School nutrition

As promised - I thought I'd shed some light on the school lunch program. The Connecticut Department of Education mandates many aspects of the school operations (some funded, some unfunded) telling them what they can and cannot do. Of course, the Connecticut mandates are derived from the federal mandates.

School lunches are no different and are also mandated. However, the school lunch program does carry some funding if the school agrees to participate in the National School Lunch Program which then follows the Connecticut Nutrition Standards.

"The Connecticut State Department of Education (CSDE) developed the Connecticut Nutrition Standards in response to Section 10-215e of the Connecticut General Statutes, which requires the CSDE to publish a set of nutrition standards for food items offered for sale to students separately from a reimbursable school lunch or breakfast.

The Connecticut Nutrition Standards focus on limiting fat, saturated fat, trans fat, sodium and added sugars, moderating portion sizes, and promoting increased intake of nutrient-dense foods such as whole grains, fruits, vegetables, low-fat/nonfat dairy products, lean meats, legumes, nuts and seeds. The nutrients addressed in the Connecticut Nutrition Standards are based on current nutrition science and national health recommendations from the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, MyPyramid and national organizations, such as the National Academy of Sciences Institute of Medicine, American Cancer Society, American Heart Association, American Dietetic Association and American Academy of Pediatrics. They are supported by 28 health and education organizations in Connecticut.

The Connecticut Nutrition Standards are reviewed annually by the CSDE state nutrition standards committee and are updated as needed to reflect changes in nutrition science and national health recommendations. They are published by January 1 of each year to be effective for the following school year (July 1 through June 30)."

If you would like to read the Connecticut Nutrition Standards - click here.

I have never eaten at any of the Wilton schools and have only spoken to a child or two about school lunch so I can't even begin to judge the nutritional standards but I do believe the schools are heading in the right direction with the farm to cafeteria program they are establishing (at least at the high school level).

I'd love to "hear" what others think of the school lunch program - especially if you have first hand knowledge (as in you have eaten lunch at the school and you know what they serve!).

Obviously, good nutrition starts at home but the schools should be supporting a healthy lifestyle through educating our children on the best choices they can make throughout the school day.