What suggestions would you make about USA school lunch programs, and how would you implement them?

Question

How would you do it?
Don't forget the plan to assure affordability for all students.

It's easy to lash out, so propose some solutions, and explain how you would implement them.

I been teaching for 12 years. I see kids at the snack line all the time. I see kids buying sodas all the time. I see lots and lots and lots of food being thrown away all the time.

I'm tempted to say let's GET REAL and get rid of the beast and require the kids to bring their own lunches.

Answer 1

I'd turn the whole school system private with vouchers. Then you could chose the school with the best school lunch program. Competition will always provide a better solution to the problems at hand. Without competition it is too easy to say "we are doing our best," or, "we are trying very hard." With competition you know if you are doing your best because someone will come along and put you out of business if you don't do your best.

Answer 2

The system is stuck and will not change. The problem with lunch or other school programs is removing vested interests. I am not "lashing out" I am telling what it is.

A little over 40 years ago at least one major school system in this country was found to be paying for hamburger but serving horse meat to students.

In other systems the take was based on the difference between high fat and low fat meat. The school district, not the seller, had to test for the fat. Thus the seller didn't need to certify or keep records. All he had to do is say, "I sell lean meat."

Schools were off the hook because they might only test the first load and what parent ever went to school and said - What's the fat percentage today? Who would suspect that the schools had responsibility to test the meat for fat content? I mean, you and I still buy meat today believing that the wrapper is true.

I give this little story only to point out that the take in our schools is still rampant in the lunch programs, in assessment testing, in deals with soft drink companies, in deals with computer companies in deals with testbook publishers, in deals you could not imagine.

I would like to see the school lunch program changed big time. One of the major reasons for fat kids in America is this very system. It is a high carb nightmare, backed by nutritional propoganda. What many kids get in America is probably not as good as what the U.S. sends as humanatarian aide to third world counties.

Lets get real. Even in the golden days there was a night and day difference between what was served to branches of the military. The Navy not only had some of the top cooks but top supply lines. Within the branches the food was also different.
An enlisted mess was no comparison to the food served in special schools, etc.

What then can I suggest? Go to the President and get the Navy involved in school lunch programs. Eating better will probably bring up test scores where everything else has failed. The take lines in the current system can be broken out of hand. As you know the major fast food chains have moved right on campus in recent years. Oh, do they serve free lunches?

The Navy might just become more involved in recruiting in the hinterlands (to their benefit). School districts will have to budget more for food. This will leave the district less to steal, but I don't see this as any big problem.

And finally when the Navy has done training cooks, building supply lines, etc. Then many American children will for the first time see how real people eat. The joy of the meals (we should go to three a day ) and the revelation of what can be; will transform American society in a few short years. These lunch programs will probably be an eye opener to any teachers under 50.

The districts will need to pay more. The federal government will need to pay more. I think there should be a token payment, based on income, for every child. Maybe it' s only 10 cents, but it should never be free. I notice many free lunch people have big ticket cell phones, CD players, designer clothes, etc., etc. They are smarter than the people that tout free lunches.

Answer 3

Our school system uses an outside nutrional catering service. Basically, the caterers bring breakfast and lunches daily - 50% of lunch is self-serve (like salad and fruit bar, pre-made sandwiches, etc.) the other 50% is a hot meal served by a server - chicken, vegetables, bread/rice, etc.

It costs teachers $2.25 per lunch and students $1.80 for lunch and $1.00 for breakfast. Approx. 60% of my students are on free and reduced lunch, so through subsidized programming we are able to afford this program.

The kids really enjoy it - especially the salad and fruit bar (they often to have these types of foods at home). We do not serve soda or high sugar fruit juices during lunch, only after school at events. The students can have milk, 100% fruit juice, or a small bottled water with lunch. Parents and teachers love it too - no more greasy pizza and fattening ravioli!

Answer 4

I like the idea of mom's making the lunches, EXCEPT how many of the moms today do you think would make even somewhat nutritious lunches? I think parents are too busy for the most part to pack their kids lunches. The funny thing is- my son has always had his lunch packed. He wouldn't eat the food.

The consideration of affordability is less of an issue in many districts. The district I teach in, for example, is federally funded for both breakfast and lunch. The really sad part is that the lunches are far from healthy and the kids won't eat them. If we say the kids of America are hungry, then we need to concern ourselves with providing meals they will eat. A healthy meal doesn't do a kid any good if they won't eat it.

Answer 5

Hire a private contractor. The food would taste better and still meet government guidelines. Also, there would be bidding for the job and the schools would/should choose the lowest bidder.

Answer 6

Mom's make...and children take..their lunches...just like we did back in the 60's

Answer 7

get them a lot of pizza and coke