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Since it seems no one realizes it, standards for schoo lunches are set by the USDA. They need to contain a certain mix of foods from different groups on a "point" system designed to create a balanced lunch. This is why Congress decided that pizza was a "vegetable" it was so the tomato sauce in the pizza would count as a serving of vegetables. You will also notice that most pizza days in schools will also have a vegetable or salad on the side to round out the requirements. New standards are just going into effect after the efforts of the First Lady to overhaul the school lunch programs, it is the first change in over 15 years to what comprised the menu.
With that said, what is actually served can vary widely, it just has to meet the certain minimums and guidelines. All public schools are required to meet these standards and "high need districts" those with large portions of economically disadvantaged kids get extra assistance and attention, hence why the one poster saw such great lunches in Jersey City. Private schools are not required to meet any standards in terms of what they serve.
my kids have always brought their own lunch. i cracked up when my son came home from school not too long ago and said "MOM - the company that provides the cafeteria food is the same one who provides food to PRISONS!". My two were totally disgusted after learning that, LOL.
I feel for opening poster and agree that school lunches are a disgrace. You can pack the lunch, but the kid can chuck it and use his milk money to buy junk food. Reason, I know? That is what I did.
food is healthy. nothing wrong with chicken nuggets, hot dogs and pizza. just need to watch the quantity.
i wonder how many people complaining about this food and suggesting more vegetables, fruits, etc. are overweight themselves. i dont listen to overweight people's opinions when it comes to diet.
I feel for opening poster and agree that school lunches are a disgrace. You can pack the lunch, but the kid can chuck it and use his milk money to buy junk food. Reason, I know? That is what I did.
milk money? do kids really even bring "milk money" anymore? my kids don't have $$$ on them during school.
wow ive been to several (just about all) jersey city public schools and have yet to see a menu: brown rice ,veggie wraps, fish nuggets, or lentils. Is this school located in the heights ?
HalfFull;24408164] Case closed...? And if you squeeze your eyes closed reallllly tight, you can almost convince yourself that the other people aren't there.
If you keep your eyes open, other people will always be there; eating, drinking, expressing views, whatever, as they please. If it's not hurting you, how's that your business?
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....Nice concept and something to strive towards, but the reality of a lunch table makes that pretty challenging.....
Some challenge. Introducing our son to life's challenges never phased us in the least.
We've never had a desire to exercise control over the eating habits of others. Even for their own good.
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....And if there's an exception for "special occassions", doesn't that make the 'bad' food even more desireable?
So? Life is full of exceptions. I like red wine. A lot. When I have a designated driver, I get to make an exception to my normal intake. When I don't have driver, I do what's right.
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... it's just that it's not always so simple, especially as they get older.
I know. We now have a teenager with a freshly minted driver's license. We never thought parenting would be an easy job. We just don't feel the need to make others do things to make our lives easier. That's weak parenting in my opinion.
wow ive been to several (just about all) jersey city public schools and have yet to see a menu: brown rice ,veggie wraps, fish nuggets, or lentils. Is this school located in the heights ?
no, it's near Journal square. Another school I was at near claremont and Ocean avenue (which isn't a desirable area), also had very similar menu. I haven't been in the district very long, but maybe they improved the menus from years ago. Here is the May menu. No fries in sight.
Since it seems no one realizes it, standards for schoo lunches are set by the USDA. They need to contain a certain mix of foods from different groups on a "point" system designed to create a balanced lunch. This is why Congress decided that pizza was a "vegetable" it was so the tomato sauce in the pizza would count as a serving of vegetables.
This is a big part of the problem. United States Department of AGRICULTURE. Their mandate isn't nutrition, it's to support agriculture. The pizza is a vegetable thing was a direct result of lobbying by food processors. Nothing whatsoever to do with health.
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Case closed...? And if you squeeze your eyes closed reallllly tight, you can almost convince yourself that the other people aren't there.
