.

"American school children are receiving more nutritious school meals thanks to a series of actions taken by the United States Department of Agriculture, state school nutrition agencies and local school systems, " said ADA President Jane White.

"At the same time, however, the prevalence of overweight and obesity has risen sharply, with no signs of reversal. With that in mind, ADA would like to see USDA’s school nutrition programs be continued and augmented."

According to data from the NHANES III survey (1998-1994), 12 percent of adolescents (ages 12 -17) and 14 percent of children (ages 6 to 11) are overweight. In addition, an increase in the development of Type II diabetes among teens has accompanied the rise in obesity.

"Schools are uniquely positioned to modify behavioral and environmental conditions that contribute to the development and maintenance of obesity in children," said White. "And as health professionals, we know that it is far easier and less costly to prevent obesity than it is to attempt to treat it."

ADA recommends the following:

  • Schools develop coordinated, comprehensive approach to child health. This includes integration of nutrition education into the school curriculum at all ages, with linkages to community and school health promotion efforts. Nutrition education is critical to the development of lifelong, healthful eating habits in school-aged children and adolescents.

  • Present children with meal and snack choices that enable them to learn about and to select foods that contribute to a healthy diet and help maintain a healthy weight. ADA recognizes that school meals are a primary component of children’s nutritional health.

  • Provide physical activity education in all schools to help children understand and accept that daily activity is an important part of a healthful lifestyle.

ADA urges public officials to recommit to funding for Nutrition Education and Training, an economical and effective program that supports all child nutrition programs and provides education, training and resources in response to local needs.

With nearly 70,000 members, the Chicago-based American Dietetic Association is the world’s largest organization of food and nutrition professionals. ADA serves the public by promoting optimal nutrition, health and well-being.